Dance School: FADED MEMORIES & FALLEN STARS - REMEMBERING SAL MINEO

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SAL MINEO (1939-1976)

Best known for his performance with James Dean in the film Rebel Without a Cause & Giant.

On February 12th, 1976 he was stabbed to death in Hollywood at the age of 37.

Sal was a teen idol in the 50s' & was twice Oscar nominated for Rebel Without a Cause & Exodus.

A pizza delivery man named Lionel Williams was convicted & sentenced to 57 yrs. in prison for the murder. Â It was reported that Sal was trying to make a comeback the night he was killed.

Sal was born in The Bronx, the son of Sicillian coffin makers & was enrolled by his mother in dancing & acting school at a young age. He first appeared in The Rose Tattoo inÂ 1951. He also played the young prince in The King & I.

It was reported that he received thousands of fan letters from young female admirers & was continually mobbed in public appearances, plus he dated some of the most beautiful women in Hollywood & New York.

Unfortunately he was typecast as a troubled teen. He was even referred to as the Switchblade Kid, a nickname he earned from his role as a criminal in the movie Crime in the Streets.

Sal also recorded a handful of songs & an album. Â 2 of his singles reached the Top 40 Pop Charts, Start Movin' reached #9 on Billboard's Pop Chart.

Meanwhile he also made an effort to break away from his typecasting. Â He was known for his exotic good looks & excellent acting talents. He won a Golden Globe Award & received another Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor.

There has been considerable rumors & confused reports concerning Sal's death. Â Many unproven facts, but witness reports still are related to on many websites. Â To suffice this will be enough to honor his life, talent, & contributions to the entertainment fields.