Several cast members from the “Poltergeist” films have passed away, including Heather O’Rourke and Dominique Dunne. Others have continued their acting careers or moved into different fields.
The “Poltergeist” film series, which began with the original movie in 1982, has been marked by the untimely deaths of some of its cast members, leading to talks of a so-called “Poltergeist curse.” Heather O’Rourke, who played Carol Anne Freeling, tragically died at the age of 12 due to septic shock caused by a misdiagnosed intestinal issue in 1988. Dominique Dunne, who portrayed the older sister Dana in the first film, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1982 at the age of 22.
Other cast members have had varied paths since their involvement with the “Poltergeist” films. JoBeth Williams, who played the mother, Diane Freeling, has continued to act in film, television, and on stage. Craig T. Nelson, who played the father, Steve Freeling, has also maintained a successful acting career, including a long-running role on the TV series “Parenthood.”
Oliver Robins, who played the middle child, Robbie Freeling, took a break from acting after the “Poltergeist” films but later returned to the industry as a writer and director. Zelda Rubinstein, who played the psychic Tangina Barrons, continued acting until her death in 2010.
The legacy of the “Poltergeist” series continues to be a topic of interest for horror fans, with the untimely deaths of its young stars often overshadowing the careers of its surviving cast members. Despite the tragedies, the film remains a classic in the horror genre, and its influence can still be seen in contemporary horror films and television shows.