Rebel without a cause

Rebel Without a Cause

James Byron Dean was born in Marion Indiana USA, in February 8th 1931. His mom died when he was nine years old. By the time he was 18 he enrolled in Santa Monica College and majored in pre-law. Dean transferred to UCLA for one semester and changed his major to drama.
In October 1951 Dean moved to New York City to the legendary Actors Studio. Dean's first television appearance was in a Pepsi-Cola commercial.
Finally Jimmy, since he would be known,got his first movie role in "East of Eden" director Elia Kazan chose Dean because of its similarity with the character of Carl Trask.
Nicholas Ray hired him for the role of Jim Stark in"Rebel without a cause" with Natalie Wood,the film is often cited as an accurate representation of teenage angst.
Giant, which was posthumously released in 1956, saw Dean play a supporting role to Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson.  In the film, he plays Jett, an oil-rich Texan.
Dean's enduring fame and popularity rests on his performances in only these three films, all leading roles. His premature death in September 30th, 1955 in a car crash cemented his legendary status.