Dominique Dunne facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dominique Dunne
Dunne in 1982
Born	Dominique Ellen Dunne (1959-11-23)November 23, 1959 Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Died	November 4, 1982(1982-11-04) (aged 22) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Burial place	Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery
Education	Harvard-Westlake School Taft School Fountain Valley School
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1979–1982
Notable work	Poltergeist (1982)
Parent(s)	Dominick Dunne Ellen Griffin Dunne
Relatives	Griffin Dunne (brother) John Gregory Dunne (uncle) Joan Didion (aunt) Hannah Dunne (niece)

Dominique Ellen Dunne (born November 23, 1959 – died November 4, 1982) was an American actress. She was born and grew up in Santa Monica, California. Dominique studied acting at Milton Katselas' Workshop, where she performed in plays.

She first appeared on screen in the TV movie Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker. After that, she played Erica on the TV show Family (1980). She also played Paulina Bornstein on the comedy show Breaking Away (1980–1981).

Dominique became well-known for her main role as Dana Freeling in the horror movie Poltergeist (1982). This movie made her a recognized face in horror films. She also starred in the western movie The Shadow Riders (1982). She played Amy Kent on the crime series CHiPs (1982). Dominique was chosen for the miniseries V (1983). However, she passed away during filming. Another actress, Blair Tefkin, took over her role.

On October 30, 1982, Dominique was seriously injured by her former boyfriend, John Thomas Sweeney. This happened during an argument at her home in West Hollywood. She fell into a coma and died five days later on November 4, 1982. In a court case that received a lot of attention, Sweeney was found responsible for her death.

Life and Career

Early Life and Education

Dominique Dunne was born in Santa Monica, California. She was the youngest child of Ellen Beatriz "Lenny" Griffin and Dominick Dunne. Her father was a writer, producer, and actor. Dominique had two older brothers, Alexander and Griffin Dunne. Griffin is also an actor and director. Her aunt and uncle were famous writers Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne.

Dominique went to Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. She also attended Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut, and Fountain Valley School in Fountain, Colorado. After finishing school, she spent a year in Florence, Italy, where she learned Italian. She later studied acting at Milton Katselas' Workshop. She performed in many plays, including West Side Story and The Mousetrap.

Acting Career Highlights

Dominique Dunne in the 1981 TV movie The Day the Loving Stopped

Dominique's first acting job was in the 1979 TV movie, Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker. She then got smaller roles in popular TV shows in the 1980s. These included Lou Grant, Family, Hart to Hart, and Fame. Dominique also had a regular role on the TV show Breaking Away. She appeared in several other TV movies as well.

In 1981, Dominique was cast in the horror movie Poltergeist. She played Dana Freeling, a teenage daughter whose family is scared by ghosts. The movie was produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper. Poltergeist was her first major movie role. It was released in 1982 and became very popular. It was one of the highest-earning films of that year. The movie also gained a special group of fans over time. Dominique was expected to be in the next Poltergeist movies. However, she passed away before they were made. In Poltergeist II: The Other Side, her character's absence is explained by saying she went to college.

After Her Passing

Dominique appeared in an episode of Hill Street Blues called "Requiem For a Hairbag." This episode aired on November 18, 1982, just two weeks after her death. The show dedicated the episode to her memory.

Dominique was also cast in the miniseries V in 1982. She died during filming, so actress Blair Tefkin took over her role. The creator of the series, Kenneth Johnson, said that some footage of Dominique was used in a small appearance. The series was released in 1983 and was dedicated to her memory.

Her Passing

Dominique met John Thomas Sweeney in 1981. He was a chef at a restaurant. After dating for a few weeks, they moved into a house together. However, their relationship became difficult. Dominique ended the relationship in 1982. After he moved out, she changed the locks on her home.

On October 30, 1982, Sweeney came to Dominique's home. After talking through the locked door, she agreed to speak with him on the porch. They began to argue. Sweeney later said he could not remember what happened after their argument. He claimed he only remembered being on top of her, with his hands around her neck.

Dominique was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She was put on life support. She never woke up. Doctors did brain scans, which showed she had no brain activity because her brain did not get enough oxygen. On November 4, her parents decided to have her removed from life support. At her mother's request, Dominique's kidneys and heart were donated to people who needed transplants.

Dominique Dunne's headstone

Her funeral was held on November 6 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills. Her godfather, Martin Manulis, gave a speech at the funeral. She was buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.

The police arrested Sweeney at Dominique's home that night. He was later found responsible for her death.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Dominique Dunne para niños