The Tragic Death of James Dean

Driving can be a lot of fun, but we must all be aware that it can also be very dangerous. The untimely death of Hollywood icon James Dean is a tragic but interesting story. Dean was a film star, and with a film stars wage he was able to indulge in his passion for racing sports cars. He loved speed and he loved danger. Living his life without much thought to his own safety, as many young people do.

He bought himself a Porsche 550 Spyder which he loved. Shortly after he bought the car he showed it to fellow actor Alec Guinness who made a comment that was never to be forgotten. He said that if Dean got in that car, he would be dead within the week. Sadly this was to become true all too soon. Dean was due to race his Porsche, but instead of having the vehicle transported to the race track, he decided to drive it there himself. Within hours of Alec Guinness’ comment, he was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle and was dead ten minutes later.

Although he died at just 24 years of age, his legend as a Hollywood icon lives on, and his image, even today, is instantly recognisable. Who knows what he would have gone on to achieve had he survived.

Photo Credit – By Trailer screenshot (East of Eden trailer) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons