Who Was Sharon Tate?
Sharon Marie Tate Polanski, widely known as Sharon Tate, was a beloved American actress and model whose life and career were tragically cut short. Born on January 24, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, Tate became a prominent figure in Hollywood during the 1960s. She was known not only for her striking beauty but also for her acting talent and bubbly personality. Throughout her career, she gained widespread recognition, with many hailing her as one of the most promising newcomers in the industry, often compared to iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe. Sadly, her life ended in tragedy when she was murdered in 1969, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Hollywood.
Early Life and Childhood
Sharon Tate was the first of three daughters born to Colonel Paul James Tate, a U.S. Army intelligence officer, and his wife, Doris Gwendolyn. Due to her father’s military career, the Tate family moved frequently, and Sharon grew up in various cities across the United States and Europe. As a child, she exhibited a shy personality and struggled with maintaining friendships due to the frequent relocations. However, her beauty and charm began to shine through as she matured, and she soon started to enter beauty pageants.
In 1959, at the age of 16, Sharon won the title of “Miss Richland” in Washington, which marked the beginning of her path toward fame. Although she initially considered pursuing a career in psychiatry, her interests shifted, and she soon discovered her passion for acting.
Career Beginnings: Entry into Hollywood
Sharon Tate’s Hollywood journey began in the early 1960s. After moving to Los Angeles in 1962, she was introduced to Richard Beymer’s agent, Harold Gefsky, who secured her small roles in television series and advertisements. Her big break came in 1961 when she appeared as an extra in the film Barabbas, starring Anthony Quinn. Though her role was minor, it marked the start of her professional acting career.
In 1963, Tate signed a seven-year contract with Filmways, Inc., led by director Martin Ransohoff. Initially, Tate was given small parts in TV shows like Mister Ed and The Beverly Hillbillies to build her experience. Despite some early struggles, Tate’s potential as an actress shone through, and she eventually landed more significant roles in films.
Sharon Tate’s journey in Hollywood during the mid-1960s was marked by both struggles and success. After her initial steps into the industry, she began to gain recognition in Hollywood, securing roles in several films and television shows that would shape her career. In this article, we will take a closer look at Sharon Tate’s career from 1964 to 1967, including her early acting roles, key moments, and her breakthrough in the film Valley of the Dolls.
Early Struggles and Breakthrough Roles
In 1964, Sharon Tate auditioned for the role of Melba in Sam Peckinpah’s The Cincinnati Kid, opposite Steve McQueen. While the role ultimately went to Tuesday Weld, Tate’s potential was recognised by both Peckinpah and producer Martin Ransohoff. Following this, Tate continued to hone her craft with smaller roles, eventually landing her first significant film role in Eye of the Devil (1965). In this supernatural thriller, she played Odile, a witch whose mysterious power impacts the lives of other characters. Although her role was relatively small compared to the established stars, Tate’s ethereal presence left a lasting impact.
During the filming of Eye of the Devil, Tate traveled to London and immersed herself in the fashion scene and nightlife, where she also met future husband Roman Polanski. While initially unimpressed by each other, the two began working closely on Polanski’s next film, The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967). This film further solidified Tate’s presence in the Hollywood scene, even though Polanski had initially planned to cast someone else. Despite the challenges, Tate’s performance and increasing confidence helped her to secure a lasting place in the industry.
Sharon Tate’s Role in Valley of the Dolls
One of the most pivotal moments in Sharon Tate’s career came with her role in Valley of the Dolls (1967), based on the bestselling novel. Although Tate wasn’t fond of the book or the script, she was cast in the film as Jennifer North, an aspiring actress whose beauty and body are her primary assets. The role was an opportunity to solidify her status in Hollywood and showcase her acting abilities. Despite her reservations about the character, Tate’s performance was recognised for its vulnerability and charm, which many saw as a reflection of Tate’s own personality.
Tate faced criticism from director Mark Robson, who was reportedly harsh on her performance. However, she received support from her co-stars, including Patty Duke and Barbara Parkins, who became her close friends. In interviews, Tate revealed her admiration for her character, noting that she related to Jennifer North’s struggle in an industry that often focused on superficial beauty.
Although Valley of the Dolls opened to negative reviews, Tate’s physical presence in the film did not go unnoticed. Her stunning beauty was highlighted by the press, and she quickly became known as one of the most photogenic actresses of her generation. While the film was critically panned, many still considered Tate a rising star with a bright future ahead.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Throughout the filming of Valley of the Dolls, Sharon Tate’s personal life and career were widely covered by the media. As the girlfriend of Roman Polanski, she was frequently photographed and interviewed. One of the most prominent moments came in March 1967, when a Playboy article featured Tate in a series of stunning photographs taken by Polanski. The article painted a picture of Tate as one of Hollywood’s rising stars, and she began to gain recognition as more than just a beautiful face.
Despite the challenges she faced with her acting career, Tate’s media presence continued to grow. She was known for her down-to-earth personality and candidness in interviews, discussing everything from her role in Valley of the Dolls to her thoughts on nudity in films. Tate’s openness about her body and sexuality, as well as her candid commentary on the industry, made her a standout in an era that was just beginning to embrace more openness in film and television.
Struggles and Ambitions
While Tate enjoyed increased recognition, she was also frustrated by the limited roles she was given early in her career. After Valley of the Dolls, Tate expressed a desire to branch out into more substantial roles, particularly in comedy. She cited Faye Dunaway and Catherine Deneuve as actresses who influenced her, hoping to follow in their footsteps and create a name for herself beyond being a sex symbol.
Tate’s candid interviews often revealed her dissatisfaction with the roles she was offered. She once commented that she didn’t mind nudity if it served a purpose in the film, but she was more interested in being known for her acting talent. Her ambition to be seen as a serious actress led to her desire to work in more varied roles, such as comedy, where she felt she could truly showcase her range.
Marriage to Roman Polanski: A Story of Love and Struggles
In 1967, Sharon Tate’s life took a significant turn when she married renowned filmmaker Roman Polanski. Their wedding in Chelsea, London, on January 20, 1968, was a highly publicised event, with the media describing their relationship as unconventional and modern. Despite Tate’s hopes for a traditional marriage, Polanski’s infidelity strained their relationship. Still, Sharon accepted the situation, famously saying, “Roman lies to me, and I pretend to believe him.”
Their move to Los Angeles introduced them to Hollywood’s elite, including Warren Beatty, Mia Farrow, and Steve McQueen. While Tate continued her career, Polanski urged her to embrace the hippie lifestyle rather than focusing on her film career. The couple’s lifestyle became increasingly carefree, and their home was frequently filled with friends and strangers alike.
Tate’s Career Growth and Rising Stardom
In 1968, Sharon Tate began filming The Wrecking Crew, where she played an accident-prone spy. Her ability to perform stunts and her martial arts training with Bruce Lee earned her widespread recognition. Tate was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for “New Star of the Year – Actress” for her performance in Valley of the Dolls and continued to build a promising career.
Her career was in full bloom, and her personal life seemed just as vibrant. Tate became pregnant in late 1968, and she and Polanski moved into the famous 10050 Cielo Drive house in Los Angeles. This house, which once belonged to friends Terry Melcher and Candice Bergen, would later become tragically famous for reasons no one could have anticipated.
The Tragic Night: The Manson Family Murders
On the night of August 8, 1969, Sharon Tate’s life came to a brutal and shocking end. While pregnant with her son, Tate was tragically murdered by members of the Manson Family cult, along with four others, including Tate’s friends Jay Sebring, Wojciech Frykowski, and Abigail Folger. Tate’s final moments were horrific, as she pleaded for her unborn child’s safety. The Manson family members killed Tate and her friends, leaving a trail of blood and horror that would forever alter Hollywood’s landscape.
Her body was discovered the next morning, and her tragic death, along with the murders of the others, shocked the world. Roman Polanski, who was away in London at the time, returned to Los Angeles to find his wife and unborn son dead, a devastating loss that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
The Aftermath: Public Reaction and Lasting Legacy
Following Tate’s death, interest in her life and work skyrocketed. Re-releases of her films, such as Valley of the Dolls and The Wrecking Crew, found new popularity. The media portrayed her as a symbol of innocence, often describing her as a “sweet and pure” person, a portrayal that friends and family defended. Despite the media frenzy surrounding her death, Roman Polanski later expressed the profound grief he felt, stating that he felt his life was “incomplete” after her loss.
The investigation into the murders led to the arrest of Charles Manson and his followers, who claimed that the murders were committed due to their obsession with the house Tate lived in, not because of the victims themselves.
Tate’s murder cast a dark shadow over Hollywood, leading many stars to install security systems and take extra precautions. In the years following her death, her name became synonymous with the horrific events of that summer night, and her memory lived on in films, documentaries, and tributes. Polanski dedicated his film Tess to Sharon, a reflection of their shared love for Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles and their unfulfilled dreams.
Sharon Tate’s Legacy and Impact
Sharon Tate remains a beloved figure in Hollywood history. Though her life was cut tragically short, her contributions to the film industry and the beauty she brought to the screen continue to inspire new generations. Tate’s tragic end and the circumstances surrounding it have only cemented her place in the collective memory of Hollywood and pop culture.
Her life serves as a reminder of both the fleeting nature of fame and the lasting impact of a person’s character. Sharon Tate will always be remembered for her talent, beauty, and the joy she brought to others – her legacy far exceeding the dark way her story ended.
