Shortly before his death said that for him the only true success was immortality. When on September 30, 1955 he crashed his silver porsche and broke his neck, he achieved his immortality, and the legen of Hollywood's greatest rebel was born. In this important biography, Val Holley delves into the actor's early life to provide a fresh insight into the dark, personal torment that shaped the legend. From the 100 interviews the author conducted with those who knew Dean - his friends, colleagues, teachers - many different accounts of his childhood, his personality and his sexuality emerge adding new and intriguing facets to this perennial icon of youth. Frequently allowing his sources to tell their stories first-hand, Holley creates an authentic and comprehensive record of an immensely talented actor and a very troubled young man, brilliantly capturing the spirit of this rebel who died too young.