James Dean
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| James Dean |
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| First Apperance | 3rd Annual On Cinema Oscar Special |
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| Portrayed by | Ralph Lucas |
James Dean is an American actor, best known for starring in Rebel Without a Cause (1955, 111 minutes), East of Eden (1955, 118 minutes), and Decker vs. Dracula. He was thought for decades to have died in a car accident in 1955, although it was revealed in 2015 (and confirmed the following year) that he was still alive, and faked his death to escape his fame.
History
Gregg Turkington discovered via the internet that Dean was still alive and had self-published a book, I'm Still Alive: Why I Faked My Own Death to Escape the Trappings of the Hollywood Star System, Fame, and Fortune. Gregg read the book, and invited Dean to return to the spotlight.
Gregg revealed Dean to the world at the end of the Third Oscar Special, and interviewed him about his story. Dean claimed that his death certificate was fake, and that he had to “lie very still” after the crash to appear dead. He also said that he had done some regional theater work in New York and North Dakota over the years, essentially hiding in plain sight, and would consider returning to acting full-time after his secret was out. Tim Heidecker was unconvinced, and acted aggressively towards Dean, whom he believed to be a fraud.
Dean starred as Dracula in Decker vs. Dracula, the third season of the television show Decker, in his first role behind the camera since returning to the public eye. The season was canceled early by Tim.
On the Fourth Oscar Special, Dean's true identity was put to the test. Gregg acquired a sample of Dean's body hair from a source he claimed had access to one of Dean's old movie costumes, and Dr. San ran a DNA test to compare it against a sample from the older Dean. Dr. San's test revealed that the DNA samples were a conclusive match.
Trivia
- Dean implied he remained in contact with Marlon Brando and screenwriter William Bast after his “death,” saying he used to call and talk to them.
- He expressed an interest in performing Shakespeare, particularly King Lear.
[META] Trivia
- The actor who portrays “James Dean,” Ralph Lucas, had a career in B-movies going back to the late 1970s. He also appeared in an episode of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! in 2007. He passed away on February 22, 2020.