22 things you probably didn’t know about James Dean

Few young actors in Hollywood history reached the legendary status of James Dean. The rebellious actor starred in only three films during his short career. The impression he made on brooding teenage audiences was unmatched. His sensitive bad boy image has captivated audiences for decades. Over 60 years have passed since his death. He remains a cultural icon for the disillusioned.

James Dean lived a short and stormy life. The image above is reputed to be the last official photo of the actor. It was taken on the day he died. He sits in the driver seat of his Porsche 550 Spyder with friend and mechanic Rolf Wutherich. These are 22 facts about the enigmatic star.

Early life and family

1. James Byron Dean was born on February 8, 1931

2. He was 24 years old when he died in a car accident in 1955

3. His ancestry was mostly English

Dean’s parents were of mostly English ancestry. He also had smaller amounts of Scottish, German, Irish and Welsh heritage.

4. He took tap dance and violin lessons

His mother enrolled him in tap dance lessons at the age of three. She also taught him to play the violin.

5. He was very close to his mother

Dean felt his mother was the only person capable of understanding him. She died of cancer when he was 9 years old.

6. He grew up on a farm

After his mother died, he was sent to Indiana. He lived on his aunt and uncle’s farm.

7. He rarely talked to his father

Education and early career

8. He was an exceptional student

Dean’s performance in school was exceptional. He was a popular student.

9. He played baseball and basketball

10. His first TV appearance was a Pepsi commercial

11. He quit college to act full-time

12. He was fired from a game show for being too fast

In New York City, Dean worked as a stunt tester for the game show Beat The Clock. He was fired for performing the tasks too quickly.

Personal interests and relationships

13. He dated Liz Sheridan

Dean dated Liz Sheridan for a time. She later became well-known for her role as Helen Seinfeld on the show Seinfeld.

14. He was interested in car racing

In 1954, Dean became interested in developing a car racing career.

15. He played the bongo drums

One of Dean’s favorite instruments to play was the bongo drums.

16. He had a difficult time reading

17. He practiced magic tricks

When he was not acting or racing cars, Dean liked to practice magic tricks.

18. He was extremely near-sighted

Dean could barely see without his glasses.

Death and legacy

19. He died before Rebel Without a Cause was released

Dean died less than one month before the release of his most iconic film.

20. He received a speeding ticket two hours before his death

21. He was the first actor to receive a posthumous Oscar nomination

He was nominated for Best Actor for his role in East of Eden.

For more on pop culture’s brightest stars, see 16 David Bowie quotes that show why he was such a legend or 20 things you didn’t know about Carrie Fisher.