James Dean, Marylin Monroe, Elvis. Why The Big Deal?

[Wyatt Burp]

I just read a used bio on Dean because i'm fascinated with the way people are immortalized and why. I was curious what it was while he was alive that would lead towards such legendary status. Personally, I don't get off on putting celebrities or so caled celebs on pedistals. I don't even believe in asking "stars" for autographs. There just seems like something weird about elevating celebrities based on superficial accomplishments. Years ago we were coming up Highway 5 and on impulse took the Dean route east to his point of destiny, stopping at the intersection where the crash occured. We did it just for the macabre fascination of it. But why all the memoirbilia and legend to this day? Is it because he died so young and will forever be young. People we don't know die all the time tragically and when he died soldiers were dying in the Korean war and coming home maimed. Dean, Marylin Monroe, Elvis, and Michael Jackson all died pretty young. Was it because they had so much promise? but to do what. Make music and movies? When someone told me michael Jackson died I said, "Michael Jackson the singer? He died? Hmm." Then thought about other stuff.

 

[sipowicz]

Movies and music are a huge part of Americana...yeah, some tend to go overboard in idolizing these figures, but I think the less someone has in their own life, the more they become absorbed in others. How many 40 year old Trekkies still live in their mom's basement....probably more then you or I could count.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I think it depends on your personality. You are either very "Entertainment Tonight" oriented or you have a life that may actually have some meaning...

 

[OLDFED]

I think because most are dissatisfied with their own lives and live vicariously thru the media-hyped "heroes". All you have to do is look at the tabloids at the grocery checkout and wonder.

 

[Bullzaye]

But why all the memoirbilia and legend to this day? Is it because he died so young and will forever be young.

Dean, Marylin Monroe, Elvis, and Michael Jackson all died pretty young. Was it because they had so much promise?

IMO, I believe this is the answer. They died young, so they are forever young, and forever at their peak of fame, with much speculation of what might have been. (Heck, Dean's fame was based on only 3 movies spanning 18 months, and one of those wasn't even released until after his death.) Had they lived a full life, they would have lost some of their "shine", and would have just been one more deceased celebrity.

Tim

 

[Combat]

MAYBE, it's just the plain fact that someone is still making MONEY off these dead peoples names. As long as that's going on they will never be truly "gone".

 

[Wyatt Burp]

IMO, I believe this is the answer. They died young, so they are forever young, and forever at their peak of fame, with much speculation of what might have been. (Heck, Dean's fame was based on only 3 movies spanning 18 months, and one of those wasn't even released until after his death.) Had they lived a full life, they would have lost some of their "shine", and would have just been one more deceased celebrity.

Tim

I wonder, then, what if Robert DeNiro died right after Raging Bull with Godfather 2 and Taxi Driver behind him, would he have achieved this type of eternal "status" as far as gifted actors go? But he grew old and makes stupid movies like Meet the Fockers and isn't funny. Did he trade immortality for a long life and cheat himself out of getting his face on coffee mugs in Hollywood souvenir shops?

 

[nicky4968]

Regarding Marilyn Monroe:

"She was a poet on a street corner trying to recite to a crowd pulling at her clothes" ~ Arthur Miller

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Regarding Marilyn Monroe:

"She was a poet on a street corner trying to recite to a crowd pulling at her clothes" ~ Arthur Miller

That's pretty good. She was a fine actress in comedy, musicals, or drama. But it was talent distracted by great looks and pure sexuality, intentional or not. She could say, "Pass the ketchup, please." and it would sound like a kitten purring.

 

[DeathGrip]

Candle in the Wind by Elton John.

Like it or not.The lyrics are relevant to this thread.

James Dean comes up in a few songs.

Elvis,Lots of hit songs that weren't that good but it was Elvis.

I can't explain why some people would idolize them.(or sports stars too) My hero's don't get the credit that they deserve when compared to those on the list.Yet I do appreciate what they did.

Jimi Hendrix,Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughn had a lot more music in them and I do mis them for that.But I still don't idolize them.They were just humans that had talent and flaws,Nothing more.

Important signature follows,

 

[feralmerril]

Man isnt programed to be worshipped. Actors, athletes, rock stars, even some evangelists cant handle it humbley. Stepping out of a trailer or basement and overnight a fortune and norierty most cant handle. Then they have a image and pace to keep up and many times turn to drugs to help. This country is full of groupies. Kind of like someone watching "Friends" because they aint got any!
Dean, elvis and marlyin all had beauty and talent going for them. I have wondered how others like rose ann barr, micheal moore etc get any fame at all. I think ungodly people are attracted to the ungodly is the only explaination.

 

[OFT II]

Merril is right. I think James Dean's life was much like his role in "Giant". He went from a nobody to riches. Same thing with the others and it was more than they could handle leading to their early demise.

 

[Herknav]

Add JFK to the list.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Like anything else celebs are marketed, packaged and sold to us. If the present economy can afford the farcical salary of Coby Bryant and company why not the other clowns?

 

[Rule 303]

Why some folks are immoratilized?
"Only the Good Die Young".

Rule 303

 

[jimmyj]

James Dean ?
Elvis Presley ?
Michael Jackson ?
Marylin Monroe - YES-YES I remember Her!!!

 

[oldman45]

Anyone here remember Alan Ladd? Died at age 50 at a time when he was very popular. Been dead over 45 yrs.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Anyone here remember Alan Ladd? Died at age 50 at a time when he was very popular. Been dead over 45 yrs.

Another guy with a cloud over him all the time. Even when very successful he was tragic in some way. I think he probably killed himself.
Shane is my favorite movie.

 

[jframe]

Put one of my favorite all time actors, Steve McQueen on the list too. He seemed to know he wouldn't live long, and he took all he could get out of life, and then some. Maybe others should be so lucky as to be able to do so. I really liked him, and I love his movies, but I don't idolize him, I respect the abilities he had, both as an actor, and a racing driver.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Put one of my favorite all time actors, Steve McQueen on the list too. He seemed to know he wouldn't live long, and he took all he could get out of life, and then some. Maybe others should be so lucky as to be able to do so. I really liked him, and I love his movies, but I don't idolize him, I respect the abilities he had, both as an actor, and a racing driver.

When James Dean crashed he had two buddies in another car a ways behind. They got to the wreck a couple minutes after it happened and one of those guys was actor/driver Bill Hickman, the guy who coached McQueen in Bullitt and drove the Charger. He said he thought Dean was still breathing when he reached him. Here's an interview with him I'm about to read now.

http://jamesdeanfan.blogspot.com/2008/11/warren-beaths-interview-with-bill.html