Dominique Dunne

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dunne in Poltergeist, with JoBeth Williams

Dominique Dunne (November 23, 1959 – November 4, 1982) was an American actress. Dunne had parts in several made for television movies, television series, and movies, but is probably best known for her role as the oldest daughter, "Dana," in 1982's Poltergeist.

Dunne was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in a prominent family. She was the daughter of Ellen Griffin, a ranching heiress, and of producer/journalist/novelist Dominick Dunne. She was also the niece of novelists John Gregory Dunne and his wife, Joan Didion, and the sister of actor and director Griffin Dunne. Dunne attended schools in L.A. as well as Fountain Valley School and Colorado State University. After spending a year in Italy, Dunne worked for a short period in L.A. as a receptionist and translator for the Italian Trade Commission but eventually turned to acting.

Dunne obtained small roles in episodes of popular '80s television series such as Family, CHiPs and Fame. After three years, she finally received her big break with a starring role in Steven Spielberg's movie Poltergeist.

Later that year, after completing work in Poltergeist, Dunne met and moved in with a popular Los Angeles chef, John Thomas Sweeney, who was working at the restaurant Ma Maison. After a short and abusive relationship, Dunne ended her relationship with Sweeney. A few weeks later, Sweeney strangled Dunne in the driveway of her home after she refused to reconcile with him. She died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California a few days later, at the age of 22.

Sweeney was convicted of manslaughter and was sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison. He served less than four years before his release, having been given credit for time served before conviction.

Dominique Dunne was buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery near family friend, Natalie Wood. Later in 1988, her young Poltergeist co-star, Heather O'Rourke, was buried near her when she died at the age of twelve.

Dunne had been cast as Robin Maxwell in the 1983 miniseries V and had been filmed only briefly before her death. The role was recast with actress Blair Tefkin. The only scene in which Dunne appears, according to the commentary, is the one in which the Maxwells and others watch the LA mothership glide in on the day the Visitors first arrive. Dunne's back is all that is seen. The original miniseries is dedicated to Dominique Dunne.