This page uses content from the Dominique Dunne biography page on the English version of Wikipedia and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. This list of authors can be seen in the page history. Rotten Tomatoes disclaims any and all warranties as to the accuracy or reliability of the content.

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 murdered Dunne. The 6'1" Sweeney strangled the 5'1" actress 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.

External links

• Dominique Dunne memorial site with extensive biography and photos
• Find A Death - Dominique Dunne
• The Dominique Dunne Discussion Group
• Find A Grave - Dominique Dunne
• Memorial Site - A tribute page dedicated to Dominique Dunne, Rebecca Schaeffer and Judith Barsi
• Justice for Homicide Victims - The official site of the victim’s rights organization founded by Dominique’s mother in 1984
• Tony’s Chamber - Ode to Dominique Dunne

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