He was a cult hero, although his movie career spanned less than two years. Can you name the three films in which James Dean starred? And what kind of car was James Dean driving when he was killed near Salinas, California?

James Dean's meteoric rise to fame was tragically cut short, but his legacy is immortalized in his three starring film roles. The first to be released, in 1955, was "East of Eden," an adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel. This was followed by the iconic "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955), which cemented his status as a symbol of teenage angst and disillusionment. His final role was as Jett Rink in the epic drama "Giant" (1956), which was released after his death. In fact, of his three major films, "East of Eden" was the only one he saw released in its entirety.

His status as a cult hero grew exponentially after his untimely death, fueled by his powerful performances that captured the restlessness of 1950s youth. Though his professional acting career spanned only about five years, his impact was profound. He remains the only actor to have received two posthumous Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, for his roles in "East of Eden" and "Giant." This enduring recognition is a testament to the raw talent he displayed in his brief but brilliant time in the spotlight.

An avid fan of auto racing, Dean was driving his brand-new Porsche 550 Spyder to a race in Salinas, California, on September 30, 1955. He had nicknamed the car "Little Bastard." Near Cholame, his Porsche collided with another car at an intersection, resulting in the fatal crash that took his life at the age of 24. His sudden death cemented his legendary status, transforming the promising young actor into an enduring cultural icon.