Dominique Dunne (November 23 1959 – November 4 1982) was an American actress. Dunne had parts in several made for television movies, television series and minor 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 wealthy family (she was the daughter of Ellen Griffin, a ranching heiress and the celebrated journalist Dominick Dunne; she was the sister of actor and director Griffin Dunne) and attended schools in L.A. as well as Fountain Valley School and the 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 chef, John Thomas Sweeney. After a short and abusive relationship, Dunne broke up 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 3 years and 8 months before being released. He now lives as John Maura in the northwest.

Dunne's body 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 was cast to play Robin Maxwell in the 1983 mini series V, and had been filmed only briefly when she died. The role was taken over by actress Blair Tefkin. The only scene used with Dunne, according to the commentary, is the one where the Maxwells and others watch the LA mothership glide in on the day the Visitors first arrived, and Dunne's back is all that is seen. The original mini series 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

1959 births | 1982 deaths | American television actors | Murdered entertainers | American murder victims | American film actors | American television actors | Irish-American actors | Entertainers who died in their 20s | V actors

Dominique Dunne | Dominique Dunne