Hollywood heartthrob James Dean died at just 24 in a devastating car crash, days after finishing his biggest film yet. The actor, who had already become a pop culture icon, was killed on September 30, 1955, while driving his Porsche 550 Spyder on a California highway.
The Crash That Killed a Rising Star
Dean had just wrapped filming on Giant, which went on to be a huge success. During the summer of filming, Warner Brothers had banned him from all racing activities to ensure his health. Once the movie wrapped, he took the first opportunity to get behind the wheel.
On September 21, he traded in his Speedster for a more powerful 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, a car he had dreamt of. He entered himself in the upcoming Salinas Road Race event scheduled for early October. He named the car 'Little Bastard', a nickname given to him by stunt driver Bill Hickman.
The Fatal Collision
On September 30, 1955, Dean was travelling on U.S. Route 46 with Hickman, photographer Sanford Roth, and Rolf Wütherich. A two-tone black and white 1950 Ford Tudor, driven by 23-year-old student Donald Turnupseed, attempted to turn left onto Highway 41, right in front of Dean's Porsche.
As the car crossed the centre line, Dean tried to steer using a 'side-stepping' racing move, but with not enough time or space, the two cars collided almost head-on. Dean suffered a broken neck and massive internal and external injuries, killing him. Everyone else involved survived.
A Chilling Prophecy
Decades later, British actor Alec Guinness revealed in his 1985 autobiography Blessings in Disguise that he had predicted Dean's death. At a dinner the week prior, Guinness recalled saying: "Please, never get in it. It is now ten o'clock, Friday the 23rd of September, 1955. If you get in that car, you will be found dead in it by this time next week." The following Friday, Dean died behind the wheel.
A Lasting Legacy
After his death, Dean's major films were released, solidifying his name further. His role in East of Eden made him the first actor to receive a posthumous Oscar nomination for Best Actor. The following year, he received a second nomination for Giant, his last film. This makes him the only actor to have received two acting nominations after death.
