This Day In History: James Dean

In 1955 on this day, at the tender age of 24, James Dean and his mechanic Rolf Wuetherich, got in his Porsche 550, nicknamed “Little Bastard,” and headed out to a car race in Salinas, California. What was probably thought of as a leisurely ride to the races turned out to be Dean’s last day on earth. His car was involved in a head-on collision. The other car involved was driven by a 23-year-old college student named Donald Turnaspeed. Dean was taken to Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital, and pronounced dead at 5:59 p.m. Turnspeed who was thrown from the car, survived with minor injuries. No charges were ever filed against Turnspeed.

Achievements to note:

• Dean beat out Paul Newman for the role of Cal Trask in East of Eden …an incredible feat.

• Dean was the first actor to be awarded a posthumous Academy Award nomination for his role in East of Eden.

Uncategorized