The 27 best quotes of James Dean, a film legend

We review the most beautiful quotes of this true icon of acting.

James Dean (1931 - 1955) was an all-round actor. Born in Indiana, his brilliant career had outstanding appearances in film, television and theater, although popular culture remembers Dean especially for his roles as a "bad boy", an eternal teenager with no future and a bad life.

Especially famous for his role in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), James Dean died that same year due to an unfortunate car accident. From there, the legend of James Dean grew to become a true pop culture idol.

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James Dean's Famous Quotes

1. My purpose in life does not include a yearning to charm society.

Although he is often linked to certain narcissistic traits, James Dean had no intention of being a popular person.

2. Only the gentle are always really strong.

Not losing good manners always gives us an added value and more moral integrity.

3. Death cannot be considered, because if you are afraid of dying, there is no room in your life to make discoveries.

Risk invites death, but therein lies the magic of life.

4. Dream as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die today.

Perhaps James Dean's most famous phrase. A true ode to carpe diem.

5. I'm not going through life with one arm tied behind my back.

About his desire to live on the edge.

6. There is no way to be truly great in this world.

Humility guided James Dean through his short but passionate life.

7. Gratification comes with doing, not with results.

The state of flow gratifies us, the salary only rewards us.

8. I don't even pretend to be 'the best'. I want to fly so high that no one can reach me. Not to prove anything, I just want to get to where you have to be when you give your whole life and everything you are to one thing.

Totally devoted to his craft as an actor. In love with cinema.

9. The best thing about being single is that you can get into bed on any side you want.

A funny phrase in which he explains the benefits of emotional freedom.

10. I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.

Overcoming adversities is basic for a happy life.

11. I believe there is only one form of greatness for man. It is when a man can bridge the gap between life and death. I mean, if he can live after he has died, then maybe he was a great man. To me the only success, the only greatness, is immortality.

Obviously, his figure and his legacy make this famous Dean quote a true premonition.

12. People told me I was acting like Brando even before I knew who Brando was. I don't mind the comparison, but I'm not flattered either.

On the eternal comparisons with another famous actor: Marlon Brando.

13. I liked to go out and scare cows with my motorcycle. They would run away with their udders shaking and lose a liter of milk.

An anecdote that portrays his jovial and carefree spirit.

14. No one has ever done anything for me. I owe nothing to anyone.

Showing his dignity.

15. Don't 'act'. If you are Smoking a cigarette, smoke it, don't act as if you were smoking it.

A great phrase to know how to interpret in a natural way, without forcing or exaggerating.

16. Whatever it is inside me that makes me who I am, it's like a movie. Movies only work in the dark, if you open them all the way and let the light in, you kill them.

A good dose of darkness makes life epic.

17. An actor has to learn everything there is to know, experience or get as close to that state as possible.

On the art of acting, in one of those absolutely unforgettable James Dean quotes.

18. It was a friendly, uncomplicated thing. I respect her, she's untouchable: we belong to totally different castes. She's one of those girls you put on an altar to adore. But well, her old lady (her mother) didn't like me at all. Not that I blame her either.

About his relationship with an actress named Pier Angeli.

19. I try very hard to make people reject me, why?

About her self-destructive spirit.

20. You have to live fast, death comes soon.

A sad self-fulfilling prophecy.

21. When you know that a character can give something more and you don't quite know what it is, you have to look for it; walk a tightrope.

His ability to take his characters to the extreme made him famous.

22. The only greatness for man is immortality.

And this is never attained. We are small; insignificant.

23. To be a doctor is not easy. To be a man is even more difficult.

The difficulty of being a normal man.

24. For me, acting is the most logical way for people's neurosis to manifest itself.

Cinema has the ability to awaken our darkest side.

25. Being an actor is the loneliest thing in the world. You're really alone with your concentration and imagination and that's all you have.

The loneliness of the performer.

26. I am also close to nature and now I am able to appreciate the beauty with which this world is endowed.

His reverence for nature clashed with his image as a tough guy from the big cities of the United States.

27. To my way of thinking, an actor's course is set even before he is out of the cradle.

An actor's destiny is written in his genes, according to this beautiful quote from James Dean