I came to know about actress Pier Angeli through the 2001 TV movie – James Dean. She was popular for her relationship with Hollywood heartthrob James Dean. Pier Angeli was an emerging diva while James Dean was making his presence felt in Hollywood. Pier Angeli met James Dean on set of movie: ‘The Silver Chalice’. It was love at first sight. Their backgrounds were diverse. Pier Angeli was a pampered child raised under the strict discipline of her mother while James Dean had a disturbed childhood. James lost his mother due to cancer and had strained relationship with his father. His passion for acting and rebellious attitude attracted attention of several filmmakers. He was a struggling actor dreaming to make it big in Hollywood. Pier had numerous affairs and she was linked to prominent Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas, father of actor Michael Douglas. There were lots of gossips regarding James Deans’ sexuality. Some speculated that he was gay while some gossiped that he was bi-sexual. Despite their drastic upbringings, Pier Angeli and James fell in love.
Not all love stories have happy endings. Pier Angeli’s mother never approved of James Dean’s relationship with her daughter. Though James and Pier Angeli planned to marry, it never materialized in reality. Pier Angeli married twice but never found marital happiness. She had fight for parental custody in both the failed marriages. The sinking career, failed marriages and ill-health took a toll on her mentally and physically. On 10th September 1971, she was found dead due to drug overdose. Had she married James Dean, the story would have been different. But forces of nature were against these love birds. Dejected by rejection of Pier Angeli, James Dean, a heartbroken man took solace in driving. His passion for speedy cars claimed his life in an accident. The car accident tragically cut short the life of an aspiring actor who made a big impact in a short time with only 3 movies in his lifetime. Pier Angeli was shattered with news of James Dean’s death in car accident. Somewhere Pier Angeli was responsible for death of James. Had Pier Angeli followed her heart, she would have been happily wed with James Dean. Pier Angeli’s personal life overshadowed her movie career. She was only in spotlight for her affairs, broken marriages and legal battles. Like every doomed Hollywood actress, Pier Angeli met her end due to drug overdose. Even Marilyn Monroe and several other actors & actresses died due to drug consumption.
After paying my tribute to James Dean in my previous blog posts, I had plans to write on Pier Angeli. But due to work commitments, the story never came to life on paper. Finally, after wait of 3 years, I returned to my writing table to tell the story of a fragile diva who never found love and happiness in her life. I personally feel that there should be a Hollywood biopic on life and times of this underrated Hollywood diva – Pier Angeli.
Stories that evoke nostalgia 