The 'Poltergeist Curse': tragic deaths and paranormal events

'Poltergeist' rightfully earns its spot as one of the greatest horror movies in history and a cult classic that, despite being released in 1982, keeps much of its iconography alive... epecially the image of the young girl in front of the television.

Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced and written by Steven Spielberg, the movie was a blockbuster hit, raking in $122 million (with a budget of $10 million), leading to a trilogy that was completed in 1986 and 1988.

Photo: Warner Bros Ent.

What not everyone knows is that this trilogy is associated with what is known as the 'Poltergeist Curse,' a series of strange circumstances that led to the deaths of four of the main stars of the saga. Read on to learn more... if you dare!

Photo: Warner Bros Ent.

Follow us for more fascinating film history

Between the premiere of the first and the third installment (a span of five years), Heather O'Rourke, Dominique Dunne, Julian Beck, and Will Sampson passed away. The peculiar circumstances of some of the deaths only served to amplify the legend of this curse.

The young Carol Anne was the true star of the saga. The young actress was 7 years old when the first film was shot and 12 years old at the release of the third installment. She would not live to see her 13th birthday.

Photo: Warner Bros Ent.

During the filming of 'Poltergeist III,' Heather O'Rourke contracted giardiasis (aka beaver fever) in a scene that required her to be in the water of a lake. This is a disease caused by a parasite that lives in soil, food, and water.

Photo: Warner Bros Ent.

Analyzing her symptoms, Heather O'Rourke was mistakenly diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, so she continued filming until the movie was completed.

Heather O'Rourke tragically passed away on February 1, 1988, due to non-traumatic cardiac arrest and septic shock resulting from an intestinal obstruction, specifically the area targeted by the parasite.

Photo: Warner Bros Ent.

Dominique Dunne met an even grimmer fate. She played Dana Freeling, Carol Anne's older sister, in the first installment. And we say first installment because she didn't have the chance to appear in the next two.

John Sweeney, the actress's ex-partner, went to her house one night, intending to get back together with the actress. But when she turned him down, John reacted violently, strangling his ex-partner.

Follow us for more fascinating film history

Dominique Dunne remained in a coma for five days, until her family decided to disconnect life support so she could pass away peacefully on November 4. She was 22 years old, and her death came exactly five months after the premiere of 'Poltergeist.'

Julian Beck joined the franchise in the second installment, marking his only appearance as Reverend Beck, as he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1983.

Photo: Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc.

The actor passed away in September 1985, with the film still in post-production, meaning he never got to see his role on the big screen. He was 60 years old.

Will Sampson's participation was also limited to 'Poltergeist II,' where he portrayed Taylor, the Native American shaman.

Photo: Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc.

The actor was 53 years old when he died due to kidney complications following heart and lung surgery.

On the flip side of this curse is Richard Lawson, who played the parapsychologist Ryan in the first installment.

Photo: Warner Bros

The actor narrowly escaped death, in a clear stroke of luck, when the plane he was traveling on crashed in March 1992. Out of the 51 passengers, 27 perished, and he was among the survivors.

Follow us for more fascinating film history