James Dean is the legendary hero with a legendary story; live fast and die young. For over half a century, he has captured the world with his casual style, unflinching look and rebel attitude. James Dean has defined the essence of cool and without-a-cause for generations. His star continues to shine brighter and brighter.
Never has there ever been, never will there ever be. The one, the only, James Dean.
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This group of photos is known as the Torn Sweater Series. The first shot has become perhaps the best known picture of Dean, used as a backdrop for the stage revue Grease, on six- and twelve-sheets outside of theaters, and sold as posters worldwide. Roy Schatt shot the series on December 29, 1954, at the request of Life magazine. They never ran in Life, but it didn't seem to affect their popularity.