A Love Letter from James Dean Sells for $32,500

A notable piece of Hollywood history recently surfaced from Queens. A love letter penned by the iconic, yet tragically short-lived, James Dean was auctioned off for an impressive $32,500.

This heartfelt note was addressed to Barbara Glenn, an actress from 1954, and included the original envelope along with a photograph of Dean’s beloved horse. The auction took place on September 20th, hosted by an acclaimed auction house.

The letter was written just a year before Dean’s untimely death in a car accident at the tender age of 24. Bobby Livingston, the executive vice president of the auction house, remarked on the rarity of such items, saying, “Considering his brief life, handwritten letters from James Dean are extremely rare. This particular note offers a personal glimpse into his life as an artist.”

This letter, belonging to a European collector, begins with Dean humorously admitting, “I fell in love so I didn’t write it,” before expressing his fondness for his horse named Cisco. He mentioned the horse’s amusing antics, hinting at using Cisco in a future film, which is quite charming, really.

Interestingly, Dean mailed this letter from Burbank, California, shortly after arriving in Hollywood to start his career in “East of Eden.” He openly expressed his yearning for Glenn, writing, “I’m very lonely. Your card smelled so good. Don’t do that,” which adds a personal, almost nostalgic touch to the correspondence.

Glenn and Dean were introduced in the early 1950s through their mutual friend, actor Martin Landau, during their climb up the acting ladder. Their romance endured for two years until Dean set off for California.

Later, Glenn married actor Mark Gordon and had a son, Keith. There are whispers about the depth of her feelings for Dean, described as “the love of her life.” It seems, perhaps, that this relationship marked a significant chapter for both of them, especially given their age difference.

Reflecting on the complexities of family dynamics, Glenn’s son noted, “My dad was so jealous; it created this strange semi-family. I think it was her first big romance.” It’s poignant to think about the lasting impact Dean had on her life.

In a light-hearted twist, Glenn faced pressure from her parents over the letter’s fate—her mother implored her not to part with it, while her father had other ideas. “It was a no-win situation,” she mused. What a fascinating glimpse into both their lives.