His audience became almost a cult of followers, reading every word about him in the hollywood magazines.  The myths and imaginings of his tragic end had some people almost believing that he didn't die in the car crash, he would return.

Needless to say, he didn't, except possibly through all the look-alikes who wanted to cash in on his fame.

The portrait of Jimmy Dean on the left shows a somber, reflective young man, not long for this  world.

See more portraits of famous people.