In 1982, Poltergeist terrified audiences with a story of supernatural forces haunting an ordinary suburban family. But in the years that followed, a series of real-life tragedies would give rise to one of Hollywood's most enduring legends: the Poltergeist curse.

Actress Dominique Dunne was murdered just months after the film's release. Julian Beck and Will Sampson, both featured in Poltergeist II, died before the decade was over. And in 1988, twelve-year-old Heather O'Rourke, the young star who made the words "They're here" unforgettable, died unexpectedly.

Were these deaths simply tragic coincidences, or was something more sinister lurking behind the cameras?

In this Halloween special of Hollywood Horrors, we investigate the deaths surrounding the Poltergeist franchise, the disturbing use of real human skeletons during filming, and the stories that fueled rumors of a Hollywood curse.

Was Poltergeist truly cursed, or is the real horror found in the documented tragedies behind the legend?

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

🎙️ Hollywood Horrors

The Dark Side of the Dream Factory

🌐 HollywoodHorrors.com

📬 Send Us Fan Mail:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2626910/fan_mail/new

❤️ Support the Show:

Subscribe to Hollywood Horrors+ for $3/month and hear every new episode three days before its public release, while supporting the independent research and production behind the show.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2626910/supporters/new