Candid Photographs James Dean Playing With His Beloved Kitten Marcus, 1955

In September 1955, as filming of Giant (1956) was coming to an end, James Dean got a Siamese kitten from co-star Elizabeth Taylor whom he had befriended during the film’s shooting. He named the cat Marcus, after his cousin.

When Dean went to Salinas, California, on September 30, 1955 to participate in a car racing competition, he needed somebody to look after Marcus. His friend, actress Jeanette Doty (whom Dean had formerly dated) had agreed to take him, and the night before he left Dean visited her to bring the cat over. Along with Marcus, Dean also gave Jeanette a note with instructions how to feed and care for him.

Dean would never be back to pick up Marcus. On his way to Salinas he died after crashing his Porsche.

These handwritten instructions for care and feeding of his pet: “1 teaspoon white Karo, 1 big can evaporated milk, equal part boiled water or distilled water, 1 egg yoke [sic], mix and chill. Don't feed him meat or formula cold. 1 drop vitamin solution per day. Take Marcus to Dr. Cooper on Melrose for shots next week.”

Pictured with Jeanette Doty at the popular nightclub Ciro’s, who Jimmy would later leave his kitten with in L.A.