I, James Byron Dean, was born February 8, 1931, Marion, Indiana. My parents, Winton Dean and Mildred Dean, formerly Mildred Wilson, and myself existed in the state of Indiana until I was six years of age.
Dad's work with the government caused a change, so Dad as a dental mechanic was transferred to California. There we lived, until the fourth year. Mom became ill and passed out of my life at the age of nine. I never knew the reason for Mom's death, in fact it still preys on my mind.
I had always lived such a talented life. I studied violin, played in concerts, tap-danced on theatre stages but most of all I like art, to mold and create things with my hands. I came back to Indiana to live with my uncle.
I lost the dancing and violin, but not the art.
I think my life will be devoted to art and dramatics. And there are so many different fields of art it would be hard to foul-up, and if I did, there are so many different things to do -- farm, sports, science, geology, coaching, teaching music. I got it and I know if I better myself that there will be no match. A fellow must have confidence.
When living in California my young eyes experienced many things. It was also my luck to make three visiting trips to Indiana, going and coming a different route each time. I have been in almost every state west of Indiana. I remember all. My hobby, or what I do in my spare time, is motorcycle. I know a lot about them mechanically and I love to ride. I have been in a few races and have done well. I own a small cycle myself. When I'm not doing that, I'm usually engaged in athletics, the heartbeat of every American boy.
As one strives to make a goal in a game, there should be a goal in this crazy world for all of us. I hope I know where mine is, anyway, I'm after it. I don't mind telling you, Mr. Dubois, this is the hardest subject to write about considering the information one knows of himself, I ever attempted.
"My Case Study" to Roland Dubois,
Fairmount High School Principal, 1948
Autobiography taken from Official James Dean Website
East Of Eden
Reble Without A Cause
Giant
Bit Movie Parts
Fixed Bayonets- 1951
Sailor Beware- 1952
Anybody Seen My Gal?-1952
About or Inspired by James Dean
The James Dean Story- 1957
James Dean: The First American Teenager- 1976
September 30, 1955- 1977
Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean,
Jimmy Dean- 1982
James Dean: Live Fast, Die Young- 1997
James Dean: Race With Destiny- 1998
James Dean- 2001
Quick Facts
Birth Name: James Byron Dean
Nickname: Jimmy Dean
Birth Date: February 8, 1931
Birth Place:Seven Gables Apartments in Marion, IN
Death Date: September 30, 1955
Death Place: Cholame, CA
Burial Location: Park Cemetery in Fairmount, IN
Height: 5'8" (1.73m)
Parents: Winton and Mildred Dean
High School Education: Fairmount High School, IN
College Education: Santa Monica Junior College and UCLA
First Professional acting Job: Pepsi Commercial
