CGI James Dean to star in new movie 64 years after his death

Remembering James Dean 60 years on

James Dean's family tragedy

The actor was born on February 8, 1931, and grew up in the Midwestern state of Indiana in the US. His mother died of cancer at the age of 29, when James was just nine. He was raised by his grandmother and aunt.

Remembering James Dean 60 years on

Laying the foundation in rural Indiana

James Dean discovered his interest in acting, art and dance early on. In the rural Midwest where his family lived, he participated in school theater groups and learned to dance, make music and do pottery. Pictured is his boyhood home in Fairmount, Indiana.

Remembering James Dean 60 years on

Beginning with bit parts

James Dean began acting at a young age, participating in private theater groups. He also got small roles in stage and television productions. He made his cinema debut in 1951 with an appearance in "Fixed Bayonets!" under director Sam Fuller.

Remembering James Dean 60 years on

James Dean's big break

His first major film role shot him to fame. The in-demand director Elia Kazan cast the young Dean in his drama, "East of Eden" in 1955. The makers of the movie intentionally geared the actor into an iconic figure.

Remembering James Dean 60 years on

The cool, unruly rebel

His second major film solidified James Dean's 'cool' status. In Nicholas Ray's classic "Rebel Without a Cause," Dean played the role of his life: the insubordinate American teen.

Remembering James Dean 60 years on

James Dean's last leading role

George Steven's "Giant" (released in 1956) was the last movie James Dean starred in. He died in a car accident in 1955 before the film was edited. In the picture on early 20th-century American society, Dean played alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson.

Remembering James Dean 60 years on

The faster, the better

James Dean was always interested in fast cars. With the money he earned from his early films, he bought fancy sports cars and participated in car races.

Remembering James Dean 60 years on

Shocking death at 24

On September 30, 1955, James Dean crashed his car at an intersection in California. At first, his speeding was thought to be the cause of the accident. But it was later determined that the actor wasn't responsible. Images of his destroyed car were overwhelming for his fans.

Remembering James Dean 60 years on

The legend lives on

The cult surrounding James Dean began shortly after his death. He remains one of the most legendary actors to have come out of Hollywood.

Author: Jochen Kürten / kbm