American actor (1931–1955) best known for his star turns in three 1950s screen classics: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant. His untimely death in a high-speed car crash came to represent the very embodiment of the “live fast, die young” philosophy—and elevated him to the status of a legend that remains unique in the annals of Hollywood. Bank check, 6.25 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Dean, “James Dean,” payable to Studio Drug for $10.00, September 25, 1954. In fine condition, with cancellation holes and crease to lower left and some scattered light show-through from stamps on reverse, and a small red pencil cancellation touching the last letter of the signature.
Dean was in Hollywood around this time finishing work as Cal Trask, the troubled son of a wealthy businessman, in the film East of Eden. This very month, Eden director Elia Kazan wound up screening a rough cut of his film for colleague Nicholas Ray, director of Rebel Without a Cause, who was so impressed by Dean’s on-screen presence that he offered the star the famed angst-filled role. Almost a year to the day after this drug store visit, Dean was killed in his Porsche 550 Spyder. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$150.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
