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. November 23 is the 327th day of the year (328th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 38 days remaining. ... 1959 (MCMLIX) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... November 4 is the 308th day of the year (309th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 57 days remaining. ... 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Film refers to the celluloid media on which movies are printed. ... A television program is the content of television broadcasting. ... 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

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 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 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. Location Location of Santa Monica in California and Los Angeles County Coordinates , Government Country State County United States California Los Angeles Incorporated November 30, 1886 City Council Bobby Shriver Robert Holbrook (mayor) Ken Genser Kevin McKeown Herb Katz Pam OConnor Richard Bloom Geographical characteristics Area     City 41. ... Dominick Dunne, born October 29, 1925 in Hartford, CT, is an American writer and investigative journalist describing the way high society interacts with the judiciary system. ... Griffin Dunne (born June 8, 1955 in New York, New York) is an American actor. ... Nickname: City of Angels Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates: State County California Los Angeles County Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Area    - City 1,290. ... Fountain Valley School is a 4-year college preparatory school in Colorado Springs, Colorado. ... Colorado State University Colorado State University is a public land grant institution of higher learning located in Fort Collins, Colorado in the United States. ...

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. The 1980s decade refers to the years from 1980 to 1989, inclusive, informally sometimes including the years 1979, 1990 and 1991. ... Family is the name of an award-winning television drama series that aired on ABC from 1976 to 1980. ... CHiPs was a US television series through MGM Studios running on NBC from September 15, 1977 to July 17, 1983. ... The movie Fame spawned three television series: The original, which ran from 1982 to 1987 Fame L.A., which ran in the mid-1990s. ... Steven Allan Spielberg, KBE (born December 18, 1946) is an Academy Award-winning American film director. ...

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 only 22. Cooks in training in Paris Chef is a term commonly used to refer to an individual who cooks professionally. ... John Thomas Sweeney is a former chef who dated actress Dominique Dunne in the early 1980s and later strangled her following a domestic dispute. ... Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is a world-famous hospital located in Los Angeles. ... Nickname: City of Angels Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates: State County California Los Angeles County Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Area    - City 1,290. ...

Sweeney was convicted of manslaughter and was sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison. He served less than four years before being released.

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 only 12. Cemetery view looking South-East. ... Natalie Wood (born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko) (July 20, 1938 – November 29, 1981), was an American film actress. ... 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Heather Michele ORourke (December 27, 1975 - February 1, 1988, born in San Diego, California) was an American child actress who starred in the Poltergeist movie trilogy. ...

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. 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... V was a 1983 U.S. science fiction television miniseries written and directed by Kenneth Johnson and first shown on NBC. It starred Jane Badler, Marc Singer, Faye Grant, Michael Ironside, Michael Durrell, Jenny Sullivan, Richard Herd, Peter Nelson, David Packer, Blair Tefkin, Diane Civita and Robert Englund. ... Blair Tefkin (b. ...

External links

• Dominique Dunne at the Internet Movie Database
• 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