What would have happened if James Dean had survived?
On September 30, 1960, in the vicinity of Salinas, California, Hollywood actor James Dean passed away remarkably. vehicle mishap. A man in a big Ford pulled out in front of him. 24 year old Dean had a tiny Porsche. It was a serious collision. Thus, a somber young Hoosier who had directed three films passed away, and a cultural symbol of teenage despair and hurt expressions was created.
But what if Dean had swerved at the last minute, somehow avoiding a collision with the other car? What if Dean hadn’t died in the collision? And if James Dean hadn’t passed away? I asked eight people with different hobbies and backgrounds this question. They stated the following:
“After his passing, James Dean’s legend expanded even more. Dean isn’t mentioned in the first Giant trailers until very near the very end. He was a rising star, but when being an outsider became fashionable in the late 1950s and early 1960s, his fame took off. If he had lived, he most likely would have followed in the footsteps of his close pals Martin Landau, Dennis Hopper, and Marlon Brando. For example, it wouldn’t be impossible to picture James Dean in Hoosiers rather than Dennis Hopper.”
“Considering the course of Dean’s brief Hollywood career, I firmly believe that he was meant to shine briefly before withdrawing into his non-actor pursuits. I could have watched him develop a strong bond with auto racing. He and Paul Newman, in my opinion, would have followed similar career paths. His focus would have been on the track, but there would have been a desire and a return to Hollywood for film projects forever.”
James Dean could run a corporation with the same shrewdness as an actor. To increase sales, he founded the ‘grunge’ movement in the 1970s and competed with Versace and Gucci with his ‘Rebel’ apparel line. His classic white T-shirt and leather jacket are still wardrobe mainstays. He would win the Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona, driving a Porsche like a gentleman. He planned to open his renowned vehicle collection to benefit groups that assist “lost, bored, and emotionally neglected teenagers.” He led a reclusive existence and never made another movie. Following in the footsteps of his friend Jim Nabors, he came out as gay on his 80th birthday and lived a happy, gay life with his best friend.”
“The world lost one of its greatest performers, advocates, and ardent auto racers when James Dean passed away last week at the age of 84. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center last Wednesday, a lifetime marked by five Indianapolis 500 victories, fifteen Oscar nominations (with only one win for The Godfather in 1972), and his now-famous endorsement of the Gay Rights Bill of 1966 came to an end. It is difficult to envision a world without this iconic person from American history, and it is even more difficult to believe it all began with a few almost forgotten movies like Giant and Rebel Without a Cause. Peace be with you, Mr. Dean, and I appreciate everything you left behind.”
“I believe he would still be in show business. The majority of those who were familiar with him and were Californians expressed their belief that he would have become a director. Numerous photos exist of him looking through, behind, and other angles of the camera. Perhaps he would have started his own film firm in the future.
