James Dean Timeline

James Byron Dean born February 8, 1931.

Deans leave Fairmount, Indiana for California when Jimmy’s father (a dental mechanic) is transferred to Sawtelle Veterans Hospital in Santa Monica.

Jimmy’s mother, Mildred, dies of uterine cancer April 14th, 1940. Jimmy returns to Fairmount to live with relatives.

Adeline Nall arrives in Fairmount to teach Spanish, French, Speech, and Drama. She would later influence Dean's decision to become an actor.

Dean’s acting debut in Fairmount High School’s production of Mooncalf Mugford. He has many roles this year, including the lead role in An Apple from Coles County.

Jimmy leads Fairmount High’s basketball team, the Quakers, to a victorious season. He comes through with the game-winning shot at the buzzer.

Jimmy graduates high school and returns to California to attend college.

James begins college at Santa Monica City College, and lands his first acting job in a Pepsi commercial, dancing around a jukebox singing “Pepsi Cola Hits the Spot!”

James Dean hits the big screen with a bit part in Fixed Bayonets. He gets some minor parts in other films this year, including Sailor Beware (Martin & Lewis) and Has Anybody Seen my Gal? (Rock Hudson).

James lands his first leading role on Broadway in See the Jaguar. The play closes three days later.

Dean’s fame grows, with several television appearances this year.

Jimmy’s film career takes off, as East of Eden begins filming.

James plays a “hepcat” killer pursued by country doctor Ronald Reagan in CBS’s The Dark, Dark Hours.

James films Rebel Without a Cause and Giant in his final year.

East of Eden opens. Time magazine gives James rave reviews.

After racing in Bakersfield, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara, Dean trades in his Porsche Speedster for “Little Bastard,” a Porsche Spyder 550.

5:45 PM, September 30, 1955: Dean dies in an auto accident on his way to race “Little Bastard” in Salinas, CA.

Rebel Without a Cause is released less than a month after Jimmy’s death.

Giant opens in New York November 10, 1956.

James Dean honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On June 24, 1996, the US Postal Service honored James with a stamp in the “Legends of Hollywood” series.