SAL MINEO 50's-60's gay actor.

Sal Mineo (1939-1976) was a gay actor best known for the classic teen angst film 'Rebel Without A Cause' (1955). His early career included the stage plays 'The Rose Tattoo', and 'The King and I' with Yul Brynner. After appearing in the epic Giant (1956) with Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean, he truly became a teen idol, constantly appearing in Teen magazines and on the Hollywood circuit. In 1957 he recorded an album of songs, two of which hit the Top 40. He starred as drummer Gene Krupa in 'The Gene Krupa Story'.

By the 1960's his career was all but over. As a man, he could no longer play the teenage roles that had made him famous. He received good reviews as a stalker in 'Who Killed Teddy Bear' (1965), and he also played Dr. Milo in 'Escape From The Planet Of The Apes' (1971). By the '70's he produced a local version in L.A of the gay play 'Fortune and Men's Eyes' famous for its prison rape scene. He also starred as a gay burglar in the stage comedy 'P.S. Your Cat Is Dead'.

On February 12th 1976 Sal Mineo was stabbed to death once through the heart in a seedy back alleyway in West Hollywood. His murderer was sentenced to 57 years and had no idea who Mineo was. Sal Mineo was 36. Pics selected here include 3 photos with bisexual actor the legendary James Dean, and one with the King, Elvis Presley.