Lot 869: James Dean: American actor (1931-1955) best known

James Dean: 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, payable to National Auto Club for $16.00, November 22, 1954. In fine condition, with cancellation holes to body, show-through from stamps on reverse, a couple of clerical pencil notations (including one of Dean's telephone numbers) to lower left, and a slight cancellation ink mark to first name of signature.More than just words, Dean's credo was an eerily prophetic way of life, and death, for Dean, whose need for speed, racing and "living on the edge" are all well-documented in many books, documentaries, and biographies. The Indiana native found that success in Hollywood afforded him the luxury of indulging in whatever pursuit he chose, with race cars-specifically, Porsches-topping the list. It's no small wonder that he would want to reserve the services of the auto club. Using his wealth to feed his hobby, Dean initially "settled" for a Speedster convertible, using a 356 Speedster on the California road race circuit. He later traded up to the new performance-driven 550 Spyder-a vehicle he planned to enter in a Salinas, California competition until he was involved in a fatal head-on cash on September 30, 1955, ten months after endorsing this check.