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The Real James Dean: Intimate Memories from Those Who Knew Him Best
In the decades following his death, many of those who knew James Dean best––actors, directors, friends, lovers (both men and women), photographers, and Hollywood columnists––shared stories of their first-person experiences with him in interviews and in the articles and autobiographies they wrote.
Their recollections of Dean became lost in fragile back issues of movie magazines and newspapers and in out-of-print books that are extremely hard to find.
Until now.
The Real James Dean is the first book of its kind: a rich collection spanning six decades of writing in which many of the people whose lives were touched by Dean recall their indelible experiences with him in their own words.
Here are the memorable personal accounts of Dean from his high school and college drama teachers; the girl he almost married; costars like Rock Hudson, Natalie Wood, Jim Backus, and Raymond Massey; directors Elia Kazan, Nicholas Ray, and George Stevens; entertainer Eartha Kitt; gossip queen Hedda Hopper; the passenger who accompanied Dean on his final, fatal road trip; and a host of his other friends and colleagues who recorded their impressions of him for posterity.
Their recollections of Dean became lost in fragile back issues of movie magazines and newspapers and in out-of-print books that are extremely hard to find.
Until now.
The Real James Dean is the first book of its kind: a rich collection spanning six decades of writing in which many of the people whose lives were touched by Dean recall their indelible experiences with him in their own words.
Here are the memorable personal accounts of Dean from his high school and college drama teachers; the girl he almost married; costars like Rock Hudson, Natalie Wood, Jim Backus, and Raymond Massey; directors Elia Kazan, Nicholas Ray, and George Stevens; entertainer Eartha Kitt; gossip queen Hedda Hopper; the passenger who accompanied Dean on his final, fatal road trip; and a host of his other friends and colleagues who recorded their impressions of him for posterity.
368 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2016
41 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 23, 2023
"When it came time for [James Dean's colleagues] to write their memoirs in the autumn of their years, [they] were obligated to devote some space to recalling their encounters with him, lest his absence seem a disappointing omission to fans hungrily perusing their books in search of new stories about their beloved idol . . . nearly everyone who knew Dean, however briefly, made sure to record their experiences with him in articles, interviews, and autobiographies / memoirs." -- from the introduction
I am in the minority here - as the four- and/or five-star reviews certainly abound on GR - but editor Winkler's The Real James Dean was a hit-or-miss type of book for me. Not that it is completely Winkler's fault, but the collection of chapters - whether they be magazine articles or excerpts from other books - widely range in quality of content. It begins well with a warm piece authored by Dean's maternal grandmother (who raised him after his mother's fatal illness), and there are other nice selections by actor Alec Guinness (who infamously and presciently warned Dean about his sports car purchase that "You'll be found dead in it by this time next week.") and dialogue coach 'Texas Bob' Hinkle (a good 'ol boy-type who taught Dean how to believably act like a native Lone State dude for his final film Giant). But a reader also has to slog through entires by former roommate Bill Bast, director Elia Kazan and actress Shelley Winters (all pretty much boring), co-star Mercedes McCambridge (hers was so weird that it sounds like she was under the influence when composing it), and friend John Gilmore (who gets way too 'TMI' talking about their respective sexual experiences) along with a handful of others who laughably offer either contradictory / incorrect information and/or smack of being hangers-on to Dean's persona (and I'm looking squarely at you, Maila Nurmi a.k.a. TV hostess 'Vampira'). Dean fans would do better grabbing a copy of Donald Spoto's excellent bio Rebel: The Life and Legend of James Dean or the also good James Dean: The Mutant King by David Dalton.
I am in the minority here - as the four- and/or five-star reviews certainly abound on GR - but editor Winkler's The Real James Dean was a hit-or-miss type of book for me. Not that it is completely Winkler's fault, but the collection of chapters - whether they be magazine articles or excerpts from other books - widely range in quality of content. It begins well with a warm piece authored by Dean's maternal grandmother (who raised him after his mother's fatal illness), and there are other nice selections by actor Alec Guinness (who infamously and presciently warned Dean about his sports car purchase that "You'll be found dead in it by this time next week.") and dialogue coach 'Texas Bob' Hinkle (a good 'ol boy-type who taught Dean how to believably act like a native Lone State dude for his final film Giant). But a reader also has to slog through entires by former roommate Bill Bast, director Elia Kazan and actress Shelley Winters (all pretty much boring), co-star Mercedes McCambridge (hers was so weird that it sounds like she was under the influence when composing it), and friend John Gilmore (who gets way too 'TMI' talking about their respective sexual experiences) along with a handful of others who laughably offer either contradictory / incorrect information and/or smack of being hangers-on to Dean's persona (and I'm looking squarely at you, Maila Nurmi a.k.a. TV hostess 'Vampira'). Dean fans would do better grabbing a copy of Donald Spoto's excellent bio Rebel: The Life and Legend of James Dean or the also good James Dean: The Mutant King by David Dalton.
August 4, 2016
I’ve heard of James Dean while growing up. He was mentioned countless of times on TV shows, movies and even in song lyrics. I never really paid much attention to him, but I knew he was an actor of the past and I didn’t give any thought to it. To me, James Dean and everything about him was hazy, as if he never existed.
When I saw this available on NetGalley for review, I was immediately interested. I personally know people in real life who love and admire James Dean’s work, and I was curious about him. Reading this book was a fresh surprise for me. It was like I had met James Dean personally and saw him go through all of his hardships to become an actor. It was interesting to see how people view other human beings. Everyone he knew saw him differently, and at times it seemed like no one knew who James Dean really was.
As I read the book, I was amazed to see how utterly human he was. Of course, I knew he was a human being, but since he was a person who existed way before my time, I just saw him as an entirely different entity. James Dean had ups and downs in his life. There were people who loved and hated him, and I enjoyed seeing the contrast of his attitude and characteristics when dealing with different sets of people. It was like he was shifting through his faces and picking which one to wear. He wasn’t afraid to express himself, and some people disliked him for it. I was confused and I wanted to know who he really was, but aren’t human beings that way? We are complex creatures and we aren’t just one thing; we are collected works and stories.
At the end of the book, I was overwhelmed. Whatever I wanted to find, I hadn’t found in the end–only the discovery that James Dean was just like any other. He was a person who tried to make a mark in this world and tried to find himself. I hope, somehow, in whatever way, he did.
James Dean died way too young. He barely made a dent on the things he wanted to do and accomplish, but I know he will be remembered for many more years to come. He may be viewed as weird, eccentric, deranged, violent, passionate, etc.
But one fact remains; James Dean was truly an artist, and he was a wonderful one.
When I saw this available on NetGalley for review, I was immediately interested. I personally know people in real life who love and admire James Dean’s work, and I was curious about him. Reading this book was a fresh surprise for me. It was like I had met James Dean personally and saw him go through all of his hardships to become an actor. It was interesting to see how people view other human beings. Everyone he knew saw him differently, and at times it seemed like no one knew who James Dean really was.
As I read the book, I was amazed to see how utterly human he was. Of course, I knew he was a human being, but since he was a person who existed way before my time, I just saw him as an entirely different entity. James Dean had ups and downs in his life. There were people who loved and hated him, and I enjoyed seeing the contrast of his attitude and characteristics when dealing with different sets of people. It was like he was shifting through his faces and picking which one to wear. He wasn’t afraid to express himself, and some people disliked him for it. I was confused and I wanted to know who he really was, but aren’t human beings that way? We are complex creatures and we aren’t just one thing; we are collected works and stories.
At the end of the book, I was overwhelmed. Whatever I wanted to find, I hadn’t found in the end–only the discovery that James Dean was just like any other. He was a person who tried to make a mark in this world and tried to find himself. I hope, somehow, in whatever way, he did.
James Dean died way too young. He barely made a dent on the things he wanted to do and accomplish, but I know he will be remembered for many more years to come. He may be viewed as weird, eccentric, deranged, violent, passionate, etc.
But one fact remains; James Dean was truly an artist, and he was a wonderful one.
September 28, 2016
This anthology has a vast array of voices. It’s organized in a chronological way so it reads as though it’s a linear biography of sorts. Starting off with James Dean’s grandmother, high school drama coach, fellow college students, teachers the collection then moves on to his love interests, both male and female, his fellow actors on Broadway, TV and Hollywood, journalists, gossip columnists, directors, and many more. It’s a comprehensive view of James Dean’s life coming from all angles. There are full essays, excerpts from memoirs, clips from interviews and newly fashioned essays meant to present snippets and quotes. There are also outtakes which are longer quotes that complement preceding essays. This book is incredibly well-organized and there was a natural flow to the narrative. It reads like one big biography with each chapter written by a different writer. If you struggle with standard biographies, this is a good alternative. You could read the book cover-to-cover or dip in an out by reading individual pieces. I recommend reading the book straight through as you’ll see themes develop over time.
Full review here: http://www.outofthepastblog.com/2016/...
Full review here: http://www.outofthepastblog.com/2016/...
June 30, 2016
I received this as an e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
James Dean is absolutely one of my favorite actors and favorite people. This is a collection of memories from different people such as friends, lovers, classmates, and co workers. Lots of stories, newspaper articles, and some explicit but nice to read stories. I absolutely loved this and recommend this if you love James Dean or want to know more about it.
James Dean is absolutely one of my favorite actors and favorite people. This is a collection of memories from different people such as friends, lovers, classmates, and co workers. Lots of stories, newspaper articles, and some explicit but nice to read stories. I absolutely loved this and recommend this if you love James Dean or want to know more about it.
February 7, 2025
I first "discovered" James Dean when I was 12, and as is often the case with a pre-teen crush, I found him to be romantically mysterious and broody. As I entered my 50th year, I realised that I had never truly delved deeper into Dean’s life and still held a romanticised, almost naive view of the actor. I was keen to read more about him from an adult perspective, seeking a more nuanced understanding of the man behind the myth.
Peter L. Winkler’s The Real James Dean is a compelling and heartbreakingly honest portrait of a troubled soul. This biographic memoir presents Dean in all his complexities—mercurial, intensely dedicated to his craft, and deeply wounded by his mother’s death when he was just nine years old. The accounts from those who knew him reveal a chameleon-like personality, one moment making someone feel like the only person in the world and the next dripping with scorn and disdain. His eccentricities and all-consuming passion for acting come across vividly, as does the pain of a young man struggling to be recognised for his immense talent.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is its exploration of Dean’s personal life, particularly the long-debated question of his sexuality. Many of the recollections suggest that any relationships (men or women) may have been more transactional in nature, serving as stepping stones for his acting career. Yet, at the same time, there is a sense that Dean was ultimately unknowable—someone who kept even his closest confidantes at a distance. His much-publicised romance with Pier Angeli is a prime example; she spoke of loving him completely (“all-consuming”), yet he seemed incapable of returning that love in the same way. Dean remained elusive, his emotional walls impenetrable.
What truly struck me as an adult reader is just how incredibly young Dean was when he died—only 24. It is almost unfathomable how much of an impact he made in such a brief life. The Real James Dean encapsulates not just the talent and charisma that made him a legend, but also the turmoil and loneliness that defined his existence. His story remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring tragedies, and this book is an essential read for those who want to understand James Dean beyond the brooding rebel image.
A poignant and illuminating collection of personal memories, The Real James Dean paints a deeply affecting portrait of a gifted but tormented young man whose star burned brightly but far too briefly.
Peter L. Winkler’s The Real James Dean is a compelling and heartbreakingly honest portrait of a troubled soul. This biographic memoir presents Dean in all his complexities—mercurial, intensely dedicated to his craft, and deeply wounded by his mother’s death when he was just nine years old. The accounts from those who knew him reveal a chameleon-like personality, one moment making someone feel like the only person in the world and the next dripping with scorn and disdain. His eccentricities and all-consuming passion for acting come across vividly, as does the pain of a young man struggling to be recognised for his immense talent.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is its exploration of Dean’s personal life, particularly the long-debated question of his sexuality. Many of the recollections suggest that any relationships (men or women) may have been more transactional in nature, serving as stepping stones for his acting career. Yet, at the same time, there is a sense that Dean was ultimately unknowable—someone who kept even his closest confidantes at a distance. His much-publicised romance with Pier Angeli is a prime example; she spoke of loving him completely (“all-consuming”), yet he seemed incapable of returning that love in the same way. Dean remained elusive, his emotional walls impenetrable.
What truly struck me as an adult reader is just how incredibly young Dean was when he died—only 24. It is almost unfathomable how much of an impact he made in such a brief life. The Real James Dean encapsulates not just the talent and charisma that made him a legend, but also the turmoil and loneliness that defined his existence. His story remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring tragedies, and this book is an essential read for those who want to understand James Dean beyond the brooding rebel image.
A poignant and illuminating collection of personal memories, The Real James Dean paints a deeply affecting portrait of a gifted but tormented young man whose star burned brightly but far too briefly.
August 23, 2024
I am a huge James Dean fan. This is an absolute must for any fan. I felt like I got a chance to know the real James Dean- truly beautiful and moving. So many personal memories in this book stayed with me for days in my head and heart.
May 29, 2016
I read an advance review copy of this book, which will be released on August 1, 2016. This is a collection of remembrances of actor James Dean drawn from a wide variety of sources, from 1950s movie magazine articles to excerpts from biographies of former costars, lovers, friends, teachers and family members. I've considered myself a bit of a Dean expert, visiting his childhood home and his gravesite several times, and I learned quite a bit from this book. The author of this book maintains the original source material, with the addition of editorial notes when needed for clarity or to note corrections. This book is highly recommended for Dean fans, but be aware that a handful of the "intimate memories" noted in the title get slightly explicit, making the book most appropriate for adult readers.
July 14, 2016
In his new book Peter L. Winkler has collected a series of articles from long out of print magazines and books. Many appearing for the first time since their original publication. Together, they paint a complex mosaic of actor James Dean as written by people who knew and worked with the iconic legend. Dean comes across as a complex individual, not always like able but definitely fascinating. A must read for anyone interested in Dean. Official publication date August 1st.
October 3, 2016
This is s great book & I highly recommend it for anyone interested in both the myth of the actor & actual man. James Dean lives on as a memory of a rebel, an Hollywood outsider, and a talented actor. These essays from various people who knew him in his lifetime expose who he really was (as much as he would allow), who he wanted to be, and who we want to believe he was.
This is a book I wish was twice as long as it was fascinating reading.
This is a book I wish was twice as long as it was fascinating reading.
January 22, 2017
Number one: so proud I have finally finished my first book of the year, 2 weeks later than planned.
Number two: I now know more about James Dean than I ever have before (which was minimal). It seems like everyone and their mother wrote about their encounter with James Dean, which is a little strange, but incredibly fascinating, anyhow.
Number two: I now know more about James Dean than I ever have before (which was minimal). It seems like everyone and their mother wrote about their encounter with James Dean, which is a little strange, but incredibly fascinating, anyhow.
May 1, 2023
it was really nice to see the perspective of other people who knew him and what impression he made on them, but i cant help feeling like some of those are exaggerated and a little made up by opportunists. Nevertheless its an interesting read
January 28, 2021
Enigmatic, reserved, rebellious, and a real Renaissance man, James Dean was taken away from his friends, family, and fans far too young. While he only starred in three films – East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant – along with several smaller film appearances, TV appearances, commercials, and plays, Dean’s swagger and look became legendary in the annals of Hollywood history.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Real James Dean. The stories presented come from friends, family, colleagues and deliver a dimensional portrait of the actor from his midwest upbringing to his final moments.
The commentary from the editor helps bridge gaps and continuity issues that appear between stories. There was a genuine effort to ensure the facts about Dean are 100% correct, leaving the mythologizing to those who knew and loved him most.
The Real James Dean paints a real portrait of a real man, flaws and all. It’s interesting to read similar situations from multiple perspectives. Many felt he was a skilled genius, while others thought he was a rude, self-centered young man with no respect for authority.
If you are a fan of Hollywood history, actor biographies, or want to learn about a man who was taken far too early, I highly recommend this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Real James Dean. The stories presented come from friends, family, colleagues and deliver a dimensional portrait of the actor from his midwest upbringing to his final moments.
The commentary from the editor helps bridge gaps and continuity issues that appear between stories. There was a genuine effort to ensure the facts about Dean are 100% correct, leaving the mythologizing to those who knew and loved him most.
The Real James Dean paints a real portrait of a real man, flaws and all. It’s interesting to read similar situations from multiple perspectives. Many felt he was a skilled genius, while others thought he was a rude, self-centered young man with no respect for authority.
If you are a fan of Hollywood history, actor biographies, or want to learn about a man who was taken far too early, I highly recommend this book.
May 27, 2024
One of the best books I have ever read. This isn’t a straight bio of Dean, rather it is a collection of essays published before (some) and after (most) his death, from a collection of characters ranging from his family members and lovers to coworkers and journalists.
The genius of this book is how it places these essays side by side. Primarily because they each say contradictory things. Was James Dean extremely calculated or fortunate? Was he aloof or magnetic? Was he kind or an asshole? The contradiction is probably unavoidable, considering his fast trajectory from rural Indiana to Hollywood stardom. He was a different James Dean to every person he met, and every person he met only got to know one James Dean, without the continuity of an entire life with him.
Maybe it’s just the point of my life that has me thinking this way - but I imagine if you put together a book on any young person who died after a such a dramatic shift in life circumstances, you would get something very similar….a bundle of contradictions all held together by a whole lot of heart. I’ll think about this book for a long time.
The genius of this book is how it places these essays side by side. Primarily because they each say contradictory things. Was James Dean extremely calculated or fortunate? Was he aloof or magnetic? Was he kind or an asshole? The contradiction is probably unavoidable, considering his fast trajectory from rural Indiana to Hollywood stardom. He was a different James Dean to every person he met, and every person he met only got to know one James Dean, without the continuity of an entire life with him.
Maybe it’s just the point of my life that has me thinking this way - but I imagine if you put together a book on any young person who died after a such a dramatic shift in life circumstances, you would get something very similar….a bundle of contradictions all held together by a whole lot of heart. I’ll think about this book for a long time.
November 4, 2021
i’ve loved this man and his work since i was a teen yet felt so disconnected from him as a person mainly because the accounts that people had of him online do not seem to be reliable. i don’t know what he was like outside of filming, other than that he was a non-conformist and idolized brando. this was a great read and was informative of both the good and the bad perceptions and opinions that people had towards jimmy. it helped me understand him better as a person outside of the limelight and honestly saw a lot of my own characteristics in his behaviour/thinking.
this was great, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of him/his work. such a shame that he died too soon. i have a picture of him on my wall and everytime i look at it, i get an overwhelming feeling of sadness. so much promise and potential just cut short. i miss him
this was great, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of him/his work. such a shame that he died too soon. i have a picture of him on my wall and everytime i look at it, i get an overwhelming feeling of sadness. so much promise and potential just cut short. i miss him
January 23, 2025
Peter L. Winkler’s The Real James Dean offers an in-depth exploration of the life of the iconic actor. Through the book, I came to understand James Dean as a hardworking individual who carried a profound sense of loneliness and a deep love for fast cars and motorcycles. His relationships, as described in the book, seemed to reflect an attempt to fill an emotional void within him.
While the book provides fascinating insights, I found myself skimming through sections to find parts that captured my interest. Ultimately, it wasn’t a book that fully resonated with me. I would rate it a 3 out of 5. However, for devoted James Dean fans or those with a strong interest in his life and legacy, this book would likely be a worthwhile read. For me, though, it wasn’t quite my preference.
While the book provides fascinating insights, I found myself skimming through sections to find parts that captured my interest. Ultimately, it wasn’t a book that fully resonated with me. I would rate it a 3 out of 5. However, for devoted James Dean fans or those with a strong interest in his life and legacy, this book would likely be a worthwhile read. For me, though, it wasn’t quite my preference.
March 26, 2024
Really good anthology of different recollections of James Dean from various people in his short life - including his father, teachers, friends and acquaintances. Difficult to know whether he was an actual likable person, he comes across as snooty and pretentious at times and those traits definitely are unattractive. However, it was a good read and I enjoyed the variety of stories, although some of them grew repetitive when he became famous (I guess there's only so many stories you can tell about an 18-month span). Overall enjoyable.
March 22, 2019
Talk about getting many different perspectives from many of his associates, I have read a few biographies of James Dean and this is the Only one to Read-could not wait to pick it up every chance I got..compelling and honest-James was a talented, sensuous and ahead of his time Moody Teen..Loved this well put together Biography.
October 20, 2021
This is the third book of James Dean I have read in the past few weeks. Was interesting and now I feel I know so much more and will be respectful when we go to the festival in Fairmount IN (stay 4 days). I have been going for around 10 years and this is the first year I had a strong desire to read about James Dean.
March 13, 2024
Trying to cut through all the myths surrounding James Dean that have sprung up since his death by presenting a variety of different and sometimes conflicting accounts from people who knew him personally with minimal commentary is an interesting approach, but it got very repetitive after a certain point.
August 9, 2025
A series of interview type profiles on many individuals who knew or were intimately invovled with the self styled legend James Dean. From the vignettes it is clear Jimmy was a incredibly complex and talented individual. He certainly left everyone with an impression one way or the other in his brief life. And lives on to this day with these impressions and leaves one wondering what if.
June 24, 2025
The first time I’m rating a book based solely on editing. This paints a very full picture of a person who has been so idolized. The placement and order of the stories in this book feel like they give you a full glimpse a complete person, contradictions and all.
July 28, 2025
..arī īsa dzīve var būt gara. daži runātāji gan ne visus faktus stāstīja precīzi, tomēr atmiņās Dīns ir palicis daudziem.
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August 28, 2025"Death," Jimmy Dean said, "is the only thing I respect. It's the only thing that has any dignity."
July 4, 2016
This is a great book to get all kinds of different articles by people who knew James Dean in one place.
Nothing really new, but what is new, is that it's all collected in one book. I had not read most of the articles contained, so I really liked the collection. So for me this was a very interesting read.
Nothing really new, but what is new, is that it's all collected in one book. I had not read most of the articles contained, so I really liked the collection. So for me this was a very interesting read.
November 26, 2025
So good, but throughout the book you will realize that James Dean most likely had some case of autism and instead of just saying that they call him weird and strange for a lot of the book. Also a little ps I don’t rate books about people badly, unless the author really really doesn’t know how to write)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews