OUR FAVORITE OF JAMES DEAN’S LAST PHOTOS

It was a jolt to come across this photo of James Dean that Tom O’Neil posted on Facebook – it was one of the last taken before Dean’s fatal car accident. He’s filling up the tank of his Porsche and we love seeing a sunny Los Angeles gas station in the 50’s. Not to mention that Cadillac! Those were the full service days when the attendant washed your windshield and checked your oil after pumping your gas. Dean was just 24 and had only owned the car for 9 days before his death. Would a seat belt have saved his life? It’s a sad reminder of Paul Walker’s tragic accident.

Photo: Beltmann/Corbis

5 Comments

5 thoughts on “OUR FAVORITE OF JAMES DEAN’S LAST PHOTOS

  1. He is dead. Leave him to rest in peace. He made his own destiny.

  2. Thanks for posting this; truly heartbreaking.

    This pic points out the obvious: that vehicle–despite its cachet–would have been more appropriate at Disneyland’s Autopia, than on the open highway. 🙁

  3. I can’t see anything with James Dean now without thinking of Scotty Bowers book (Full Service) and his comments.

  4. That gas station was in Sherman Oaks at Ventura Blvd. & Beverly Glen across the street from Casa de Cadillac. The pump poles he’s standing in front of are still there. Sadly the entire corner is fenced off and getting ready to be demolished like most all of L.A. history.

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