James Dean

James Byron Dean (February 8, 1931 – September 30, 1955) was an American actor. He is remembered as a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment and social estrangement, as expressed in the title of his most celebrated film, Rebel Without a Cause (1955), in which he starred as troubled teenager Jim Stark. The other two roles that defined his stardom were loner Cal Trask in East of Eden (1955) and surly ranch hand Jett Rink in Giant (1956).

After his death in a car crash on September 30, 1955, Dean became the first actor to receive a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in East of Eden. Upon receiving a second nomination for his role in Giant the following year, Dean became the only actor to have had two posthumous acting nominations. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him the 18th best male movie star of Golden Age Hollywood in AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars list.

James Dean is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 33 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes (2024), James Dean: Forever Young (2005), James Dean: The First American Teenager (1975), The James Dean Story (1957), Giant (1956), Rebel Without a Cause (1955), East of Eden (1955), Fixed Bayonets! (1951). The recorded credits span 1947 to 2025, including 18 movies and 15 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.