James Dean | Life, Death, & Personality | Was He Talented Enough to be a Legend?

This video answers the question: Can I analyze the life, death, and personality of James Dean?
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Diener, E., Wirtz, D., & Oishi, S. (2001). End Effects of Rated Life Quality: The James Dean Effect. Psychological Science, 12(2), 124-128. doi:10.1111/1467-9280.00321
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[@pezeron24]

The first time I saw James Dean, I'll never forget. It was in Rebel without a Cause on French TV. I must have been 12 or 13. The movie started and I was instantly magnetized. There was something in the way he moved that mesmerized me. I'd never seen any actor display that amount of charisma before.

[@nadiacusan3799]

i too saw that movie in French I was born in Quebec city and at the time we didn't have cable tv

[@pulaski1]

James Dean secured his place in history the same way that Marilyn Monroe did - by dying before his career declined and he became old and decrepit. Both of them remain young and beautiful in perpetuity.

[@richardedenfield5167]

Yes, if every actor just died young, they could be global icons and legends as well. Are you stupid?

[@clarissa8477]

@@richardedenfield5167 Pulaski isn’t stupid, he’s not wrong either. People that die young sometimes become legendary, even more so if they’re attractive.

[@HamishDownie]

You can see the opposite of that with Dean's hero, Marlon Brando. He remained a legend, but his youthful romantic image was replaced by The Godfather

[@dortesandal4303]

Young, beautiful and emotinally troubled...♥️

[@p.j.gannon1646]

James Dean is a icon he will never be forgotten he was just perfect that is it

[@charismalorelye4516]

You’re the hardest working KZbinr I know! I never have to wait long for another awesome video. Thanks Dr. Grande!

[@globes179]

You can set your clock by Dr Grande - gotta love it.

[@jguenther3049]

Yes, keeping a straight face for that one line must have been a tremendous strain.

[@SharonH11100]

As an old Dean fan, I think your analysis is right on. My first knowledge of him was my mother reading of his death in the newspaper when I was ten. Then I realized I’d seen “Rebel Without a Cause” on TV that summer and had felt an identity of pre-teen angst. So I’ve continued a Dean fanaticism my whole life, visiting his home and family in Fairmount Indiana to a monument in Cholame where the crash took place, meeting myriad interesting people along the way. He had visited an artist by the name of Kenneth Kendall to sculpt a bust of him, as he had of Brando, but died before the project was complete. Mr. Kendall proceeded to do many works of Dean’s image and I became a good friend of his, as a wanna-be artist myself. At nearly age 76, I’d say that Jimmy has played a good role in many people’s lives, including mine ~ and how many folks are able to pull that off living to only 24? 💁🏼‍♀️

[@lf9341]

YES!

[@nancyjones6780]

"YOU'RE TEARING ME APART! " Who didn't fall in love with James Dean after Rebel Without a Cause? And I'm not even from his generation! Jim Stark is all of us! His legendary status sits just fine with me! Good one Dr. G💜

[@jbinmd]

Oh, hi! Speaking of being torn apart, an analysis of Tommy Wiseau would be interesting.

[@BigZebraCom]

I think this line was the inspiration for the line 'You're tearing me apart Lisa!"

[@AnneSofieLovesMozart]

I fell in love With Tommy Wiseau's beautiful homage to Dean.. "YOU'RE TEARING ME APART, LISA!" Masterpiece.

[@567dirt8910]

I saw Rebel for the first time in HS when I was about 16.... In 1988 or so. It was like nothing I had ever seen, considering what I had seen was Star Wars, Back to the Future, Gremlins, E.T. etc... Not a very refined taste to say the least. My first thoughts were...he seems so "gay" (again, 1989, 16 years old) he is seems whiny and feminine.....THIS is the great JD??? Is this what the 50s were like??? Clearly, it was all lost on me at the time. However, later in that class, we watched Marty, and I was completely captivated and all I wanted to watch was classic Hollywood films for the longest time. I am so grateful for that class and for the teacher, Mr. Davidson. The best part is that it was an English Lit class and all we ever did was watch old Hollywood films and then just write a paragraph or two about what we thought of them. It was the first class right after lunch, and I was high 90% of the time. Funny how things just come together so perfectly sometimes and end up leaving a profound impact on you. Serendipity.

[@michelmurphy1979]

👍 Discovered him in high school in the 70s❤️❤️❤️

[@bricksloth6920]

My mama was in love of him and skipped school and took a bus to go to his funeral when he died. Also here for the cactus check

[@bthomson]

🌵

[@Kari.F.]

The cacti seem to be doing well. Mid-range on the OCEAN scale, no known mental abuse and properly nourished. 😁

[@mrs.reluctant4095]

@@Kari.F. I agree in allpoints but one. I think they are low on openess to experience and agreeableness.

[@jguenther3049]

@@mrs.reluctant4095 Yes, prickly personalities, all of them.

[@lf9341]

That's amazing.

[@leoncurtis5762]

I feel like James Dean would have had a simmilar career to Marlon Brando. Dean had a Godfather level role in him.

[@rochelleauge6734]

This is a fair statement as they were lovers, according to Brando...

[@istateyourname4710]

They were both method actors, so that's very likely.

[@DottieMinerva]

@@rochelleauge6734 source? Anything I’ve heard was speculation and not said by either one of them.

[@rochelleauge6734]

@@DottieMinerva There was mention of it in Brando's autobiography and it had also been confirmed by Brando in an interview. Do some research Dani & I bet you will find it. This is common info in LGBTQ community because these guys were old Hollywood royalty.

[@sparklingwaterfalls]

@Rochelle Auge Brando never stated he was lovers with Dean. I honestly doubt they had a sexual relationship considering Brando pretty much shunned Dean when he was alive. Brando stated in his autobiography and in his telephone conversations with author James Grissom in the 90’s that he viewed himself as a sort of mentor or father figure to Dean.

[@mattmichael6792]

I think his performance in Giant is epic. Fully deserving of legendary status

[@kathrynj.hernandez8425]

Dean stole every scene he was in. Rock Hudson knew it and commented to Liz.

[@valfletcher9285]

Giant is a grand film.

[@commonsense2680]

agree I was blown away by Giant and I know it was because of James Dean. Incredible actor.

[@brentyoendo1573]

Love his drunk speech in that movie.. was so funny

[@edwardduarte7393]

Giant was good. The only movie that I've only seen.

[@Dan-ud8hz]

“Dream as if you will live forever; Live as if you will die today.” ― James Dean

[@redram5150]

That is terrible advice, lol

[@iwatchbaywatch-notyourmoth1568]

Oh Ya? He said that? lol

[@Dan-ud8hz]

@@therealdeal3672 How much more did he get from his short life than you'll get from prolonging yours? Everybody dies.

[@redram5150]

@@Dan-ud8hz just being a movie star and a part time race driver doesn’t mean he got more from life

[@helenneka1054]

@@redram5150 i

[@BigZebraCom]

Just a reminder I'm not diagnosing anybody in this video; only speculating on what could be happening with rebel without a cause like this.

[@eadweard.]

That's no funnier now than the last 5 times you posted it.

[@pharaohgamma3931]

James Dean was a unique method school actor who worked hard at his craft of acting. James Dean is an enduring American cultural icon for the following reason: he defined a new type of masculinity onscreen that was less about virility and more about VULNERABILITY. James Dean was mercurial - subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind and always on the verge of breaking down (mesmerizing his audience and fellow actors in the process!). Dean was seductive and made his vulnerability and sensitivity sexy. James Dean was a method actor pro at playing sensitive loners who needed their daddy's love (I believe that in real life Dean and his actual father were estranged so that he had a lot of experience to draw upon). James Dean was a teacher even at such a young age. Dean was an outstanding, unique screen actor who would have naturally evolved into a talented Hollywood Director if only a longer life had provided him the opportunity. Film audiences have been cheated as a result to what could have been.

[@garrysekelli6776]

Didn't he start a frozen burgers and sausage business later on in life?

[@darrint3573]

@@garrysekelli6776 You're kibbitzing I hope?! eh They were actually distant cousins.

[@garrysekelli6776]

@@darrint3573 not sure what you are talking about. I don't speak Yiddish. And my chess elo rating is below 1000. Anyhow the dude James Dean used to sell some proper sausages back in the day.

[@darrint3573]

@@garrysekelli6776 Everyone knows Yinglish..err Yiddish. It's become part of American slang: shmuck, putz, plotz, Kosher, mensh, shlemiel, shlemozzle, goyim, yenta, tush, tookiss, Oy vey!, klutz, farbissiner, nebbish, meshuggener, and on and on. Even Dean spoke it in an interview on the set of RWOAC. He said kvetching! eh You're referring to the singer and sometime actor Jimmy Dean. Different person.

[@tom4276]

Dean was an excellent actor. He was specific and interesting. You don't get legendary status 75 years later because you died young... Dean would have been a great Director had he lived... he had several.roles lined up - most of which Paul Newman grabbed... and Newman is an absolute LEGEND.

[@myytchanneldinakoha8498]

Actually he is legendary for dying young. You think most kids today have seen his movies? No. They know the face, the image, the legend.

[@megans1855]

Dr. Grande, could you analyze the life, death and personality of Truman Capote? He was a successful writer, but pain from childhood and substance addictions haunted him to the end of his days. Thank you.

[@chris55529]

Good suggestion!

[@debbieleroy8146]

I would like a profile on the mental health of the survivors from the 1972 plane crash in the Andes. Thanks for videos!

[@sherunswithscissors]

He just did a video on that a few weeks ago. I think you can google to find it.

[@JustDr.S]

@@sherunswithscissors He did? I don't even remember that and I watch everyday. Hmmm. Maybe I did miss one. I'll check it out, thanks!

[@watcherwlc53]

@@JustDr.S yeah I don't remember that one either.

[@JustDr.S]

@@watcherwlc53 I couldn't find it.

[@watcherwlc53]

@@JustDr.S yeah i'm not sure he did one. the other poster may have been thinking of some other channel or something

[@laurastrobel718]

Actress Elizabeth Taylor had a close friendship with Dean. In an interview with Barbara Walters when asked about him, Taylor coyly replied, "Wouldn't you like to know?" Thanks for nothing Elizabeth😊 But thank you Dr G for attempting to unravel the enigma that was James Dean🎆

[@atreju305]

😂👍🏻

[@LaniLanilei]

And Rock Hudson

[@chris55529]

"Thanks for nothing, Elizabeth." That's exactly how I felt. WELL SAID!!

[@laurastrobel718]

@@chris55529 Thanks 🙂

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

He was a cultural icon of my youth, along with Elvis, who left a permanent mark on an entire generation while paving the way for radical cultural changes on the horizon and the multitude of rebellious, remarkable characters who emerged in the music and film industries as those changes shook the roots of American culture.

[@thelocalmaladroit8873]

Dr Grande is becoming a legend in the hearts ♥️ and minds of his followers! He’s never going to run out of fascinating material! I love watching old B&W movies of that era😘

[@celinhabr1]

17:13 minutes and all i can say is James Dean had a lot of talent and was a very good actor, anyone who has seen his 'last supper' scene in Giant and understand anything about acting knows how talented he was.

[@tanyawilson3615]

I’m hoping for a River Phoenix video/analysis.

[@MsBianca78]

Yes and Joaquin is so interesting too!

[@clarissa8477]

Yes!

[@Elena-er7zp]

Same

[@Br4ndonnnn]

Yes please !!!!!

[@shanewinas6194]

Drug addict end of video.

[@sparklingwaterfalls]

I think Dean proved himself as a great actor with his 3 films and the television work he did. Many of his TV performances (such as The Dark, Dark Hours starring him and Ronald Reagan) can be found on KZbin. I recommend watching them. Very sad he didn’t get to star in more films.

[@Mandrake591]

Thank you for that information. I will check it out.

[@sparklingwaterfalls]

@David Beckey No problem!

[@reversalmushroom]

He was gone too soon.

[@Suteruni]

I was a teenager when I first saw him on tv, had never heard of him and I fell totally in love. Yes, you are probably right that I could identify with him, I wasn't a happy teen. Plus he was so very handsome. He still is very special to me, thank you for your video :)

[@lf9341]

Same!

[@marilyndresser2377]

He was before my time but seeing his movies on tv was so mesmerizing..... he was so exquisitely handsome.... just breathtaking.,,,, the camera loved him.....and made it easy to fall in love with all that pathos wrapped in such beauty.

[@Suteruni]

@@marilyndresser2377 waking up I realise I have an artsy wall decoration of him in my bedroom....he is still very much a part of my life even though I don't think of him much anymore. In GIANT he was dropdead gorgeous but I didnt like him playing the old man Jett Rink.

[@lf9341]

@@Suteruni I had an artsy wall decoration of him too. Despite being short, he was perfect looking. If you ever get a chance , go to the Dean museum in Indiana. It's pretty cool.

[@Suteruni]

@@lf9341 will put that on my bucket list thanks! I'm in europe and with this pandemic it will take a few years I'm afraid but is sure a thing to look forward to!

[@mikestander2413]

James Dean was the embodiment of the saying, "Live fast, die young, and leave a beautiful corpse."

[@clarissa8477]

@@tinafoster8665 that’s sad, he sure was handsome.

[@Scalcionekitchen]

His casket was closed his face was crushed his back was broken

[@stephenlee7183]

That there is interest in someone who died about 66 years ago is significant. He probably had less than 9 hours of big screen time. Can you do Rudolf Valentino?

[@trace9657]

good point

[@JustDr.S]

Agree.

[@kathrynj.hernandez8425]

Dean lived on this earth 9,000 days. Someone did the calendar math. Said no more, no fewer: 9k. Gematria?

[@p.j.gannon1646]

Yes and it was enough for us to love him forever he was just amazing

[@darrint3573]

Dean is still being iconized while Rudy V rarely gets mentioned. Dean was in Hollywood for 16 months and his career is on par with Bogie, Brando, et al. There's nothing else like him in celluloid history.

[@alexander9264]

James Dean was a raw actor but a brilliant one, and ahead of his time. The ultimate movie idol. Great analysis.

[@karifoto]

He definitely had that IT factor.

[@Knucklehead123]

There was something in his acting that made him seem ahead of his time and timeless too - Like he nailed the various character traits and behaviors of his roles accurately for the era of the movie particularly as well as as an archetype. There is a scene of him walking across a fenceline too - think it's in Giant - where he is thinking to himself and walking in a kind of personal rhythm, stopping and starting with internal music or thoughts. At the time that he acted that way - in the 1950's - people would consider that type of action crazy - in public. But in a movie theater, watching, you could consider - yes - I've walked that way - or yes - I've felt that way. . .privately. He evoked intimacy with an audience in that way, drew them into the character and himself.

[@richardstead9789]

his mother died when he was quite young and his dad didn't want him so that might be caused a bit of self reflection on his own life

[@boblevey]

My God. A damn shame he was abused and by another damn pastor. Disgusting! Great actor. I wrote this before you spoke about his acting. I’m not sure I agree 100% with you but I would say Dean was growing as an actor. I feel he really did a great job in the three big roles he played in. I think many great actors find a piece of themselves in their roles. You always do a great job. Thanks

[@northerngirl1637]

Yes...as soon as he said the word pastor, I had a feeling that would follow. Call me jaded, but religion is full of and still provides a haven for molesters, rapists, abusers, pedophiles.

[@boblevey]

@@spiritmatter1553 Sadly. What a mess!

[@boblevey]

@@northerngirl1637 I got that also. I’m a spiritual person but this is one reason I don’t attend organized religion.

[@lf9341]

@@northerngirl1637 Yep. He was 11 and was groomed.

[@pulynanyalikibitz1301]

There is some speculation he was being abused before that. Following his mother's death, his father sent him to live with an aunt and uncle who were practicing Quakers. A couple of years into this arrangement, while living with his aunt and uncle, he sought out the council of a Methodist Reverend by the name of Deweerd, which has the ring of foreshadowing to it. Keep in mind, he would only be about 11 at this point, and he was not a Methodist. I wonder what was so vexing he sought out the council of a Reverend. I don't know many 11 year olds that randomly walk into a church and ask for council. Some think the word "council" is an old codeword for targeted, some think there was something going on in his aunt and uncle's home, and the Reverend saw an opportunity and took it.

[@ChristinePerez903]

I agree James Dean had potential to grow. Great analysis Dr Grande.

[@jenniferocious480]

I concur

[@samson5791]

Terrible analysis

[@jenniferocious480]

@@samson5791 😂😂😂

[@Ballerina-Girl]

James Dean was the rebellious rock star proto type. He inspired Elvis who then inspire the Beatles who went on to change the world thanks to James Dean legend and cultural icon.

[@Wrz2e]

During the mansion scene in Rebel Without a Cause James Dean reportedly said to Sal Mineo "look at me the way I look at Natalie".

[@JustDr.S]

Yeah, well it was Sal Mineo, so that could be true.

[@lnc-to4ku]

That was incredibly well done, Dr. Grande! I didn't know he had such an awful childhood, very sad! I think you were so right in saying how that car was way too much power and speed for someone his age, Alec Guinness could feel it too....the photo of his car after the crash was incredibly chilling! On a lighter, happier note, that blue shirt looks great on you! :)

[@CynHicks]

James Dean didn't actually need much talent, though he had it. He had looks. In any era Dean would be considered very good looking. I'm a straight dude but facts are facts.

[@sunrae7680]

👍🏼

[@blissiimo2064]

Re : Alec Guiness - spooky stuff at at distance. If I saw a young James Dean, a very fast car and detected a nihilistic moody mood - I think I would sense some kind of impending doom as well.

[@erikparent8176]

Nice! Yes! Instantanous! Intuition is communicated faster than light speed!

[@jguenther3049]

@@erikparent8176 Well, intuition is very fast, but the secret is, it doesn't have to travel very far. The optic nerves go directly to the limbic system, no dilly-dallying in the frontal cortices. And the limbic region is where the magic happens.

[@erikparent8176]

@@jguenther3049 You've mentioned some physical mechanical operations but intuition is primarily generated by subtle energy that is deeper than the physical. Turning off continous thought allows contact with the subtle body so in away the limbic system is minimized which turns on the pineal gland. The pineal gland is the bridge between the physical and the subtle energy. Very refined subtle energy is expansive and eminates from beyond time or our limited observation. Time is only a product of a very limited perception. The deepest subtle perception "sees" everything instantaneously and communicates that to the human mind, if one is meditative.

[@kathrynj.hernandez8425]

Correction: Alec Guiness gave Dean a full week and he was right. I saw the interview. Ertha Kitt told Dean same thing.

[@therealmrsruttle]

I loved him in Giant ❤️

[@shaggybreeks]

Giant was his best movie. Not East of Eden. Giant. It would be a pretty good movie if somebody else played his character, but not NEARLY as good. He was BRILLIANT as Jett Rink.

[@JustDr.S]

Ok. Now I am definitely going to watch that movie. You've all convinced me! ❤

[@kathrynj.hernandez8425]

@@JustDr.S I just rented Giant again last night. And I didn't even know about James Dean until a month ago and I was born in 1954! How could I have missed him all these years? I would never dated anyone because he woulda set the bar so high. Seriously. I have written that many actors are like bricks but Dean is like this mass of fiery molten lava that spills beautifully into every crevice of a scene. Damn, no wonder directors had a difficult time with him. How do you handle fiery hot lava?

[@JustDr.S]

@@kathrynj.hernandez8425 I only knew about him because my mom loves old black & white movies, and I watch them with her. I love them, too, now. I still haven't seen Giant. I can't seem to find it anywhere. lol. I stay away from the molten lava. Got burned a few of times! 🤣

[@berdooli3326]

James Dean was my grandma's second cousin. He was a lot older than her, so they didn't know each other all that well. My grandma is also from Indiana and my brother looks a lot like him. Dean is buried near many of my direct ancestors too!

[@Blackheathenly]

Cool story.

[@cruzgomes5660]

Tell your brother to go into modeling or become an actor

[@arconeagain]

​@@cruzgomes5660I can hear his response to that now. 'You're tearing me apart!'

[@arconeagain]

My grandmother's cousin was also a Hollywood actor, in the 40s. Though nowhere near as famous as James Dean, her story was unique, as she came from Melbourne Australia. It was just her and Errol at that time, and they did a test screening together. She was in a movie with Ronald Reagan, and some B grade movies with Peter Lorre. My sister looks a bit like her. Would love to hear back from you.

[@dianamarie5663]

I liked Dean's rebel "look."

[@Omega13channel]

Giant is among my favorite movies. James Dean demonstrated his brilliance in his role of Jett Rink. If you're a JD fan, you should definitely watch it.

[@p.j.gannon1646]

James Dean was a great driver and a amazing actor plus he was so beautiful he had everything going for him l think he would have been amazing just love this man ❤️🙏

[@gamleskalle1]

Elvis was a huge fan and cried and mourned him for along time. Made Elvis interested in film and acting.

[@apxl8r1]

I think it's been well-proven that Dean was not traveling 90 mph, but more like 65 mph. That is more than "hearing stories."

[@lf9341]

@@apxl8r1 The weird thing is a father and son witnessed the crash and said Dean was slumped over the passenger seat. They think the mechanic was driving. Turnupseed took an illegal left into his lane.

[@JustDr.S]

@@lf9341 And, yet, the authorities blamed Dean for the crash. That doesn't seem right.

[@GuillermoRodriguez-gu3oq]

Elvis went to where they filmed Rebel Without A Cause and knew James Deans lines at the Planetarium.

[@apxl8r1]

@@lf9341 Yes I heard an interview with one of them. He swore Dean was in the passenger seat because of his white T shirt. Turnupseed should have been at fault since he crossed over into traffic unsafe, regardless of the Porsche's speed.

[@Real_McPhee]

“It’s better to burn out than to fade away” Seems there are a crazy amount of similarities between Paul Walker and James Dean. Your summary of them both matches closely. Good actor that could have been on a path to being great, questionable decision making after being famous became part of their everyday life, and of course both their lives ending in excitement seeking behavior. Thank you for another great video, Doctor!

[@JustDr.S]

Paul Walker made some great movies. I think he had already proven how good of an actor he was, before dying at 40 years old. James Dean's career had just started, when he died at only 24 years old. We have no idea if he would have grown as an actor to actually become the legend he was, in death. Also, at 24, it's more understandable he would make poor choices. We can only wonder what kind of man/actor he would have been at 40.

[@B33nSprowt]

Dr. Grande! I love your channel, and I was wondering if you could do a video covering Patrick McCullough. He was a deaf American serial killer, and one of his victims was actually my grandfather Clinton Riley. I think it'd be an interesting topic to cover, so I thought I'd throw it out there!

[@sisken12]

My older sister thought James Dean was the best. I also remember my parents forbidding her to watch any of his movies. Heh, like that worked 😊.

[@paulcash8160]

I couldn't disagree more with your evaluation of Dean's ability as an actor. IMHO he proved himself to be the greatest screen actor because he had a unique quality: not only could he make you understand everything his character was thinking and feeling, but also he could make the viewer experience those feelings with the same intensity as Dean's character. This makes watching his films exhausting, but totally immersive. That said, Dean had an avid interest in photography and was exploring that as a way to prepare for a career change, to director

[@waynej2608]

Excellent points. Dean was totally wanting to direct. He worked with Kazan, Ray and Stevens, and seemed to absorb the entire filmmaking process. Dennis Hopper even went as far as to say that Dean really directed Rebel... Dean's talent knew no bounds. Terrific actor, who only would've improved with age and life experience. And, a fine director in progress, I have no doubt.

[@kathrynj.hernandez8425]

Most don't know also that Dean was a pretty good artist and a sculptor, too. Poetry and avid chess player. He was welcomed into inner circles of NY intellectual society which I'm sure helped with elite connections.

[@shanewinas6194]

Robin Williams was just as great of an actor soo not special

[@lisasaims3007]

I was born on that infamous day

[@darrint3573]

@@shanewinas6194 It helps to actually watch his flawless performances. I don't think Robin could have pulled off portraying each of those characters convincingly. Both are obviously in a different category of actors. Who knows maybe Dean may have proved himself a comedic genius as well. Plus, Dean is still being iconized while Robin is already forgotten.

[@paganpines]

I think he had a charismatic spark that went beyond his talent as an actor. An early death probably compounds the legend, but there are other legendary artists who have the spark and who outlived their youth (and weren't necessarily great actors, or never moved beyond the roles they were typecast in); and other attractive, talented stars who died young who aren't "legends" in quite the same way as Garbo, Brando, or Liz Taylor. I think some people just have that aura, and others don't.

[@LivWildStyle]

Honestly, it's a bit of a silly question. He was a person who had something to offer, he took action, and got attention for those abilites in his lifetime. Is he a legend? Yes. Does anyone deserve the reputation they hold after death? Who cares. Clearly, he earned it, one way or another.

[@JoJoJoker]

Giant was a fabulous movie. Had James Dean lived (Until when? He died in a race a few years later? Lived to Christopher Lee’s very old age?), who knows? He could have got burned out in the 1960s or went on to be a legend like Kirk Douglas.

[@JustDr.S]

Agreed. He was a good actor, even at just 24. We'll never know how his career would have went. Great method actor?

[@mixpick138]

Gad! I can see the banners, "Die now --secure your place in history!" I never had a crystal ball so all I can say is that I enjoyed his movies very much. Unrefined, sure, but that was kind of the point. It was much more the visceral feel to the films that was important. Like I said, I don't have a crystal ball so I have no idea if he would have seasoned with age or not. It's always sad to me to see someone go so young...

[@istateyourname4710]

James does a Mr. Magoo voice in RWAC in honor of Jim Backus who played his Father in the film 🎥. 🙂

[@TodayFreedom]

10:57 “In order to get head in Hollywood”. Yeah, a few of us spotted the deliberate pun. Good one, doc. No way that was accidental 😂👍🏻

[@18bovende]

What does getting head mean?

[@jguenther3049]

@@18bovende shopping for cabbage, of course.

[@JustDr.S]

@@jguenther3049 or lettuce. 🤫

[@jguenther3049]

@@JustDr.S Lettuce take the sesquientendre no further.

[@JustDr.S]

@@jguenther3049 Agreed. lol. ; )

[@a.m.6499]

I heard Bill Murray is a difficult person to work with and he's a "legend."

[@kam0406]

I'd love to see an analysis on Bill

[@user-cs1un6sp1wRennata]

Thank you, Dr. Grande! Please do River Phoenix🕯

[@repdale]

Wow. I'm surprised I never thought of that. And surprised Grande hasn't already hahah

[@patriciahodges7051]

Could you analyze River Phoenix?

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

James Dean was one of the many who was called and one of the few who was chosen. I thought it was Rolf Wutherich who was riding in Little Bastard. Rolf died intoxicated in a car crash in 1981, I believe. Not sure it was Jimmy’s fault. He was “driving blind” into the sun and Turnipseed was “turning blind” in front of him. Alec Guinness reportedly gave a different time frame. He said he had a premonition and never had another one. Rest in powerful peace, Jimmy and Rolf.

[@autumnedwards4448]

Loved your analysis here Dr Grande! Thank you for all your research and hard work to bring us a new video each day!💜💜

[@amyd6591]

Love these analyses! Please do one on John Lennon.

[@567dirt8910]

Fantastic episode. I'm a giant film buff and have seen all 3 of his films multiple times. The way the good Doctor spoke about Dean's influence on the generation who would become his fans was so fucking insightful. By far one of my very favorite YT channels. The daily videos are one of the best parts of my day.

[@Mountlougallops]

Never shy away from the big stories and personalities Dr Grande 👌🏽well done once again.

[@lavonnealexander6936]

Hi 🙋‍♂️ Doctor Grande! Can you please do Montgomery Clift ? It was James Dean, Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift who ruled 20 century for movies.

[@elizabetho.8027]

I second that!

[@lisamh9037]

Yes please!

[@dacechasinghawk3910]

Before my time but I say of course he is a legend. Much like Heath Ledger or the other way around since James Dean thing first. But he died before his film was released. And for his resume to have only a few gigs on it. His work was immortalized and made him remembered forever. Sometimes the good die young.

[@leighblacklocke7190]

Well done, Dr Grande. I appreciate the work you put into your videos. Much richer than what we might glean from random articles or biographies. Thank you

[@Wistful77]

"...When it was new, I showed it to Alec Guinness." Hahahahaha that was good! I loved the "over the top" acting of James Dean. "You're tearing me apart!!"

[@theprotector1234567]

Congrats on the 50+ million views since I started watching in October!

[@bobzenx7225]

Fascinating James Dean history! Our personality traits are damn near identical!

[@dortesandal4303]

I do believe Dean was genuinely in love with Angeli and heartbroken when she ended it. It always makes me smile when romance is described as having that Romeo and Juliet feel, Juliet was only 14 - the greater the tragedy ofcause. As much as Dean knew how to draw attention to his persona, I do believe he was quite private with his personal feelings.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

Lovely video, thank you Dr. Grande.❤️

[@brettgarandza683]

I subbed. Great videos Dr. Grande. Very informative. I like how you say "what could be happening". That's a good bet since in order to attempt to tell the truth, I think we must practice not lying first to better understand the truth. It shows humility this way. In order for one to know the full truth on any given subject, we must first know everything and leave no stone unturned in finding it. I believe it's harder than people might think.

[@jennylynn82173]

Excellent discussion, Dr. Grande - Thank you.

[@LadyOfShaIott]

James Dean only made three big films; East of Eden, Giant and Rebel Without A Cause. He was clearly talented but not exceptionally so I think. It's worth remembering that Dean was obsessed with Marlon Brando; his style of acting was hugely borrowed from Brando's. James Dean died when he was young and beautiful - we never got to see him grow old and change. Hence he became an icon of youth - that's why he's a 'legend'. .

[@sarabechtler7921]

Well stated!

[@LadyOfShaIott]

@@sarabechtler7921 Thank you! I wish we lived in the time of Marlon Brando and James Dean!

[@JustDr.S]

@@LadyOfShaIott I love all those old black and white movies. ❤

[@LadyOfShaIott]

@@JustDr.S ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ is one of my all-time favourite films...Marlon Brando was like a god in his youth.

[@harpgal9950]

I would agree. He seemed to play himself, a young and rebellious guy. In Giant, his turn as the young Jett Rink was good until he had to age up as an older Jett - that was not so great. He really didn't pull it off, IMO.

[@Yolanda8419]

That was surprisingly very interesting. I never thought about the time he was famous and the age of his target audience. It makes perfect sense.

[@chris55529]

THANK YOU DR. GRANDE !!!! Consider me a loyal fan for life. Thank you.

[@7piecebucket]

1:57 "Soon after, he was cast as John the Beloved Disciple in an Easter television special about the resurrection of Jesus." I can imagine all the other disciples dressed up in their Biblical clothing, and then there is John in a leather jacket.

[@brendarudman8806]

I think the big fuss about James Dean had a lot to do with his looks.Those actors were good looking:James D,Rock Hudson,Gregory Peck,Carey Grant...If they all resembled Danny de Vito,they wouldn't have become the leading men( and heartthrobs) that they were.

[@JustDr.S]

Well, nobody's going to disagree with this one. I mean, when you compare them to Danny De vito.

[@duzgud]

Todd your shirt is wayyy oversized LOL

[@dotorisjeno]

Great video as always Dr, Grande! Also, I would love to see a profile of River Phoenix.

[@theotherkangaroo]

Elizabeth Taylor, please.

[@alyssaramirez7014]

Just have to say. Great lighting. Seems like the AV part of your videos is finally catching up with the quality of the the content. Love the channel! Thank you for dropping knowledge.

[@JustMe-nm8wv]

Yeah you are always making videos about the people I’m interested in you are the best!

[@meebrbey]

"Well when it was new, I showed it to Alec Guinness" lol ..I died

[@erikparent8176]

He made a heck of a beer! 🍺🍻

[@jguenther3049]

@@erikparent8176 1) it's stout; 2) stop harping about that.

[@erikparent8176]

@@jguenther3049 He made a heck of a stout! 🍺🍻 I might just buy and learn how to play, a Harp! Then I'll play the harp, while harping about somthing inconsequential! 📯🎻🎺🪕🎷🎸🎙

[@williamkraemer8338]

This analysis of James Dean and his career is spot on, it seems. How the public understood Dean is one thing and the facts of his life are another. This analysis seems to accurately explain the actor's popularity and who he was popular with.

[@sraiken]

you quack me up, insert duck image, with your humor. You are a solid dude. Thanks for the your content

[@josievanotterlo5191]

Interesting as always. ...why don’t you ever use that thing? Well, when it was new, I showed it to Alec Guinness...!!!

[@CaroleMcDonnell]

Life is seriously bizarre sometimes. Often. A friend of mine bought a new bike and another friend told him, "Don't use it, you'll die if you use it." A few days later, my friend died on the bike. These kinds of things happen a lot in the world. There are more things in heaven and earth that are dreamt of in your philosophy.

[@bthomson]

Hamlet!

[@farimahdilmaghani5751]

Rebel Without A Cause movie showed me the naked truth of life, that life is really no fun: family problems, relationship problems, society problems, etc. That tearing me apart scene I think all of us can relate to it. I am not from that generation but the idea of making this movie was very brilliant at that era. I believe James Dean was a complex person himself also very talented and that's why he was a good actor. But I'm sure he wouldn't live to see his old age because he went extreme in many levels in his life, I mean maybe drug overdose might kill him. Anyway his story is sad. Thanks for the interesting analysis Dr. Grande

[@cereneryilmaz6715]

Yaaay another great video 🤗🙌🏻

[@jackiemarsh2470]

Wonderful Video Dr.!! Thank You Sooo Much!!

[@lfroio1]

Nice job on your Analysis!!!

[@Kat-wo7ix]

Please analyze Marlon Brando 🙏🖤

[@schawnettarobinson8584]

Great analysis like always ❤️💙💜

[@ember1794]

I do think James Dean deserves to be a legend - he was a great actor, even reformed acting as such (also seemed interested in directing) - three brilliant movies at such a young age.

[@renpilak6048]

I’m sure his good looks helped made him a legend, too!

[@judiroth7855]

Thanks, Dr G. Your take is always interesting 🌵🤔👏⭐️

[@angiepa58]

Well that was a really good piece. I wasn't born yet so I didn't get exposed to him while he was alive I only learned of him way after he had passed and yeah he was a legend in a lot of people's lives he was really revered. But I even learned more about him I just love how in-depth you go when you do a project like this thank you cuz it really helps you understand the people you're talking about. Thank you.

[@thelostronin]

Very insightful Doctor. I really enjoyed that one!

[@debbiethompson14]

Great analysis thank you!

[@Mandrake591]

*I enjoyed this analysis of James Dean very much, thank you, Dr. Grande.* There is no way I'm showing my blender to the ghost of Sir Alec Guinness! (Your dry sense of humor is appreciated)

[@peggycearnach8034]

Alec Guinness knew what would happen if James Dean bought that car though. I had a friend who was into cars come and look at a car I wanted to buy back around 1980ish. He had a test drive, raved about zero to one hundred first gear, and told me I wasn’t buying it - or I would die. He knew, it was really fast, it had a turbo, and he knew that I would drive too fast in it because it was fun. Rock on Jimmy Dean 💗

[@sherunswithscissors]

Wonderful episode.

[@anthonychase6623]

If I could parallel James Dean to a living modern actor I would have to pick Sean Penn. Both in their youth were popular amongst teenagers. They it can be argued they were intellectuals with a tough guy, boyish persona with a rebellious streak. Both had a negative relationship amongst colleagues, but maintained admiration amongst fans. Most of all both were masters at displaying the ethos and pathos of the characters they played; which would touch the hearts of critics and audiences alike.

[@susansandler8429]

So well done.