James Dean: The Biography

by Val Holley

A comprehensive biography of James Dean draws on more than one hundred interviews and covers such areas as Dean's early life and training on stage and television, as well as the self-destructive streak that culminated in his early death.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Film, Media Tie In

324 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Sean Kennedy]

The problem with James Dean is that it seemed he was as much of a mystery to himself as he was to anybody who associated with him, therefore it's pretty tricky for a biographer to make any sense out of it at all. The biggest failing of this tome is that Dean's ascendency into a Hollywood star is dealt with in only the last forty pages - surely this should have been an area where there would have been a bigger wealth of material to draw upon?

[Dustin Henson]

A great biography of James Dean written by Val Holley. A lot of input is written here from those who worked with Dean, knew him, or had any kind of relationship with the actor. Dean spent his childhood growing up in Fairmount, Indiana with his Aunt Ortense and Uncle, Marcus Winslow. Deans mother died when she was just 29, and Dean eight. His Father had moved out to California for work, so when Dean was sent back to Fairmount to live with his Aunt and Uncle, he would spend his young years there and attending Fairmount High School, taking up basketball and other sports, and eventually becoming interested in acting.

The story is detailed, and much is written and said about his early years and rise to fame. The book concludes very quickly with a mention of the accident that ultimately ended his life. It is said that at the end of Dean’s life, he had a very big interest in racing, which is where he was heading to the day of his fatal accident, September 30, 1955, at just 24 years old.

[Hal]

This is the second bio I have read on James Dean and it was a mix of filling in some of the holes but with an as abrupt ending as was his demise. Jimmy has to go down as one of the more complex characters of the many similar that become famous actors. His antics, orientation, and genius were a cut a bit different to say the least.

There is much detail provided here, sometimes it seemed too much but it did give a very good profile of these unusual man. More emphasis is put on his earlier years trying to establish himself in acting on many levels. By the time he makes Hollywood and what eventually made him, the author speeds up and detail is much more sketchy. He does not go into a great deal of detail on these three sets. And with in a few pages he is gone with a simple mention of the accident. It was a bit strange in concluding, much like the strangeness of his life.

[Jose]

Pretty good and interesting biography, with criticism of the person when needed and understanding. Didn't care for any innuendo about his orientation or lack of or both sides of his playing and or whether he was a hustler as the people interview hinted at or alright proclaimed. He is not here so whatever he was or was not will never be known as he was mysterious and sadly moody, a little annoying like Brando and that school of acting but pretty neat working with Kazan. I love the fact Dean was interviewed and showed his dislike on Communism which is ironic considering he was labeled a rebel.

[David]

Great bio

Quite intriguing and informative; probably second only to Daltons "The Mutant King", and not as pretentious as that book sometimes is.