James Dean was an American actor who had gained the status of a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment and social estrangement for his portrayal of troubled teenager Jim Stark in one of his best films, ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ (1955). His portrayal of loner Cal Trask in ‘East of Eden’ (1955) and surly ranch hand Jett Rink in ‘Giant’ (1956) are also considered among his best roles and contributed considerably to his stardom.
He started his career on television, appearing as John the Apostle in Easter television special ‘Hill Number One’ (1951). During his struggling years, he performed on a number TV shows including ‘Kraft Television Theatre’ (1952-53), ‘Robert Montgomery Presents’ (1953), ‘Danger’ (1953-54), ‘General Electric Theater’ (1954) and ‘The United States Steel Hour’ (1955).
He achieved a breakthrough in 1953 when he was cast by director Elia Kazan in the emotionally complex role of 'Cal Trask' in the film adaptation of John Steinbeck's 1952 novel ‘East of Eden’. He impressed the crew with his improvisation on the set and later earned an ‘Academy Award’ nomination posthumously in 1956. The role foreshadowed his later roles as a troubled youth in his last two films before his untimely death.
