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Sharon Tate

Historical Figure

Sharon Tate

1943–1969

American actress and model (1943–1969)

Interwar & WWII

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Biography

Sharon Marie Tate Polanski was an American actress and model. During the 1960s, she appeared in advertisements and small television roles before appearing in films as well as working as a model. After receiving positive reviews for her comedic and dramatic acting performances, Tate was hailed as one of Hollywood's most promising newcomers, being compared favorably with Marilyn Monroe.

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In Their Own Words (5)

Martin Ransohoff had to sell Roman on the idea of even considering me for the film. He arranged for the two of us to have dinner. Roman never said a word to me, we just sat there and ate and he just looked at me. Then we had a second dinner meeting and the same thing happened. Later he took me to his apartment. He lit some candles and then excused himself and left me standing there alone. A short while later he came storming into the room like a madman and he was wearing a Frankenstein mask. I let out a blood-curdling scream and while I was still crying from the scare, he was calling Ransohoff to tell him that the part in the film was mine.

On how she received the part of Sarah Shagal in Roman Polanski's The Fearless Vampire Killers, in Screen Stories magazine (1967) , 1967

I guess you could say that I was somewhat withdrawn from my classmates. I spent a good deal of time being a loner. I suppose that had something to do with the way we lived — always on the move, never living in one town very long. It's very hard to make lasting friendships that way. And my father was rather strict with me and my two younger sisters. He insisted on proper behaviour and very often vetoed our choices of boyfriends. There was always a curfew whenever my sisters or I would go out on a date — we had to be home on time or else. But I never resented his authority. In fact, I'm thankful for my strict upbringing; I feel it has helped me learn discipline — and that's very important in this business.

As quoted in Screen Stories magazine (1967) , 1967

I'd like to be a fairy princess — a little golden doll with gossamer wings, in a voile dress, adorned with bright, shiny things. I see that as something totally pure and beautiful. Everything that's realistic has some sort of ugliness in it. Even a flower is ugly when it wilts, a bird when it seeks its prey, the ocean when it becomes violent. I'm very sensitive to ugly situations. I'm quick to read people, and I pick up if someone's reacting to me as just a sexy blonde. At times like that, I freeze. I can be very alone at a party, on the set, or in general, if I'm not in harmony with things around me.

As quoted in "Who I'd Like To Be In My Next Life"] featuring celebrity responses to that question, Eye magazine Vol. 2 No. 1 (January 1969) - online text and images , 1969

When I was in school, I dreamed about becoming a psychiatrist or a ballerina. Like most girls I would dream about being a movie star too. But those dreams are the impossible kind, the kind you don't really set your heart on.

As quoted in Screen Stories magazine (1967) , 1967

I can't play games. I have friends, older women, who tell me I'm foolish to let Roman know how deeply I care about him. They tell me all sorts of things like "keep a man guessing", "men become bored with too much devotion". They tell me I am being foolish. Well, foolish I am.

As quoted in New Castle News (9 December 1967) , 1967

Timeline

The story of Sharon Tate, told in moments.

Legacy

Her mother Doris spent decades advocating for victims' rights, attending every parole hearing for her daughter's killers. The case permanently changed how Americans thought about celebrity, safety, and the 1960s counterculture.

1967 Life

Starred in Valley of the Dolls, earning a Golden Globe nomination. Appeared in The Fearless Vampire Killers, directed by Roman Polanski. They married in London in January 1968.

1968 Event

Became one of Hollywood's most photographed women. Playboy, Esquire, and fashion magazines ran constant features. Critics compared her to Marilyn Monroe. She was 25.

1969 Death

Murdered by members of the Manson Family cult at her home on Cielo Drive in Benedict Canyon. She was eight and a half months pregnant. Four others died with her. She was 26.

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