Dean James - American actor with a short creative biography and tragic fate

American actor James Dean, whose photographs are presented in the article, was born on February 8, 1931 in the city of Marion, Indiana. The father of the boy, a dentist, devoted much time to work, so the mother was engaged in raising his son. Unfortunately, she died of cancer when James was nine years old. With the death of his mother, little Dean lost the closest person. The confused child did not find a place for himself, remaining alone.

Friendship with the priest

The father did not have the opportunity to take full care of the growing son and decided to give it to the care of the sister and her husband, who lived in the town of Firhymouth, on a thriving dairy farm. There, Dean James fell under the influence of Quakers, representing the religious "Society of Friends." In addition, the fate brought the youth with the Monk Diuird, the priest of the Methodist Church, which in many ways influenced Dean's worldview. Thanks to this acquaintance with the servant of the church, James had an interest in racing and acting.

The people around noticed how deep the relationship between the Reverend Father and young Dean was. A close friendship arose when James graduated from school and continued for many years.

In 1949, the future actor returned to his home to his father, who had already married. Dean James decided to continue his studies and entered the "Saint Monica" college for the law department. After a year and a half, he transferred to the University of California at the Faculty of Dramatic Art. Father, learning that his son decided to become an actor, quarreled with him.

Debut

In the meantime, James showed a true actor's talent, and he began to participate in performances by the troupe of director Whitmore. Not finishing his studies at the university, Dean started his career as a performer. Soon he debuted in a low-budget picture, in an inconspicuous role. Then he was lucky, and the second film with his participation was a film in which two American singer, Jerry Lee Lewis and Dean Martin were shot.

In anticipation of the invitation to shoot James had to earn extra money in the parking lot at the studio CBS. One day he met with Rogers Beckett, the director of programs at the radio advertising agency, which provided the actor with housing and offered assistance in career development.

In late 1951, on the advice of his new friend, James Dean, whose photo had already appeared in newspapers and magazines, moved to New York. Successful participation in several television projects opened the way to the training studio of the famous Lee Strasberg. And training in the prestigious workshop of dramatic art allowed Dean to communicate with such stars as Marlon Brando, Arthur Kennedy, Mildred Dunnock, Julia Harris.

Career Dean began to gain momentum, he participated in the most popular performances and regularly starred in prestigious film projects. Dean James, films with which participation became more in demand, was waiting for proposals from the directors. Meanwhile, until the tragic death of the actor was only three years. And in this short time James Dean, the actor, undoubtedly, promising, managed to star in three of his main roles. These were films: "East of Paradise", "Giant", "Rebel without cause".

"East of Paradise"

American director Elia Kazan set out in 1953 to shoot a film based on the novel by John Steinbeck. It was a saga of two families in three generations. Families Traskov and Hamilton lived between 1800 and 1910 in the California Valley of Salinas. The main character of the film Cal Trask - a young man, morally undecided, driven by emotions.

The difference between Steinbeck's novel and his adaptation is that in the center of the film is Cal Trusk, and in the book he does not stand out particularly. Elia Kazan's interpretation involved the participation of Marlon Brando, but the screenwriter persistently offered James Dean as the more typical performer of the lead role. John Steinbeck, personally met with the actor, also took his side. As a result, Dean James was approved for the main role. Filming began in April 1954 in Los Angeles.

Organic performance by Dean of the character Cal Traus opened the way to the next picture, no less important and significant for his career. It was a film directed by Nicholas Ray under the title "Rebel Without a Cause." The picture became the second best seller with the participation of a young actor.

"Rebel without reason"

This is a youth drama about teenagers who are looking for themselves and do not find. From desperation there are vsesokrushayuschie riots, which end in broken destinies and mutilated souls. Expansive game Dean has for many years been an example of imitation for millions of American teenagers. James's manner was copied by young actors, he became a model of reincarnation for the entire last generation, one way or another involved in filmmaking.

Dean's partners then became such Hollywood stars as Natalie Wood, Dennis Hopper, Sal Mineo.

"Giant"

This is the last film of the actor, who was released after his death. Dean's role was of a secondary nature, the main characters were given to megastar Elizabeth Taylor and the venerable Hollywood actor Rock Hudson. Nevertheless, the image of the oil magnate, which was to create James, required considerable effort and talent. The character was much older than the actor himself, so Dean dyed his hair in a greyish-ashy color, cut his hair and wrinkled. In general, he managed to reincarnate, and the final result looked quite convincing.

For the role of the oil tycoon Jett Rink, the actor received his second Oscar nomination, posthumously. James Dean, whose filmography consists of only five films, is nevertheless perpetuated at the famous "Walk of Fame" in Los Angeles.

Death

On September 30, 1955, Dean James, along with his mechanic, rode out on the sports Porsche on US Route 466, later renamed State Route 46. Toward them was Ford Ford Tudor in 1950, driven by the 23-year-old Donald Thornpsid , A student at the Polytechnic University. He made a left turn, not missing the Porsche actor. At a huge speed, a head-on collision occurred, causing Dean James to die on the spot.