James Dean

James Dean, born on February 8, 1931, in Indiana, was an actor and car raising enthusiast. James might have a short-lived career, but his name made it across decades that he was even an inspiration in many songs. Everything about James Dean is what makes him a beloved and admired star. His personal life, dating, and most especially his acting skills made him rise to fame as quickly as one, two, three.

James Dean was raised in Indiana by his aunt and uncle. He joined his father and step-mother in California to pursue a degree in pre-law at Santa Monica College in 1949. James transferred to UCLA and traded his pre-law to drama class. Stepping out of college in 1950 to pursue his acting career, James began acting in commercials and theatres. James rose to fame when he starred in the film East of Eden and Rebel Without a Cause in 1955, where he played a rebellious teenager named Jim Stark. Shortly after, James filmed Giant, which was considered his last film. James, after his passing, became the first actor to receive a posthumous nomination in the Academy Awards for Best actor in 1956.