William Bast, a distinguished television screenwriter celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the world of scriptwriting, had the distinguished honor of being awarded the prestigious Edgar award, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Not only did Bast have the privilege of chronicling the life and times of the legendary James Dean, but he also shared a profound and intimate connection with the iconic actor, having been his close friend and romantic partner.
Their paths crossed and they formed a lasting bond while pursuing their passion for drama at the esteemed University of California, Los Angeles (U.C.L.A.),where they became roommates and kindled a lifelong friendship.
Later, they decided to take their relationship to the next level by sharing a cozy apartment in the vibrant city of New York, where they continued to nurture their creative spirits and support one another in their respective pursuits.
Bast, a meticulous and thorough individual, chose to commemorate the life of Dean by writing a comprehensive biography, titled "James Dean: A Biography", a year following his untimely passing in 1955. This poignant literary work was published in 1956, serving as the foundation for the 1976 television movie "James Dean", which Bast not only wrote but also had the distinction of producing.
Thirty years after the passing of James Dean, his former lover, Bast, published a comprehensive memoir titled "Surviving James Dean", offering a more in-depth and unflinching account of their complex relationship.
Bast, a prolific individual, penned a biography in 1956, which was later followed by a memoir in 2006. Additionally, he was involved in the creation of a television movie in 1976. Moreover, Bast's creative endeavors did not stop there, as he went on to write a screenplay based on Dean's funeral. This screenplay was subsequently used as the basis for a 1958 British television teleplay titled "The Myth Makers". The teleplay was later adapted for an American audience, premiering as "The Movie Star" on television in 1962.
