Known for her striking beauty and charming personality, Sharon Tate was an American actress and model whose promising career was tragically cut short when she was murdered by members of the Manson Family Cult.
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.
Sharon Tate
Early Life of Sharon Tate
Sharon Marie Tate was born on January 24, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, USA. She was the eldest of three daughters to Colonel Paul James Tate, a United States Army intelligence officer, and his wife, Doris Gwendolyn. Sharon’s family used to frequent relocations due to her father’s military career. It led her to live in various cities across the United States and Europe. Sharon was a beautiful child and won the “Miss Tiny Tot of Dallas” pageant at just six months old. Sharon won several beauty pageants during her teenage years, including “Miss Richland” in Washington in 1959.
Acting Career
Sharon’s family moved to Italy, where she attended Vicenza American High School. Her striking looks and photogenic presence caught the attention of filmmakers. Her first screen appearance came as an uncredited role in the film Barabbas (1961). After returning to the US, Sharon pursued a career in modeling and acting. She eventually gets a contract with Filmways, Inc. Despite her stunning looks, Sharon was famous for her no-makeup looks, often using only Vaseline on her lips.
Breakthrough
Her big break came with the television series “The Beverly Hillbillies” (1963-1965), where she played the recurring role of Janet Trego. This exposure paved the way for her transition to film, and she soon landed roles in major Hollywood productions.
One of her earliest successes came when she played the role of Odile de Caray, a mysterious and alluring character in this British mystery horror film, “Eye of the Devil (1966).” Sharon starred as Sarah Shagal, a beautiful innkeeper’s daughter in “The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967),” directed by Roman Polanski. This film not only showcased her comedic talent but also led to her marriage to Polanski in 1968.
Sharon’s portrayal of Jennifer North, a tragic actress, in “Valley of the Dolls (1967)” earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. This role solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Other Work of Sharon Tate
Sharon Tate then acted in a few more films, such as “Don’t Make Waves” (1967) and “The Wrecking Crew” (1968). Sharon’s role in “Don’t Make Waves” inspired the creation of the Malibu Barbie doll in 1971.
“12+1 (1969)” was Sharon’s final film, released posthumously, where she played the role of Pat.
Besides being a promising actress, Sharon was admired for her grace and charisma on and off camera. Her marriage to famous director Roman Polanski further thrust her into the spotlight.
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?
Sharon Tate
The Tragedy
On August 9, 1969,Tate and four others were murdered by members of the Manson Family, a cult, in the home she shared with Polanski while he was away. She was only 26 and eight-and-a-half months pregnant. The shocking event sent chills across Hollywood and the world, making it one of the most talked-about incidents of the late 60s.
After her murder, Sharon’s father, Paul Tate, disguised himself as a hippie to infiltrate the Manson Family and gather information about his daughter’s death.
Despite her early demise, Sharon Tate is remembered not only for her talent but also for the warmth and vitality she brought to the screen, making her a timeless figure in the hearts of those who appreciated her.
Sharon Tate on IMDB
