Elvis was a huge Dean fan and wanted to be part of that hip Hollywood crowd. He found an energetic and entertaining accomplice when he introduced himself to Nick on the back lot of 20th Century Fox while filming Love Me Tender in 1956. Daddy took Elvis under his wing and showed him the town, introducing Elvis to Natalie and the gang.
My father was in the eye of the storm when he was in Mister Roberts, Rebel Without a Cause and Picnic. All three movies were nominated for numerous Academy Awards in 1955. James Dean would be the first actor posthumously nominated for an Academy Award for his role in East of Eden. Natalie Wood was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Rebel Without a Cause, along with Sal Mineo.