Dennis Stock - My Friend James Dean

Dennis Stock talks about his friendship with James Dean, and the road trip that resulted in the famous photo essay. Video by David Snider/The Photography Channel

[@avtomatkalashnikova9388]

James Dean died in 1955. This year 2020. After 65 years, He is still the coolest man on the planet.

[@luxyoutube4571]

True!

[@JamesDean-ls7xz]

Miss him

[@kellywhite9411]

Yes

[@joeambrose3260]

Sorry Kal, I gotta go with a dude named Elvis

[@garytbradbury4799]

James isn't on the planet anymore & he isn't the coolest. He was very cool, but very troubled!

[@lukeallan8876]

It's like James Dean had a destiny to make 3 movies . Die young . & become a legend .

[@user-tf3zm9dk3p]

Yeah

[@justicewillprevail1106]

James dean has a excellent photogenic look to him

[@klowerkorange42klowerkoran30]

Jimmy's eyes grabbed you in the most intimate and lonely way possible. SAD GREAT JIMMY

[@anrefg]

He just couldn't have a bad photo. He was an amazing character.

[@darrenknight4787]

i agree with you ... Elvis was a massive fan and even he copied james hair style

[@Tiffany.1970]

There's a quote in a book on James dean only 2 people mattered in the 50s Elvis and James dean and I don't care what other's think ..... Elvis n James dean were the cool guy's nuff said 😁

[@gaigewilliams2782]

The best photos we have of James are thanks to this great man, and what great photographs he produced. Inspiring

[@morgantylerv9406]

Most definitely. Dennis Stock is a genius, his photos of James Dean are to be treasured. RIP James Dean.🙏💔 You're one of most Iconic actors solidified forever. You will never be forgotten. You are still loved to this day & beyond. There will never ever be another James Dean‼️♥️🫅♥️🤴♥️

[@sjsodbs]

🙏🙏🙏🙏, may he rest in peace, what a beautiful man, God bless his soul.

[@forrestgump7553]

The photos in the coffin are just eerie.

[@robyn9059]

I am 72 years old and I believe James Dean Was the coolest dude on the planet. I think I have watched everything he has done on film that's been Released. To me he always looked like he's been cut and pasted into a scene Because he was so ahead at his time. His look and style was so unique not at all like other Celebrities/actors. He is Greatly missed.

[@shanni-leighboobear2471]

the picture of him in the rain is amazing I love it r I p James

[@photographychanneltv]

Hello Shanni-Leigh, thank you for your kind words, take care

[@RWAC685]

The Greatest Actor In Cinema History. RIP James “Jimmy” Dean.

[@andrewjohnstone963]

Never

[@ricj7517]

Agree 👍

[@paraskevisavvidou6241]

Oh yeah he was photogenic.. handsome it's so sad that he died so young 😭 always on my mind 🌹♥️

[@micheled.ives-davess2511]

i have always enjoyed Dennis Stock photos of James Dean, beautiful and right to the heart. James Dean trusted him to do the best for him , which he did. There is a photo right towards the end which i had never seen where James is looking directly at the camera... stunning.

[@photographychanneltv]

Dear Michele, thank you for your kind thoughts about my friend Dennis. I had access to all of his photos and I took great care to present Jimmy as a normal person in Dennis' photos, as much as was possible...

[@micheled.ives-davess2511]

Thank you for so much for the enjoyment of looking at these lovely photos of this iconic young man.

[@hasannoorkhan8798]

Reduced me to tears. I'm sorry James, I'm sorry

[@fromsarawithlove]

Me too!

[@raghadthewinner]

:(

[@marcokite]

you're not the first and you won't be the last

[@ceciliapolisena5819]

It's SO interesting to listen to people talking about him...I don't even care if it's stuff I've read or heard one hundred times. James Dean is one of the most extraordinary creatures ever. Such talent, that amazing personality, so different from anybody else...unforgettable. It's even fascinating to get such a different image according to who's remembering him. His mystery remains unsolved.

[@davidcross701]

A lot of that is MYTH. He's core group of friends and family, like this photographer, are true. The rest are Cheap liars.

[@ceciliapolisena5819]

@@davidcross701 To start with, he didn't evern have a "core group of friends". He jumped from the company of ones to the others and didn't stay for long with the same people, that simply was the say he was. Some of his truest relations were those in NYC, where he felt more himself: Barbara Glenn of course (arguably the most important woman in his life), Bill Gunn, Eartha Kitt, Martin Landau, Christine White, Lizzy Sheridan, his agent Jane Deacy; in Los Angeles Bill Bast, Joe Hyams, Bill Hickman, Dennis Stock, Nick Adams, Leonard Rosenmann, Stewart Stern, Jack Simmons, Dick Clayton, Liz Taylor, they all were there and were not, sometimes closer than others. In the last year of his life his closest friend was Lew Bracker and he also became inseparable from Sandford and Beulah Roth, with whom he was planning to travel to Europe...He was always looking for different company and adapting himself to the people or the stuations at hand. And very few of them got to see more of James Dean than James Dean wanted them to see. So they gave incomplete or biased opinions and accounts of him, which may be called myths or lies.

[@joeambrose3260]

@@ceciliapolisena5819 Nodded off. What was that again ?

[@Nikes62]

@@ceciliapolisena5819 Interesting. If I had been alive and known him, I'd've told him he'd always have a friend in me he could turn to and come back to,, even if we hadn't spoken in years.

[@ceciliapolisena5819]

@@Nikes62 He'd have loved that. As he said to Lew Bracker, "It would be so nice to have someone to come home to, someone who understands me, who cares". He was in need of true, intimate people, and of course the partner he didn't have time to find.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Jimmy was way ahead of his time! The legend lives forever! Rip🙏 James Dean! Gone way too soon! But never forgotten!✌😎👍the coolest actor that ever lived! Period!

[@sudosu078]

How many actors have copied his method, his style, even his looks!! You could just put him on a movie in 2022 and he would outshine everyone!! He is the greatest of them all..

[@delenagale961]

He was a young man seeking his father's approval and couldn't figure out why he wasn't really getting it. until his father told him the truth. I think he would have been okay after that but his life came to a tragic end. love the photos of him, thank you! Rip James Dean

[@alainconnelly8870]

Amazing personality at such a young age. James was also a terrific artist.

[@eddiebrown8549]

You can feel the emotion in Dennis about James. A beautiful video treasure...❤

[@alaindesprez4829]

Best ever movie star

[@farimahdilmaghani5751]

James Dean story is really a sad and tragic one, he became famous but didn't have a happy life and even couldn't marry the girl he loved, this is sad. Thank you for sharing this with us. James Dean always make me think about life not only by his movies but also of his own life. RIP

[@eiresaoirse3258]

The image of him sitting up in the coffin looking at the camera I could just look at all day...it is totally diffrent from all the rest..he looks sad and broken and lost..I think he let his gaurd slip for that one little moment and he got it on the camera...

[@Nickygino]

Happy Birthday Jimmy!! Today you would have been 90!! Wow so hard to imagine! You left us much to soon. Wish I knew you, wish I met you, wish we were friends......wonder what films, movies and plays you would have gone onto do?? Would you have still been a part of the Actors Studio in NYC?? One can only imagine. Do you know how much the world has changed since 1955?? Some have come close man but you are still the coolest!! Gone but NEVER forgotten....... ALWAYS LOVED ALWAYS MISSED..........By the way Jimmy, you bridged the gap.......So Rest easy and in peace.........

[@angelracing]

😘

[@barryryan8267]

I am a photographer...a good photographer. but it's always a great privilege to see the the work of a great photographer.

[@sharonzimmerman5558]

Barry, I will bet that you, too, are a great photographer. If you weren't, you wouldn't have recognized the greatness of Stock's photos.

[@dawudyelton1392]

yeah the pic at 7:58 is one of my all time favorite of jd, it's times sq, raining and pretty quiet (think it was a sunday morning), just a great flick...

[@photographychanneltv]

Hello Dawud, thank you for your kind words, that's also my favorite photo too.

[@kelvinbooker5182]

Would like to speak with you

[@dre2878]

I wish I could've met him in the 50's ... Or now .... If he was alive 😭 James Dean is great and very very sad about what happened to him. He is a legend now that's for sure

[@edwardburns5142]

Those photographs are so beautiful.

[@arricammarques1955]

Location photography amazing.

[@clayman9385]

I live just over an hour of his hometown and gravesite. I visit all the time …. the original cool

[@sharonzimmerman5558]

Thank you, Dennis Stock, for your beautiful photos of James Dean. You were the one photographer who showed the world a side of him we would not have seen otherwise. The Fairmount photos Really made clear how much he loved his hometown and family. I have your book of photos which is displayed proudly in my home. Amazing how everyone picks it up and becomes fascinated by it.. and these include my children's friends , some of whom never heard of him until seeing your book in my home! Your talent as a photographer is on same level as James Dean as an actor. Thank you, Mr. Stock, for your gift to the world and may you Rest In Peace.

[@warholscircus]

"You Can't Go Home Again" It's written all over his face... Great stuff! The Dennis Stock's body of work as it relates to James Dean is pure genius. I truly believe certain events in life are inescapable. Destined to be. Sometimes good, like Dennis meeting JImmy, other times bad, like Jimmy and Rolf meeting Donald. Fact is, both are just a natural part of being. Without the good, the bad would be unbearable. Without the bad, the good may not be appreciated. Jimmy squeezed 100 years of living into 24 years and thanks to people like Dennis, it's not all lost to us. R.I.P. Mr. Stock and ty.

[@Playjex]

This is fantastic. Thank you.

[@photographychanneltv]

Hi Playjex, thank you!

[@jonathandcallan]

Agree just excellent! Dennis seemed like a good loyal friend, I’m sure the fact Dennis was with his girlfriend when they got the news would have bought some comfort to Jimmy had he known. I’m noticing a lot of similarities between the way people paint John Lennon and Jimmy being awkward, mean and nasty ... glad Dennis gave us a different and truthful account of the man.

[@newton6850]

It’s 2020 and I bought Dennis stock James Dean photoshoot book. I’m only 22. 66 years after his death. THAT SHOWS U THE IMPACT & INFLUENCED he had and STILL HAS! Impressive stuff Any fan of James Dean or photography should purchase the book via amazon. It looks SO MUCH GREATER in person

[@PerfectoKiss]

I cry every time I think about Jimmy Dean. He left us way too soon.

[@MocapLatte]

He brought so much to the world by taking his pictures. Thank you.

[@carolki1315]

i don't know how anyone could dislike this interesting vid...but i def. am getting dennis's book! anyone else have it?

[@photographychanneltv]

Hi Carol, thank you for your kind words, I appreciate it. Dennis' books are very high quality and I'm sure that you'll enjoy them. Take care, David

[@sharonzimmerman5558]

Since I just saw your comment, I assume you have since gotten the book . I bought when it came out and it still is prominently displayed in my home. Every who vists picks it up and is fascinated by it, including my kids friends, some of whom had no idea who James Dean was until seeing that book. They become just as fascinated. Dennis Stock created a timeless and amazing work of art. May he Rest In Peace.

[@padfootparrish4539]

@@sharonzimmerman5558 which book is it? I'd love to get it but he has multiple James Dean books.

[@ittybitty6474]

What a loving tribute. His works shows his admiration and friendship. His photos are incredibly personal.

[@dadeking5472]

The first time I saw a movie featuring JD I was shocked at how much he reminded me of my grandpa. Born only months after Dean and raised on a farm as well, I think he took a lot of inspiration from the persona, especially in Rebel. He had died by the time I saw a JD movie so I was never able to ask him about it. But I think this speaks to how influential Dean was on young adults in the 50s

[@MarkWG]

This was an enlightening mini-documentary. James Dean had so much more to give the world by his emmense talent. Gone way too soon. One can only imagine how far he would have gone in Hollywood.

[@Ian4903]

heartbreaking

[@alainconnelly8870]

Such a tragic loss when Jimmy died.

[@MarlaLukofsky7]

This is a great piece of footage and interview with the collage of photos. Thank you for this. Amazing.

[@aureliajoypae4596]

I just watched the movie "Life" yesterday and I really enjoyed it. Dennis's pictures of Jimmy are just iconic, pure and so beautiful. I have all of these pictures in my cellphone and watch it very often. Thank you Mr Stock for immortalized Jimmy for all of us. Thank you so much

[@elenamena5424]

I just saw the movie too. The two actors were fabulous.

[@plasteredbastard]

These photos remarkably capture a different angle to Jim's being. He was so complex and so impermeable the photos take on various meanings with any evaluation bearing a particular truth. This essence is what made him the actor you could reach out to and touch, it was life like because Jim presented a realness not seen to that time and in his wake you had veritable number of actors who picked up what Jim left.

[@normanpolland713]

I met James Dean cousin in Fairmount Indiana it was the best moment of my life I’m from North Ireland

[@lindarathe515]

I enjoyed this video, I was 12 years old when James Dean died, I Loved him then stir do!!!! So handsome and cool, great actor whose life was cut short. Still great after all these years!!!!!

[@zero_bs_tolerance8646]

I had a poster of James in the New York rain on my wall for years. Gotta get another one. ps.Cal Dean was James' great-grandfather. His father was Charles Desco Dean.

[@hugomeister6101]

Dennis was a true friend!

[@carajene2725]

My dad was a year younger than James Dean and loved cars too. I watch a movie of James and think of my daddy. That was his generation.

[@alainconnelly8870]

Dennis was a true friend and admirer of James Dean.

[@c.calliecoleman1531]

I just had to comment on your title, that I liked. I was just 1yr old when he died, so it wasn't till years later I saw a movie of his, and he had that face that i would like to say he is my friend, too, in my heart. The thing I liked best about him is, in all his movies, he was himself, James Dean, and not some fabricated character, which of course I know actors have to do, in order to make the film sell. But he didn't. There was nothing fake about him. I can believe what James Dean couldn't wrap his head around, was why many saw him as great, when he was only being himself. Sometimes it's hard to judge yourself, unless you're vain, and think you're the greatest already, but others don't live like that. A friend once gave me the answer, "You're on the inside, you can't see what others see, about you, on the outside". But it's folks like James Dean who don't see themself, as the greatest, that really are great. Because they stayed true to self, and didn't let their head get swoll. Many of us try to be cool, but he was cool, without trying. I sure wish he was still here, today, but one thing for sure, he left a great big footprint mark, on this earth, because he is still fondly remembered by many.✌🏽❤🙏🏻Rest in PARADISE, my friend, James Dean🌷🌲

[@mjt11860]

Those coffin photos are hilarious. They put a smile on my face. He wasn't afraid to express the kid inside of him.

[@loganriki2625]

This was an amazing interview which sheds light on how nice James's aunt and uncle were. Stock's stated the best pics came from Indiana, I would agree. For me, it showcases the importance of family and the realization of how precious life is and to enjoy it to its fullest.

[@micheled.ives-davess2511]

I have just met the people of Fairmount. I know now what Dennis Stock means about these lovely people. That my family who were not James Dean fans are sincerely taken by them and consider Fairmount top of our list of places in our tour is great. My young son of 15 said it gave life to someone who i use to talk about. Job done. Thankyou Fairmount.

[@devonzastre9666]

I mean the photos of him in the coffins are not Erie but very symbolic of his emotional state of mind. I cannot speak for the man or tell you his thinking but If you ask me that was a man who wanted rest maybe party due to stress and insomnia but someone who clearly just wanted rest not necessarily death but rest for sure. Rest In Peace James.

[@jamesthewineguy]

WOW! An amazing 11:85 video on the most iconic photos of James Dean. I knew that Dennis Stock took these photos but didn't know the back story. I have context and it makes these photos so authentic. We have so little photographs of Jimmy and glad to know we have an amazing set by Dennis Stock.

[@oldhollywoodangels]

James Dean was the male version of Marilyn Monroe, in terms of his struggles

[@matteofirpo7892]

Lana Del Slay ciao Lana

[@delenagale961]

not the same at all

[@lisag18]

Eh..he wasnt in foster homes, he was raised in a loving family, he wasnt raped. Their fathers didn't want them, their mothers, in essence were gone (his, death, hers, mental hospital). Aside from that, no , not the same

[@Emma-yl6wd]

@@lisag18 Unfortunately he was molested. He confessed to Giant co-star Elizabeth Taylor that he was sexually molested by Reverend James DeWeerd when he was a preteen. Taylor said when ". . .his mother passed away, he began to be molested by his minister. I think that haunted him the rest of his life. In fact, I know it did. We talked about it a lot. During Giant we’d stay up nights and talk and talk, and that was one of the things he confessed to me.”

[@streb6]

Yes to a certain extent, their beauty and presence were very similar, sweetness and intensity very much the same but Jimmy was a seeker, lost boy/girl, Marilyn was not lost, not a seeker but had had made wrong choices as she loved longer than Jimmy...but something very beautiful about their core , some boyish innocence, feminine vulnerability, joyous masculine force, carefree directionless thoughtless spontaneity.. All we love to see within ourselves.

[@marthawoodworth]

I love the "You Can't Go Home Again" photo. Wow. Perfect shot. This is art.

[@psiloveyou1964]

Wonderful, insightful story, & pics! Thank you for posting this!

[@francerichard801]

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story!!! His story is so sad!! That poor soul!!!!!

[@celeste6445]

Loved this video documentary. Thank you for the uploading it! 🥰

[@kellykitkat40]

7:48 .. It is about how you come into the world alone, and most likely leave too, and in the midst of life... loneliness.. solitude... alone.. rain, sadness, depression... black and white... the cigarette, a reminder of earthiness, the lust of the flesh... the puzzle of existence... it is a beautiful photograph.... and nobody wants to be photographed like that, in that pose, in that place, now, because it is like a garment another wears - it is uniquely theirs and not yours.. photography is an interesting artform, turning reality into symbol-language.

[@marlenathornsbeary2800]

I want a poster of that picture of him.

[@rachelmckinney6967]

+Marlena Thornsbeary me too

[@djangorheinhardt]

Kelly KitKat,what a nicely put post.Yes I feel all those feelings now ,as I enter the cusp of old age.At least Jimmy has found out if there is anything after this life and I suspect the answer is very disappointing, because I suspect there is nothing.Oh well.............

[@waynej2608]

That was wonderfully poetic. Your words frame the photo very well. Dean in NYC, in the rain and melancholy...

[@paulletchworth8127]

Mr. Stock a great photographer you are sir !!!

[@terrysellers3821]

Big fan. Thank you so much.

[@rukraz721]

thank you for posting this.

[@jamesh2711]

Great photographs. RIP Jimmy and Dennis.

[@amandalynch4675]

he dead too young ,he was wild at heart ,they couldn't control him because he wasn't someone to be Control he wanted to do His own thing,R.I.P James Dean❤

[@sandradibiaso7316]

Amanda Lynch Jimmy didn't die in the flesh in one sense because he faked his death to become a female actress named Karen Black. Yes James Dean transgendered to a female - boobs definitely and a vagina possibly. Jimmy had Dennis take pics of him in a coffin to represent the death of Jimmy as a man. Most of Jimmy's friends were and are transgendered like Eartha Kitt, Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor and Ursula Andress.

[@joes2516]

Were you born stupid or something?

[@Pollie410]

Jimmy wasn’t wild at all - that’s the movie image - he was reserved , kind , considerate and was having a great time when he died so young - the accident I believe was the fault of Donald Turnupseed , tragic x

[@frankpotter1982]

@@sandradibiaso7316 LOL

[@MicaRayan]

Extraordinary .... these photos are beautiful

[@andrewnicholas4951]

Jimmy was born obviously wiv the gift that no doubt was propelled by his young childhood circumstances. His art was like the inhale of breath without he didn't exist. Breathtakingly forging a new transmission of communication through stage then lens. He was so much still experimenting and had a ton and a half more to give. Lonely trailblazer without a horiZon but moving at breathneck tragic speed. His soul touched ours and will continue to those to come who r searching.

[@CHRISRepAZ]

Just watched Giant earlier today. This biography is amazing.

[@sharpfocus5]

This is wonderful. Just wonderful.

[@krishchy6613]

He is so broken inside he always respect his mother words that's why he always came to meet his father's house at last he finally got love from his father's and go with his mother ❤️ forever

[@nelsona779]

Thanks for sharing. Great photos a few I hadn't seen b4

[@edennolani8171]

Thank you for this video.

[@Sch586]

Thank you Dennis stock, for the Beautiful pictures beautiful memories. Rest in peace Dennis Stock. and James Dean i’m sure you two met up again in heaven and I’m sure you’re still taking pictures 📸

[@pedroantoniocuestadomenech7475]

Llegó tan alto que nadie puede ni igualarlo

[@jameswashington1163]

So thankful for these amazing pictures from Dennis, i have the book it is fantastic would love to of met Dennis and ask him loads of question about his time with Jimmy

[@candycorn9976]

The eyes showed how lost he was...

[@angelracing]

just acting... 😎

[@Jamesdeanspiritually]

James dean was never lost, have a blessed day

[@victorutu3324]

He îs a looser boy

[@angelracing]

perfect!... 😎💪

[@Jamesdeanspiritually]

@@angelracing Amen 😇😇

[@alainconnelly8870]

Dennis, this is an amazing story.

[@chocloditelensman]

What a wonderful storyteller with pictures and dialogue.

[@alleywayshack1666]

Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@alexfxlll]

Really interesting guy

[@mauricioexenberger6225]

I lost several friends in accidents. When I see reports and pictures about James Dean, I immediately remember the death of those dear people who left very early ...I want to name some of them: Alberto (motorcycle), Cláudio (motorcycle), Turcato (motorcycle) , Antonio (car), Arminda (car), Edir (car), Eurico (car), Sadi (car), Normélio (car), Júlio (airplane), Carlinda (car), Walter (car) and Pedro .

[@Dnez44901]

Mauricio Exenberger be careful while driving a motorcycle or car they may be waiting for you

[@Sylviala2009]

Wonderful!

[@photographychanneltv]

Thank you Sylvia!

[@troysierra5228]

I'm watching this probably after Dennis has died too. But this relationship amongst both is of finding oneself in the wider realm of one's existence. Jame's was of try to belong, and the sometimes recklessness in finding it. Dennis was of capturing through the lens. But without a doubt, his heart became involved. You could hear it in Dennis' voice. The man crush for one another.

[@rmx01indiana]

Priceless photos.

[@morgantylerv9406]

I'd Love to have Met James Dean. I So Wish I was Born Alot Earlier. James Dean is Absolutely Gorgeous 😍 ‼️♥️ Dean Definitely had a Great Deal of Special in Him‼️RIP James Dean🙏💔🙏💔🙏💔🙏💔🙏💔

[@angelracing]

well life is eternal, maybe next lifetime we can meet up... 😚

[@samlbear]

Heading to Fairmount this weekend for the James Dean festival

[@nanu421]

"Life" is a movie released in 2015 and it told the story about mutual friendship and common journey of Dennis Stock and James Dean. Robert Pattinson and Dane Dehaan starred in it

[@todd3563]

It's crazy that he only lived 24 years and still has an impact almost 70 years after his death.

[@arrancamelavida3705]

Amazed by such marvelous "The Photography Channel" Thank YOU so very very much º n a m a s t e April 17th, 2017

[@jude999]

What an extraordinary eye. Stock's work got me into Dean. Wonderful work on this documentary. Dean so interesting in that no matter what environment he was in he owned it, like a chamelion. And he made any article of clothing he put on instanly cool.

[@therobinmasterstheory1636]

I enjoyed watching this. :)

[@davidcross701]

James Dean, Forever.... Rest in Peace♥

[@k.i.i.3699]

Good looks are so powerful! The sky is the limit on what you can accomplish if you’re good looking ambitious and talented!. James Dean was very good looking. Yes he was an extraordinary talent. But if you removed his looks and replaced them with Danny Devito‘s looks but still kept the same talent… He wouldn’t be remembered as well as he is today after being gone for 65+ years. That’s all there is to it! Again, good looks are massive in this life!

[@marcorobecchi4398]

Questa vita...la nostra vita...piena di ricordi che lascerà un ricordo...un attimo in un infinito...

[@Joanafandrade]

Amazing story.

[@neckroteddy]

Amazing video.

[@Sulsoono]

I couldn’t understand why this awesome channel has only 5k subscribers.

[@kor101010]

Incredible!!

[@streb6]

When you are loved adored admired and searched by all or almost all, you feel burdened, somehow cheated by fate, destiny or nature herself and that question who am I, why am I, where am from, all what means and connects being me, I, myself becomes too too too much so much to bear. ....❤ Love all but for how much, how long, anything left for oneself? It is a crash, already a car crash. ❤❤ Life is ,mystery that loneliness, special but separate and collective, one with oneself and all, it is so transient,intense painful but beautiful too, immensely confusing, tearing you apart. ❤❤❤❤