These Photos Reveal a Softer Side of James Dean

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1938: Young James Dean

James Byron Dean was born on February 8, 1931 in Marion, Indiana. As a child, Dean's father left behind his farming career and moved the family to Santa Monica, California to train as a dental technician.

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1945: A Tragic Beginning

When Dean was just nine years old, his mother passed away from cancer. Dean was sent to live with his aunt and uncle on their farm in Fairmount, Indiana.

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1947: An All-American Boy

Dean (front, center) and his high school baseball team pictured in 1948 in Indiana.

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1948: Life in Indiana

Dean aspired to be an actor. After graduating from high school, he moved to California for a few years and studied theater.

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1951: A Move to New York City

In 1951, the aspiring actor moved to New York City to pursue roles in theater. Dean trained under Lee Strasberg, although it's rumored the two didn't get along. It was around this time that the actor landed a role in the 1952 Broadway play, See the Jaguar.

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1953: More Minor Roles

Throughout the '50s, Dean scored minor roles in big pictures like Fixed Bayonets!, Sailor Beware, and shows like Kraft Television Theater. Here, Dean is seen dancing in a scene with actress Betsy Palmer in the CBS show, Danger.

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1954: Heading to Hollywood

In 1954, the actor's performance in the play The Immoralist caught the attention of Hollywood studios. Once again, Dean packed up and moved, this time out west where he began being groomed to be a young star.

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1953: Always a Rebel

From a young age, Dean had a penchant for fast cars and motorcycles, a hobby that would continue throughout his career.

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1954: Never Too Serious

Dean is credited for changing the trajectory of screen acting and bringing method acting into the fold. But that didn't mean the star took himself too seriously.

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1954: A Working Actor

Dean landed his first major movie role in 1954's East of Eden. Here, the actor is seen on set with his Italian girlfriend, actress Pier Angeli.

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1954: On His Mark

East of Eden was a film adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel of the same name. With direction from Elia Kazan, Dean gave a masterful performance.

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1954: Mastering Ballet

Dean was a skilled dancer and is seen here practicing ballet with a woman in California. The actor had previously taken lessons in New York City.

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1954: A Successful First Film

East of Eden was a hit. Dean later earned an Academy Award for his role and signed on to film two more pictures with Warner Bros. the following year.

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1954: A Young Hollywood Couple

On the heels of his first film, Dean and his girlfriend, Angeli, became one of Hollywood's newest A-list couples.

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1954: A Bad Boy Image

Much to the studio's chagrin, Dean never stopped riding his motorcycle.

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1954: Leading Man Status

Dean and actress Terry Moore attend the Hollywood premiere of Sabrina together. After the success of East of Eden, Dean was slated to become one of Hollywood's next big stars.

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1955: 'Rebel Without a Cause'

Dean began production on Rebel Without a Cause in 1955, in which he played the misunderstood Jim Stark.

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1955: On Set With Natalie Wood

Dean's costar for his second leading role was legendary Hollywood actress, Natalie Wood.

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1955: Goofing Around on Set

Dean and Wood became close friends on the set of their film, which was a turning point in both of their careers. For Dean, it was the first film he received top billing for, and for 16-year-old Wood it was a transition to more adult roles.

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1955: A Skilled Actor

Dean is seen discussing his role in Rebel Without a Cause on set during one of the film's most pivotal scenes with director Nicholas Ray.

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