^Lot 1281 Sal Mineo

Actor tragically stabbed to death at the age of 37 in February 1976, best remembered for his roles in Rebel Without a Cause, Giant, and Exodus. ALS signed “Sal,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 7, September 9, 1955. At 16 years of age, Mineo responds to an admirer named “Rosalind,” in full: “I received your letter and I’m getting ready now to answer all your questions. Don’t feel bad, they’re the same questions all the time. I think I’m used to it now. Let’s see, first, I have two brothers and one sister (21 years, 18 years, 13 years old), none in show business. (I’m the only black sheep). I hope to go to college and still continue my career. I do like acting very much and the most important or best feeling is when the results of a picture I’ve done are good. I’ve been on Broadway and I’ve done T. V. in N. Y. I only go to Calif. to do a picture. My home is in N. Y. Well, that’s about it Rosalind. I hope you’ll excuse my handwriting. I’ve had a very busy day to day. (Some excuse, huh?),” adding the post script, “I’m 16 1/2, 17 Jan 10.” Scattered light creasing and toning, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Mineo’s hand, and a candid, unsigned photo. The 1955 film earned Mineo one of his two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor as John “Plato” Crawford; the next would be for his role as Dov Landau in Exodus.