U.S. #3082
32¢ James Dean
Legends of Hollywood Series
Issue Date: June 24, 1996
City: Burbank, CA
Quantity: 300,000,000
Printed By: Stamp Venturers
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforations: 11.1
Color: Multicolored
Famous for his intense, brooding portrayals of rebellious young men, James Dean became a symbol for a generation of restless youths defying the social conformity they perceived as oppressive. Despite a film career that encompassed only three feature roles, he remains an idol today, as much for his rebellious character as for his acting ability.
Dean studied acting at the University of California and at the Actors Studio in New York City, before beginning a professional stage career. His portrayal of the blackmailing Arab in the Broadway play, The Immoralist, showed promise and earned him a Hollywood contract.
Dean’s sensitive interpretations of his characters in the films East of Eden, Giant, and the legendary Rebel Without a Cause, established him as the personification of youthful frustration and made him the cult object of young Americans. His sudden death in an automobile accident before the release of Giant caused nationwide mourning and further contributed to his idolization.