The book “Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean” reveals the blackmail that the actor suffered for his homosexuality in 50s Hollywood
An unpublished chapter in the life of James Dean, the iconic actor of the 50s, has come to light after the publication of the book ""Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean", written by the American researcher Jason Colavito. In this work of biographical style, details of a life are narrated homosexual relationship that Dean would have had with the publicist Rogers Brackett and how this link led to a blackmail which could have destroyed his promising career in Hollywood.
The book describes how, shortly before the release of his first major film, East of Eden, James Dean was forced to pay U.S. dollar 800 Americans to his former lover to prevent his sexual orientation from becoming public.
In the decade of 1950, a revelation of this kind would have meant the end of his professional career, since Hollywood built the image of its stars on strict ideals of masculinity y heterosexuality. "He wanted to avoid a scandal when he could least afford it."Says Colavito.
A relationship marked by power and dependence
According to the author, Dean he met Rogers Brackett In 1951, when he was working as a valet at Los Angeles, in a parking lot near the studios CBS. Brackett, an older, wealthy and influential man, was “impressed by the golden beauty of the young man who took his keys"Soon, the executive offered her a role on a radio show he produced, and the relationship became more than just a professional relationship.
Although Brackett helped Dean to stay afloat financially and offered her lodging when she was on the verge of becoming homeless, the relationship became strained. According to the book, the man tried to Dean ambivalently, describing it as “A child who misbehaved just to get attention” and confessing that she loved him “sometimes paternally, sometimes not paternally".
The influence of Brackett In Dean's life it was not limited to the personal. Colavito He says that the publicist used his position to protect the young actor from compulsory military service, sending him to a psychiatrist who faked sessions to certify his homosexuality.This tore at Dean's fragile masculinity.".
However when Dean began to gain ground in the industry, the relationship with Brackett deteriorated. After moving to Chicago, the executive continued to support him financially, financing hotel bills and loans that totaled more than $1,000 at the time.
The story of blackmail
In March 1955, weeks before the premiere of East of Eden, Brackett, now unemployed and facing financial difficulties, reappeared in Dean's life demanding U.S. dollar 1.200 as reimbursement for expenses he had incurred on her behalf.
According to Colavito, the executive filed a lawsuit in New York City Municipal Court to claim his money. Although the legal documents did not mention the romantic relationship between the two, both Dean as Brackett They knew that exposing the case could reveal their connection and destroy the actor's career.
"The audacity of the request shocked Dean, who had come to believe that he had dealt with abuse during his time 'dancing' for Brackett's friends.", writes Colavito in the book.
Faced with this pressure, Dean chose to reach an agreement. He agreed to pay $800 in installments $100 a week to keep the situation from becoming public. According to documents the author claimed to have obtained, the agent Dean He also managed to get the distribution company East of Eden would pay Brackett a “brokerage commission” to ensure their silence.
A secret kept for decades
The story of this blackmail remained hidden for almost 70 years thanks to the efforts of those involved. According to Colavito, it was Dean's agent who kept key documents from the case, including letters and copies of the lawsuit, that allowed this chapter of his life to be reconstructed. This story had never been told before, and everyone involved worked hard to make sure no one found out.
James Dean He died in a car accident in September 1955, just six months after the premiere of East of EdenHis death turned him into a myth, but this new book sheds light on the sacrifices he made to achieve stardom and the secrets he carried with him to the end.