Sharon Tate

Sharon Tate
Tate in 1969
Born	Sharon Marie Tate (1943-01-24)January 24, 1943 Dallas,Texas,U.S.
Died	August 9, 1969(1969-08-09)(aged 26) Los Angeles,California,U.S.
Cause of death	Murder
Burial place	Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City
Other names	Sharon Marie Tate Polanski
Occupations	Actress model
Years active	1961–1969
Spouse	Roman Polanski ​ (m.1968)​
Parents	Paul James Tate Doris Tate
Website	sharontate.net
Signature

Sharon Marie Tate Polanski(néeTate;January 24, 1943 – August 9, 1969) 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 the lateMarilyn Monroe.

She made her film debut in 1961 as an extra inBarabbaswithAnthony Quinn.She next appeared in the British mystery horror filmEye of the Devil(1966). Her first major role was as Jennifer North in the 1967 American drama filmValley of the Dolls,which earned her aGolden Globe Awardnomination.The role would help her to become a risingsex symbolof Hollywood, appearing in aPlayboyphotoshoot where she would be shot by filmmakerRoman Polanski,Tate's future husband.That year, she also performed in the comedy horror filmThe Fearless Vampire Killers,directed by Roman Polanski. Tate's last completed film,12+1,was released posthumously in 1969.

On August 9, 1969,Tate and four others were murderedby members of theManson Family,acult,in the home she shared with Polanski, while he was away. She was eight-and-a-half months pregnant.

Life and career

1943–1964: Childhood and early acting career

Sharon Marie Tate was born on January 24, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, the eldest of three daughters to Colonel Paul James Tate,aUnited States Armyintelligence officer, and his wife, Doris Gwendolyn (née Willett). At six months of age, Tate won the "Miss Tiny Tot of Dallas Pageant", but her parents had no show business ambitions for their daughter. Paul Tate was promoted and transferred several times. By the age of 16, Tate had lived in six cities and reportedly found it difficult to maintain friendships. Her family described her as shy and lacking in self-confidence. As an adult, Tate commented that people would misinterpret her shyness as aloofness until they knew her better.

Tate attended South Shaver Elementary inPasadena, Texasthrough 1955, Chief Joseph Junior High School (now middle school) from September 1955 to June 1958, andColumbia High SchoolinRichland, Washington,from September 1958 to October 1959. InEl Paso, Texas,she attendedIrvin High Schoolfrom late fall 1959 to April 1960 and thenVicenza American High SchoolinVicenza, Italy,from April 1960 to graduation in June 1961.

As she matured, people commented on Tate's appearance; she began entering beauty pageants, winning the title of "Miss Richland" in Washington in 1959 at age sixteen. She spoke of her ambition to study psychiatry and her intention to compete in the "Miss Washington"pageant in 1960; however, before she could do either, her father was transferred to Italy. With her family relocating toVerona,Tate learned that she had become a local celebrity owing to the publication of a photograph of her in a swimsuit on the cover of the military newspaperStars and Stripes.She discovered a kinship with other students at the American school she attended in nearby Vicenza, recognizing that their backgrounds and feelings of separation were similar to her own, and, for the first time in her life, began to form lasting friendships.

Tate and her friends became interested in the filming ofHemingway's Adventures of a Young Man,which was being made nearby withPaul Newman,Susan StrasbergandRichard Beymer,and obtained parts asfilm extras.Beymer noticed Tate in the crowd and introduced himself, and the two dated during the production of the film, with Beymer encouraging Tate to pursue a film career. In 1960, Tate was employed by the singerPat Booneand appeared with him in an episode of the television seriesThe Pat Boone Chevy Showroomwhich was filmed inVenice.

Tate withJack Palanceduring the filming ofBarabbas(1961)

Later that year, whenBarabbaswas being filmed near Verona, Tate was once again hired as an extra. ActorJack Palancewas impressed by her appearance and attitude, although her role was too small to judge her talent. He arranged ascreen testfor her in Rome, but this did not lead to further work. Tate returned to the United States alone, saying that she wanted to further her studies, but tried to find film work. After a few months, Doris Tate, who feared for her daughter's safety, suffered anervous breakdownand her daughter was persuaded to return to Italy.

The family returned to the United States in 1962 and Tate moved to Los Angeles, where she contactedRichard Beymer's agent, Harold Gefsky. After their first meeting, Gefsky agreed to represent her, and secured work for her in television and magazine advertisements. In 1963, he introduced her toMartin Ransohoff,director ofFilmways, Inc.,who signed her to a seven-year contract. She was considered for the role of Billie Jo Bradley onCBS's sitcomPetticoat Junction,but Ransohoff believed that she lacked confidence and the role was given toJeannine Riley.Ransohoff gave Tate small parts inMister EdandThe Beverly Hillbilliesto help her gain experience, but was unwilling to allow her to play a more substantial role. "Mr. Ransohoff didn't want the audience to see me till I was ready", Tate was quoted in a 1967 article inPlayboy.

During this time, Tate met the French actorPhilippe Forquetand began a relationship with him in 1963. They became engaged, but their relationship was volatile and they frequently argued. Career pressures drove them apart and they broke up the next year in 1964.

Tate (right, wearing a dark wig) in the 1964 "Giant Jackrabbit" episode ofThe Beverly HillbillieswithMax Baer, Jr.andNancy Kulp

In 1964, she metJay Sebring,a former sailor who had established himself as a leading hair stylist inHollywood.Tate later said that Sebring's nature was especially gentle but, when he proposed marriage, she declined. She said that she would retire from acting as soon as she married and, at that time, she intended to focus on her career.

1964–1967: Hollywood recognition andValley of the Dolls

In 1964, Tate made a screen test forSam PeckinpahoppositeSteve McQueenfor the filmThe Cincinnati Kid.Ransohoff and Peckinpah agreed that Tate's timidity and lack of experience would cause her to flounder in such a large part, and she was rejected in favor ofTuesday Weld.She continued to gain experience with minor television appearances and, after sheauditionedunsuccessfully for the role of Liesl in the film version ofThe Sound of Music,Ransohoff gave Tate walk-on roles in two motion pictures in which he was the producer:The Americanization of EmilyandThe Sandpiper.In late 1965, Ransohoff finally gave Tate her first major role in a motion picture in the filmEye of the Devil,costarringDavid Niven,Deborah Kerr,Donald PleasenceandDavid Hemmings.

Newspaper clipping, November 28, 1965

Tate and Sebring traveled to London to prepare for filming, where she met theAlexandrian WiccanHigh Priest and High PriestessAlexandMaxine Sanders.Meanwhile, as part of Ransohoff's promotion of Tate, he arranged the production of a short documentary calledAll Eyes on Sharon Tate,to be released at the same time asEye of the Devil.It included an interview withEye of the DevildirectorJ. Lee Thompson,who expressed his initial doubts about Tate's potential with the comment, "We even agreed that if after the first two weeks Sharon was not quite making it, we would put her back in cold storage", but added that he soon realized Tate was "tremendously exciting".

Tate played Odile, a witch who exerts a mysterious power over a landowner, played by Niven, and his wife, played by Kerr. Although she did not have as many lines as the other actors, Tate's performance was considered crucial to the film, and she was required, more than the other cast members, to set an ethereal tone. Niven described her as a "great discovery", and Kerr said that, with "a reasonable amount of luck", Tate would be a great success.In interviews, Tate commented on her good fortune in working with such professionals in her first film and said that she had learned a lot about acting simply by watching Kerr at work. Much of the filming took place in France, and Sebring returned to Los Angeles to fulfill his business obligations. After filming, Tate remained inLondon,where she immersed herself in the fashion world and nightclubs. Around this time, she metRoman Polanski.

Tate in a publicity photograph forEye of the Devil(1966)

Tate and Polanski later agreed that neither of them had been impressed by the other when they first met. Polanski was planningThe Fearless Vampire Killers,which was being coproduced by Ransohoff, and had decided that he wanted the red-headed actressJill St. Johnfor the female lead. Ransohoff insisted that Polanski cast Tate and, after meeting with her, Polanski agreed that she would be suitable on the condition that she wore a red wig during filming. The company traveled to Italy for filming, where Tate's fluent Italian proved useful in communicating with the local crew members. A perfectionist, Polanski had little patience with the inexperienced Tate and said in an interview that one scene had required 70 takes before he was satisfied. In addition to directing, Polanski also played one of the main characters, a guileless young man who is intrigued by Tate's character and begins a romance with her. As filming progressed, Polanski praised her performances and her confidence grew. They began a relationship and Tate moved into Polanski's London apartment after filming ended. Jay Sebring traveled to London, where he insisted on meeting Polanski. Although friends later said he was devastated, he befriended Polanski and remained Tate's closest confidant. Polanski later commented that Sebring was a lonely and isolated person, who viewed Tate and himself as his family.

Tate returned to the United States to filmDon't Make WaveswithTony Curtis,leaving Polanski in London. Tate played the role of Malibu and the film was intended to capitalize on the popularity of beach movies at the time, as well as the music of such artists asthe Beach BoysandJan and Dean.Tate's character, billed byMetro-Goldwyn-Mayerpublicity as "Malibu, Queen of the Surf", wore little more than a bikini for most of the film. Disappointed with the film, she began sarcastically referring to herself as "sexy little me". Before the film's release, Tate featured in a major publishing campaign forCoppertone sunscreen.The film opened to poor reviews and mediocre ticket sales, and Tate was quoted as confiding to a reporter, "It's a terrible movie", before adding, "Sometimes I say things I shouldn't. I guess I'm too outspoken."

Polanski returned to the United States and was contracted by the head ofParamount Pictures,Robert Evans,to direct and write the screenplay forRosemary's Baby,which was based onIra Levin's novel of thesame name.Polanski later admitted that he had wanted Tate to star in the film and had hoped that someone would suggest her, as he felt it inappropriate to make the suggestion himself. The producers did not suggest Tate, andMia Farrowwas cast. A frequent visitor to the set, Tate was photographed there byEsquireand the resulting photographs generated considerable publicity for both Tate and the film. A March 1967 article about Tate inPlayboybegan, "This is the year that Sharon Tate happens..." and included six nude or partially nude photographs taken by Roman Polanski during filming ofThe Fearless Vampire Killers.Tate was optimistic:Eye of the DevilandThe Fearless Vampire Killerswere each due for release.

Tate inValley of the Dolls(1967)

She had been signed to play a major role in the film version ofValley of the Dolls.One of the all-time bestsellers, the film version was highly publicized and anticipated, and, while Tate acknowledged that such a prominent role should further her career, she confided to Polanski that she did not like either the book or the script.Patty Duke,Barbara ParkinsandJudy Garlandwere cast as the other leads.Susan Haywardreplaced Garland a few weeks later when she was dismissed.DirectorMark Robsonwas highly critical of the three principal actresses but, according to Duke, directed most of his criticism at Tate. Duke later said that Robson "continually treated [Tate] like an imbecile, which she definitely was not, and she was very attuned and sensitive to this treatment".Polanski later quoted Robson as saying to him, "That's a great girl you're living with. Few actresses have her kind of vulnerability. She's got a great future."

In interviews during production, Tate expressed an affinity for her character, Jennifer North, an aspiring actress admired only for her body. Some magazines commented that Tate was viewed similarly andLookpublished an unfavorable article about the three lead actresses, describing Tate as "a hopelessly stupid and vain starlet".Tate, Duke and Parkins developed a close friendship that continued after the completion of the film. During the shooting ofValley of the Dolls,Tate confided to Parkins that she was "madly in love" with Polanski."Yes, there's no doubt that Roman is the man in my life", Tate was quoted as saying in the New YorkSunday News.Tate promoted the film enthusiastically. She frequently commented on her admiration forLee Grant,with whom she had played several dramatic scenes. Tate was quoted as saying, "I learned a great deal about acting in [Valley of the Dolls], particularly in my scenes with Lee Grant.... She knows what acting is all about and everything she does, from little mannerisms to delivering her lines, is pure professionalism. "

A journalist asked Tate to comment on her nude scene, and she replied,

I have no qualms about it at all. I don't see any difference between being stark naked or fully dressed — if it's part of the job and it's done with meaning and intention. I honestly don't understand the big fuss made over nudity and sex in films. It's silly. On TV, the children can watch people murdering each other, which is a very unnatural thing, but they can't watch two people in the very natural process of making love. Now, really, that doesn't make any sense, does it?

Tate kissing Roman Polanski inThe Fearless Vampire Killers(1967)

An edited version ofThe Fearless Vampire Killerswas released, and Polanski expressed disgust at Ransohoff for "butchering" his film.Newsweekcalled it "a witless travesty", and it was not profitable. Tate's performance was largely ignored in reviews and, when she was mentioned, it was usually in relation to her nude scenes.Eye of the Devilwas released shortly after, andMetro-Goldwyn-Mayerattempted to build interest in Tate with its press release describing her as "one of the screen's most exciting new personalities". The film failed to find an audience and most reviews were indifferent, neither praising nor condemning it.The New York Timeswrote that one of the few highlights was Tate's "chillingly beautiful but expressionless performance".

TheAll Eyes on Sharon Tatedocumentary was used to publicize the film. Its 14 minutes consisted of a number of scenes depicting Tate filmingEye of the Devil,dancing in nightclubs, and sightseeing around London, and also contained a brief interview with her. Asked about her acting ambitions, she replied, "I don't fool myself. I can't see myself doingShakespeare."She spoke of her hopes of finding a niche in comedy and, in other interviews, she expressed her desire to become" a light comedienne in theCarole Lombardstyle ".She discussed the type of contemporary actress she wanted to emulate and explained that there were two in particular that she was influenced by:Faye DunawayandCatherine Deneuve.Of the latter, she said, "I'd like to be an American Catherine Deneuve. She plays beautiful, sensitive, deep parts with a little bit of intelligence behind them."

Later in the year,Valley of the Dollsopened to almost uniformly negative reviews.Bosley Crowtherwrote inThe New York Times,"all a fairly respectful admirer of movies can do is laugh at it and turn away".Newsweeksaid that the film "has no more sense of its own ludicrousness than a village idiot stumbling in manure", but a later article read: "Astoundingly photogenic, infinitely curvaceous, Sharon Tate is one of the most smashing young things to hit Hollywood in a long time."The three lead actresses were castigated in numerous publications, includingThe Saturday Review,which wrote, "Ten years ago... Parkins, Duke, and Tate would more likely have been playing the hat check girls than movie-queens; they are totally lacking in style, authority, or charm."The Hollywood Reporterprovided some positive comments, such as, "Sharon Tate emerges as the film's most sympathetic character...William H. Daniels' photographic caress of her faultless face and enormous absorbent eyes is stunning. "Roger Ebertof theChicago Sun-Timespraised Tate as "a wonder to behold" but, after describing the dialogue in one scene as "the most offensive and appalling vulgarity ever thrown up by any civilization", concluded that, "I will be unable to take her any more seriously as asex symbolthanRaquel Welch."

1968–1969: Marriage to Roman Polanski and final films

Tate and Polanski at their wedding in 1968

In late 1967, Tate and Polanski returned to London and were frequent subjects of newspaper and magazine articles. She was depicted as being untraditional and modern, and was quoted as saying that couples should live together before marrying. They were married inChelsea,London, on January 20, 1968 (four days before Tate's 25th birthday), with considerable publicity. Polanski was dressed in "Edwardian finery"while Tate was attired in an off-white taffeta minidress.The couple moved into Polanski'smewshouse offEaton SquareinBelgravia,London.

Photographer Peter Evans described them as "the imperfect couple. They were theDouglas Fairbanks/Mary Pickfordof our time…. Cool, nomadic, talented, and nicely shocking. "Tate reportedly wanted a traditional marriage but Polanski remained promiscuous and described her attitude to his infidelity as "Sharon's big hang-up". He reminded her that she had promised not to change him.Tate accepted his conditions, though she confided to friends that she hoped that he would change. Peter Evans quoted Tate as saying, "We have a good arrangement. Roman lies to me and I pretend to believe him."

Polanski urged Tate to end her association with Martin Ransohoff, and she began to place less importance on her career until Polanski told her that he wanted to be married to "a hippie, not a housewife".The couple returned to Los Angeles and quickly became part of a social group that included some of the most successful young people in the film industry, includingWarren Beatty,Jacqueline Bisset,Leslie Caron,Joan Collins,Mia Farrow,Jane Fonda,Peter Fonda,Laurence Harvey,Steve McQueen,Joanna PettetandPeter Sellers;older film stars such asYul Brynner,Kirk Douglas,Henry FondaandDanny Kaye;musicians such asJim Morrisonandthe Mamas & the Papas;and record producerTerry Melcherand his girlfriendCandice Bergen.Jay Sebring remained one of the couple's more frequent companions. Polanski's friends includedWojciech Frykowski,whom Polanski had known since his youth in Poland, and Frykowski's girlfriendAbigail Folger,the coffee heiress. Tate and Polanski moved into theChateau Marmontin Los Angeles for a few monthsuntil they arranged to leasePatty Duke's home on Summit Ridge Drive in Beverly Hills during the latter part of 1968.The Polanski house was often full of strangers, and Tate regarded the casual atmosphere as part of the "free spirit" of the times, saying that she did not mind who came into her home as her motto was "live and let live".Her close friendLeslie Caroncommented that the Polanskis were too trusting, "to the point of recklessness", and that she had been alarmed by it.

In the summer of 1968, Tate began work onThe Wrecking Crew,a comedy in which she played Freya Carlson, an accident-prone spy who was also a romantic interest for starDean Martin,playingMatt Helm.She performed her own stunts and was taught martial arts byBruce Lee.The film was successful and brought Tate strong reviews, with many reviewers praising her comedic performance.The New York Timescritic Vincent Canby criticized the film but wrote, "The only nice thing is Sharon Tate, a tall, really great-looking girl."Martin commented that he intended to make another "Matt Helm" film and that he wanted Tate to reprise her role.

Around this time, Tate was feted as a promising newcomer. She was nominated for aGolden Globe Awardas "New Star of the Year – Actress" for her performance inValley of the Dolls,and she placed fourth behindMia Farrow,Judy GeesonandKatharine Houghtonfor a "GoldenLaurel "awardas the year's "Most Promising Newcomer".She was also runner-up toLynn Redgravein theMotion Picture Herald's poll for "The Star of Tomorrow", in which box-office drawing power was the main criterion.These results indicated that her career was beginning to accelerate, and she negotiated a fee of $150,000 for her next film.

She became pregnant near the end of 1968, and she and Polanski moved to10050 Cielo DriveinBenedict Canyon, Los Angeleson February 15, 1969.The house had previously been occupied by their friendsTerry MelcherandCandice Bergen.Tate and Polanski had visited it several times, and Tate was thrilled to learn that it was available, referring to it as her "love house". At their new home, the Polanskis continued to be popular hosts for their large group of friends, although some of them still worried about the strange people who continued to show up at their parties.Tate was encouraged by the positive reviews of her comedic performances and chose the comedyThe Thirteen Chairs(1969) as her next project, largely for the opportunity to co-star withOrson Welles.In March 1969, she traveled to Italy to begin filming, and Polanski went to London to work onThe Day of the Dolphin.

Frykowski and Folger moved into the Cielo Drive house. After completingThe Thirteen Chairs,Tate joined Polanski in London. She posed in their apartment for photographerTerry O'Neillin casual domestic scenes such as opening baby gifts, and she completed a series of glamor photographs for the British magazineQueen.She returned from London to Los Angeles on July 20, 1969, on theQueen Elizabeth 2(by this ship from Southampton, England to New York). Polanski was due to return on August 12 in time for the birth, and he had asked Frykowski and Folger to stay in the house with Tate until his return.

Murder

See also:Tate–LaBianca murders

Tate in 1969

On August 8, 1969, Tate entertained actressJoanna Pettetfor lunch at her home, confiding in her disappointment at Polanski's delay in returning from London. Polanski telephoned her that day. Her younger sister Debra also called, to ask if she, her boyfriend and another friend could pick up a saddle that Sharon had bought for Debra in Europe. Tate declined, offering to have them over another time. Later that evening, she reportedly dined atEl Coyote CafewithJay Sebring,Wojciech Frykowski,andAbigail Folger,returning at about 10:30 p.m.

Shortly after midnight, Sebring, Frykowski, Folger, and Tate and her unborn son were murdered by members of theManson Familycult. Their bodies were discovered the following morning by Tate's housekeeper Winifred Chapman. Police arrived at the scene to find a young man shot dead in his car in the driveway, later identified asSteven Parent.Inside the house, the bodies of Tate and Sebring were found hanged on a support beam in the living room; a long rope tied around each of their necks connected them. On the front lawn lay the bodies of Frykowski and Folger. All of the victims except Parent had been stabbed numerous times. The coroner's report for Tate noted that she had been stabbed 16 times and that "five of the wounds were in and of themselves fatal".In addition, the coroner's inquest found that Tate was still alive when she was hanged with the rope, but she died immediately from a "massive hemorrhage".

Police took the only survivor at the address – the property's caretakerWilliam Garretson– in for questioning. Garretson lived in the guest house that was located on the property a short distance from the house. He was questioned and submitted to apolygraphtest and stated that Parent had visited him at approximately 11:30 p.m. and left shortly after. He told police that he had no involvement in the murders and did not know anything that could help the investigation, and he was subsequently released.

The Tate family burial plot located atHoly Cross Cemetery, Culver City,California, in which Tate, her unborn son Paul, motherDoris,and sister Patti are buried

Polanski was informed of the murders and returned to Los Angeles where police questioned him about his wife and her friends. On Wednesday, August 13, Tate was interred in theHoly Cross Cemetery,Culver City, California,with her son Paul Richard Polanski in her arms, named posthumously for his grandfathers. Sebring's funeral took place later the same day; the funerals were scheduled several hours apart to allow mutual friends to attend both.

Lifedevoted a lengthy article to the murders and featured photographs of the crime scenes. Polanski was interviewed for the article and allowed himself to be photographed at the entrance of the house, next to the front door with the word "PIG" still visible, written in Tate's blood.He was widely criticized for the photoshoot but he argued that he wanted to know who was responsible and was willing to shock the magazine's readers in the hope that someone would come forward with information.

Curiosity about the victims led to the re-release of Tate's films, which achieved greater popularity than they had in their initial runs. Some newspapers began to speculate about the motives for the murders. Some published photographs of Tate were alleged to be taken at a Satanic ritual, but were in fact production photographs fromEye of the Devil.Friends spoke out against the portrayal of Tate by some elements of the media.Mia Farrowsaid that she was as "sweet and pure a human being as I have ever known", whilePatty Dukeremembered her as "a gentle, gentle creature". Polanski berated a crowd of journalists at a news conference, asking them, "Did you ever write how good she was?".Polanski said he began to suspect various friends and associates, and his paranoia subsided only when the killers were arrested. Newspapers claimed that many Hollywood stars were moving out of the city, while others installed security systems in their homes.Dominick Dunnerecalled the tension:

The shock waves that went through the town were beyond anything I had ever seen before. People were convinced that the rich and famous of the community were in peril. Children were sent out of town. Guards were hired. Steve McQueen packed a gun when he went to Jay Sebring's funeral.

In September 1969, members of the Manson "Family" were arrested onunrelated charges,eventually leading authorities to a breakthrough on the Tate case, as well. They explained that the motive for the murders was not the identity of the victims, but rather the house at that address, which had previously been rented to record producerTerry Melcher,an acquaintance of Manson. In 1994, the house was demolished and a new house was constructed on the site.

Legacy

In the early 1980s, Stephen Kay, who had worked for the prosecution in the trial, became alarmed that Manson Family memberLeslie Van Houtenhad gathered 900 signatures on a petition for her parole. He contacted Tate's mother, Doris, who said that she was sure she could do better, and the two mounted a publicity campaign, collecting over 350,000 signatures supporting the denial of parole.Although Van Houten had been seen as the most likely of the killers to be paroled, her petition was denied after the efforts of Kay and Tate. Doris Tate became a vocal advocate for victims' rights and, in discussing her daughter's murder and meeting other crime victims, assumed the role of counselor, using her profile to encourage public discussion and criticism of the corrections system.

Tate inThe Fearless Vampire Killers(1967)

For the rest of her life she strongly campaigned against the parole of each of the Manson killers and worked closely with other victims of violent crime. Several times she confronted Charles "Tex" Watson and Susan Atkins at parole hearings, explaining, "I feel that Sharon has to be represented in that hearing room. If they're [the killers] pleading for their lives then I have to be there representing her." She addressed Tex Watson directly during hervictim impact statementin 1990: "What mercy, sir, did you show my daughter when she was begging for her life? What mercy did you show my daughter when she said, 'Give me two weeks to have my baby and then you can kill me'?... When will Sharon come up for parole? Will these seven victims and possibly more walk out of their graves if you get paroled? You cannot be trusted."

In 1992 PresidentGeorge Bushrecognized Doris Tate as one of his "thousand points of light" for her volunteer work on behalf of victims' rights. By this time Doris Tate had been diagnosed with a malignantbrain tumorand her health and strength were failing; her meeting with Bush marked her final public appearance. When she died later that year her youngest daughter, Patricia Gay Tate, known as Patti, continued her work. She contributed to the 1993 foundation of the Doris Tate Crime Victims Bureau, a nonprofit organization that aims to influence crime legislation throughout the United States and to give greater rights and protection to victims of violent crime.In 1995, the Doris Tate Crime Victims Foundation was founded as a nonprofit organization to promote public awareness of the judicial system and to provide support to the victims of violent crime.

Patti Tate confrontedDavid Geffenand board members ofGeffen Recordsin 1993 over plans to include a song written by Charles Manson on theGuns N' Rosesalbum"The Spaghetti Incident?"She commented to a journalist that the record company was "putting Manson up on a pedestal for young people who don't know who he is to worship like an idol".

After Patti's death from breast cancer in 2000 her older sister Debra continued to represent the Tate family at parole hearings. Debra Tate said of the killers: "They don't show any personal responsibility. They haven't made atonement to any one of my family members."She has also unsuccessfully lobbied for her sister to be awarded a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame.

Colonel Paul Tate preferred not to make public comments; however he was a constant presence during the murder trial and in the following years attended parole hearings with his wife and wrote letters to authorities in which he strongly opposed any suggestion of parole. He died in May 2005.

Tate inEye of the Devil(1966)

Roman Polanskigave away all of his possessions after the murders, unable to bear any reminders of the period that he called "the happiest I ever was in my life". He remained in Los Angeles until the killers were arrested. His 1979 filmTesswas dedicated "to Sharon", as Tate had readThomas Hardy'sTess of the d'Urbervillesduring her final stay with Polanski in London and had left it for him to read with the comment that it would be a good story for them to film together. He tried to explain his anguish after the murder of his wife and unborn son in his 1984 autobiographyRoman by Polanski,saying, "Since Sharon's death, and despite appearances to the contrary, my enjoyment of life has been incomplete. In moments of unbearable personal tragedy some people find solace in religion. In my case the opposite happened. Any religious faith I had was shattered by Sharon's murder. It reinforced my faith in the absurd."

In July 2005, Polanski successfully suedVanity Fairmagazine forlibelafter it alleged that he had tried to seduce a woman on his way to Tate's funeral. Among the witnesses who testified on his behalf were Debra Tate and Mia Farrow. Describing Polanski immediately after Tate's death, Farrow testified, "Of this I can be sure — of his frame of mind when we were there, of what we talked about, of his utter sense of loss, of despair and bewilderment and shock and love — a love that he had lost." At the conclusion of the case, Polanski read a statement, saying in part, "The memory of my late wife Sharon Tate was at the forefront of my mind in bringing this action."

The murders committed by the Manson "Family" have been described by social commentators as one of the defining moments of the 1960s.Joan Didionwrote, "Many people I know in Los Angeles believe that the Sixties ended abruptly on August 9, 1969, ended at the exact moment when word of the murders on Cielo Drive traveled like brushfire through the community, and in a sense this is true. The tension broke that day. The paranoia was fulfilled."

Tate's work as an actress has been reassessed since her death, with contemporary film writers and critics, such asLeonard Maltin,describing her potential as a comedian. A restored version ofThe Fearless Vampire Killersmore closely resembles Polanski's intention. Maltin lauded the film as "near-brilliant" and Tate's work inDon't Make WavesandThe Wrecking Crewas her two best performances, as well as the best indicators of the career she might have established.Eye of the Devilwith its supernatural themes, andValley of the Dolls,with its overstated melodrama, have each achieved a degree ofcult status.

Tate's biographer,Greg King,holds a view often expressed by members of the Tate family, writing inSharon Tate and the Manson Murders(2000): "Sharon's real legacy lies not in her movies or in her television work. The very fact that, today, victims or their families in California are able to sit before those convicted of a crime and have a voice in the sentencing at trials or at parole hearings, is largely due to the work of Doris [and Patti] Tate. Their years of devotion to Sharon's memory and dedication to victims' rights... have helped transform Sharon from mere victim, [and] restore a human face to one of the twentieth century's most infamous crimes."

In 2012, the bookRestless Soulswas published. Authored by Alisa Statman, a close friend of Patti Tate, two short chapters in the book are written by Sharon's niece, Brie Taylor Ford, daughter of the late Patti Tate Ford. The book contains portions of the unfinished autobiographies of Sharon's father, mother and sister Patti, along with Statman's own "personal interpretation[s]".Debra Tate has questioned the book's veracity.

Acoffee table bookby Debra Tate, calledSharon Tate: Recollection,was released on June 10, 2014. It is the first book about Tate that is devoted exclusively to her life and career without covering her death, its aftermath, or the events that led to it.

In 2019,Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood,aQuentin Tarantinofilm, was released, partly portraying the life of Sharon Tate, played byMargot Robbie.The film provides arevisioningof the events leading to Tate's death by the Mansons, which is prevented in the film due to the actions of other characters in the story.

Character and public image

Tate had a habit ofnail bitingand goingbarefootin public. When she went to restaurants with a "No Shoes, No Service" rule, she would frequently put rubber bands around her ankles to pretend that she was wearing sandals. Both these traits were featured inOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Tate had an interest inmartial arts,and was a close friend and a student ofBruce Lee,who taught herKung fu.Lee also helped her do martial-arts training for the American spy comedy film,The Wrecking Crew,in 1968.

In popular culture

In 2009, American contemporary artistJeremy Corbellpresented a comprehensive mixed media art exhibition titledICON: Life Love & Style of Sharon Tatein honor of the 40th anniversary of Tate's death. With the blessing of the Tate family, Corbell created a 350-piece historic art exhibition celebrating Tate's style and life. The art and fashion-based presentation showcased images of Tate's never-before-revealed wardrobe by designers such asChristian Dior,Thea Porter,Ossie ClarkandYves Saint Laurent.

Tate has also been portrayed by multiple actresses in the decades since her death, mostly in projects that either reference, or are explicitly about, theManson Familyandthe murders of 1969.Among the actresses who have played her are:

• Whitney DylaninHelter Skelter,a 2004 television film based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Manson prosecutorVincent Bugliosiand writerCurt Gentry.
• Amanda Brooks inAquarius,a crime TV show set in the late 1960s, which aired for two seasons from 2015 to 2016.
• Katie Cassidyin the 2016 horror filmWolves at the Door,loosely based on the Manson Family'smurders.
• Rachel Robertsin theseventh seasonofAmerican Horror Storyin 2017.
• Grace Van Dienin the 2018 filmCharlie Says.
• Hilary DuffinThe Haunting of Sharon Tatein 2019.
• Margot Robbiein the 2019 filmOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood,directed byQuentin Tarantino,which is an alternative interpretation of the Manson murders. In this alternate timeline, Tate lives as her death is unintentionally prevented.Tate also appears as a character in Tarantino's 2021 debut novelOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood,an expansion of the story in his film of the same name.

In music, Tate has been mentioned in the opening lines of "It's Too Late" bythe Jim Carroll Bandfrom their albumCatholic Boy(1980) and the song "Leaving It Up to You" by artistJohn Calefrom his albumHelen of Troy(1975). She is also referenced by name in the poem "In the Hills of Benedict Canyon" by musicianLana Del Reyfrom her poetry collectionViolet Bent Backwards over the Grass(2020).

Filmography

Tate withVittorio Gassmanin a publicity photograph forThe Thirteen Chairs(1969)

Tate in theposterforThe Thirteen Chairs,also known as12 + 1(1969)

List of acting performances in film and television

Title	Year	Role	Notes
Barabbas	1961	Patrician in Arena	Uncredited
Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man	1962	Burlesque Queen	Uncredited
The Beverly Hillbillies	1963–65	Janet Trego, Mary	TV series, 15 episodes, Mary S2 Ep4 "Elly Starts School"
Mister Ed	1963	Telephone Operator Sailor's Girl	TV series, episodes: "Love Thy New Neighbor" "Ed Discovers America"
The Wheeler Dealers	1963	Bit part	Uncredited
The Americanization of Emily	1964	Beautiful Girl	Uncredited
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.	1965	Therapist	Episode: "The Girls of Nazarone Affair"
The Sandpiper	1965	Beautiful Girl	Uncredited
Eye of the Devil	1966	Odile de Caray
All Eyes on Sharon Tate	1967	Herself	Promo forEye of the Devil
The Fearless Vampire Killers	1967	Sarah Shagal
Don't Make Waves	1967	Malibu
Valley of the Dolls	1967	Jennifer North	Nominated –Golden Globe AwardforMost Promising Newcomer – Female
The Wrecking Crew	1968	Freya Carlson
The Thirteen Chairs (also known as12+1)	1969	Pat	Released posthumously
Ciao, Federico!	1970	Herself	Released posthumously

See also

• Greater Los Angeles portal
• Dominique Dunne
• Christina Grimmie
• Rebecca Schaeffer
• Selena
• Dorothy Stratten

Further reading

• Gilmore, John(1971).The Garbage People.Omega Press.LCCN70168482.
• Gilmore, John(2000).Manson: The Unholy Trail of Charlie & the Family.Amok Books.ISBN1-878923-13-7.
• King, Greg (2000).Sharon Tate and the Manson Murders.Barricade Books.ISBN1-56980-157-6.
• Polanski, Roman(1984).Roman by Polanski.Eurexpart B.V.ISBN0-688-02621-4.

External links

• Official website
• Sharon TateatIMDb
• Sharon TateatAllMovie
• The Crime Library