Dominique Dunne
Biography
Dominique Ellen Dunne was an American actress born in Santa Monica, California, on November 23, 1959. She passed away on November 4, 1982. During her acting career, she made appearances in several made for television movies, television series, and films. She is known for playing the supporting role of the oldest daughter, Dana Freeling, in the 1982 film Poltergeist. She was the sister of actor Griffin Dunne. Her television and film work included appearances in projects associated with titles such as Family and Hill Street Blues. Following her work in Poltergeist, she was murdered by her former partner shortly after the film's premiere.
Career overview
Dominique Ellen Dunne was an American actress born on November 23, 1959, in Santa Monica, California. Active in the entertainment industry, she built a known credit portfolio that included acting appearances in several made for television movies, television series, and feature films. Among her notable cinematic work, she played a supporting role as the oldest daughter, Dana Freeling, in the 1982 film Poltergeist. Throughout her acting career, she also made appearances in television series such as Family and Hill Street Blues.
In addition to her television and film work, she was the sister of actor Griffin Dunne. Her life and career were cut short when she died on November 4, 1982, at the age of 22 in Santa Monica, California. Her acting legacy and untimely death have continued to be referenced in retrospective discussions regarding film productions and Hollywood history, including appearances in television films and media projects reflecting on her life and career.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
18 titles- Dominick Dunne: After the Party (2008) as Self (archive footage)
- The Curse of Poltergeist (2002)
- V (1983) In Memory Of
- Fame (1982)
- Poltergeist (1982) as Dana Freeling
- The Shadow Riders (1982) as Sissy Traven
- Hill Street Blues (1981)
- The Day the Loving Stopped (1981) as Judy Danner
- The Haunting of Harrington House (1981) as Polly Ames
- The Righteous Apples (1980)
- Breaking Away (1980)
- Valentine Magic on Love Island (1980) as Cheryl
- Hart to Hart (1979)
- Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker (1979) as Cathy Robinson
- Lou Grant (1977)
- CHiPs (1977) as Amy Kent
- Family (1976)
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Dominique Dunne best known for?
Dominique Dunne is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including V (1983), Fame (1982), Poltergeist (1982), The Shadow Riders (1982).
When and where was Dominique Dunne born?
Dominique Dunne was born on November 23, 1959 in Santa Monica, California, USA. They passed away on November 4, 1982.
How many credits does Dominique Dunne have?
Dominique Dunne has accumulated over 18 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1961 to 2008.
What is Dominique Dunne's background in cinema and television?
Dominique Ellen Dunne was an American actress born in Santa Monica, California, on November 23, 1959. She passed away on November 4, 1982. During her acting career, she made appearances in several made for television movies, television series, and films. She is known for playing the supporting role of the oldest daught...
Dominique Dunne by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Hill Street Blues (1981) — aged about 21
- Lou Grant (1977) — aged about 17
- Poltergeist (1982) as Dana Freeling — aged about 22
- Family (1976) — aged about 16
- Breaking Away (1980) — aged about 20
- Fame (1982) — aged about 22
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