Howard Koslow (American, 1924 - 2016) "James Dean" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic on Illustration Board Painting.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the Legends of Hollywood Series 32c James Dean stamp issued June 24, 1996.

Born on February 8, 1931, in Fairmount, Indiana, James Dean moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was a young child. After his mother's death in 1940, Dean's father was unable to care for his young son, so James returned to Fairmount where he lived with his aunt and uncle on their farm. A skilled athlete, Dean earned letters in high school basketball and track. He also discovered he had a talent for acting. After his graduation in 1949, Dean moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He attended UCLA as a theater arts major and appeared in various television programs. In September of 1951, Dean moved to New York City. Dean worked steadily throughout the summer and fall of 1953, performing in a variety of television programs and stage productions. In 1954, he won a Tony Award for his outstanding performance in the Broadway play, The Immoralist. Hollywood director Elia Kazan was impressed with Dean and hired him to star as "Cal" in Kazan's new film, East of Eden. Dean superbly portrayed the misunderstood, rebellious son with a vulnerable spirit that thousands of teen-agers could identify with. In Dean's next film, Rebel Without a Cause, he continued to characterize youthful alienation, while his last film, Giant, launched him forever into the realm of star, hero and legend. On September 30, 1955 -- at the height of his career -- James Dean died in a tragic automobile accident. He was buried in Park Cemetery at his hometown of Fairmount, Indiana.

Image Size: 14 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 20 x 18 in.
Unframed.
(B15352)

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