James Dean

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James Dean

James Dean (James Byron Dean), 1931-55, American film actor, b. Marion, Ind. After a few stage and television roles, Dean was chosen to play the moody, rebellious son in the film East of Eden (1953). He was further identified with restless, inarticulate youth in his second film Rebel without a Cause (1954). Dean was killed when his racing car crashed the day after he finished work on Giant (1955). His death set off a worldwide wave of popular mourning unequaled since the death of Rudolph Valentino , and he has remained a cult hero.

Bibliography: See V. Herndon, James Dean: A Short Life (1974); D. Dalton and R. Cayen, James Dean: American Icon (1984); P. Alexander, Boulevard of Broken Dreams: The Life, Times and Legend of James Dean (1994).

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Dean, James

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Dean, James (1931–55) US film actor. He played the restless son in the film (1954) of John Steinbeck's East of Eden, and appeared as a misunderstood teenager in Rebel Without a Cause (1955). Dean died in a car crash, a year before the release of his final film Giant. He became a cult hero.

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	Next Inc. Announces ``James Dean'' License and Plans for ``James Dean 50th Anniversary''; Adds To Expanding Prestigious List of Licenses. Business Wire; 4/15/2004
	Next Inc. Announces ``James Dean'' License and Plans for ``James Dean 50th Anniversary'' Thursday April 15th, 2004; Adds To Expanding Prestigious List of Licenses. Business Wire; 4/15/2004
	Iconic Screen Legend James Dean Remembered With Two All-New Documentary Features -- ``James Dean: Forever Young'' and ``James Dean: Sense Memories'' -- DVD Debuts From WHV September 20. Business Wire; 8/22/2005

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