I agree with Kimmy. James Dean made three movies. I have seen them over and over. I feel he tried too hard to be Brando. Sure, Brando muttered his way through many movies, but those early movies he did were supreme.
Dean and Brando's personal lives were fucked. Dean died at such a young age that we will never know what he could have done with his acting. I, for one, did not want Brando to grow old and get fat and lose his hair and screw all his maids and get them pregnant. I wanted him to remain the prince of acting.
James Dean played basketball with my uncle. He was not very good in sports regardless of what the media says. He was an average student. He wanted to escape Indiana. I can relate to that. Everyone wanted him to be a success. He was a very confused young man, but so was Brando. "Rebel Without A Cause" had its opening celebration in my home town. Every small town needs a hero.
Both actors were 100% better than the Cruises and the Pitts of today.