Life of James Dean

By sarah.carabello

  • Birth of baby James Dean

    James Dean was, "Born in the "Seven Gables" apartment house at 4th and McClure Street in Marion, Indiana"(James Dean Historical Museum).

    http://www.jamesdeanartifacts.com/

  • First Tap Dance Lessons in Fairmount

    The Dean's moved shortly after the birth of James. Mildred Wilson Dean also self-taught James to play the violin starting at the age of three. Prestigiously he continued with both arts for the rest of his life.
    http://www.notablebiographies.com/De-Du/Dean-James.html

  • Departing Fairmount

    The Deans leave Fairmount, Indiana for California when James's father (a dental mechanic) is transferred to Sawtelle Veterans Hospital is Santa Monica (Dalton and Craven).

  • Mildred's Death

    Little Dean's mother, Mildred, died of uterine cancer April 14th, 1940. Jame returns to Fairmount to live with relatives(Dos Passos).

  • Adeline Nall

    Adeline Nall arrives in Fairmount to teach Spanish, French, Speech, and Drama. She is the biggest influence over James's decision to become an actor (Halberstam).
  • Mooncalf Mugford

    Mooncalf Mugford

    Dean's acting debut in Fairmount High School's production of Mooncalf Mugford is presented this year. He has many roles this year, including the lead role in An Apple from Coles County(Brustein). Photo credit to Time Magezine.

  • Graduation Day

    James graduated high school and returns to California to attend college (jamesdean.com)

  • "Pepsi Cola Hits the Spot!"

    James begins college at Santa Monica City College and lands his first acting job in a Pepsi commercial, dancing around a jukebox singing, "Pepsi Cola Hits the Spot!"(Astrachan)

  • James Hits the Big Screen

    James Dean hits the big screen with a tiny part in Fixed Bayonets. He gets some other minor parts in films later this year such as Sailor Beware and Has Anybody Seen my Gal? (Halberstam).

  • Broadway

    James lands his first leading role on Broadway for the show that never debuted called See the Jaguar. It closed three days after he got the part.

  • East of Eden and The Dark, Dark Hours

    James's film career has taken off as East of Eden starts filming. He also plays a "hepcat" killer in The Dark, Dark Hours (Astrachan).

  • Rebel Without a Cause and Giant

    James films Rebel Without a Cause and Giant in his final year (jamesdean.com)

  • Death of James Dean

    At 5:45 PM, Dean died in an auto accident on his way to race his new car in Salinas, California. Rebel Without a Cause released less than a month after his death.