35 Facts About Sharon Tate

Early Life and Family

Sharon Tate's life began in Texas, but her journey took her across the globe due to her father's military career. Here are some key moments from her early years.

1. Sharon Marie Tate was born on January 24, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, to Col. Paul Tate and Doris Tate. Her father’s military career meant frequent relocations for the family.

2. At just four months old, Sharon won the "Miss Tiny Tot of Dallas" pageant. Her grandmother entered her on a whim, setting the stage for her future in beauty pageants.

3. Sharon continued to win beauty queen titles throughout her teenage years. She was crowned Miss Richland, Washington, and the Queen of the Tri-City Autorama in Richland at 16.

4. In 1960, the Tate family moved to Verona, Italy, where Sharon finished high school. She was a popular cheerleader and was crowned prom queen her senior year.

5. Sharon revealed to her future husband Roman Polanski that she was raped by a soldier in Italy when she was 17. This traumatic experience did not leave her emotionally scarred, according to Polanski.

Early Career Beginnings

Sharon's entry into the entertainment world was marked by small roles and modeling gigs. These early experiences helped shape her future career.

6. Sharon began her acting career by appearing on the cover of the American military newspaper Stars and Stripes in 1960. She also featured in an episode of The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom that was shot in Venice.

7. Sharon landed her first film job as an extra in the swords-and-sandals movie Barabbas starring Anthony Quinn in 1961. Her mother allowed another actor working on the film, Jack Palance, to take her out on a date.

8. Sharon briefly dated actor Richard Beymer after meeting him on a film set in Verona. This early experience in the film industry helped her gain confidence and exposure.

9. Before transitioning to film, Sharon appeared in several television shows, including a recurring role on The Beverly Hillbillies. Her television work is often considered her best, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Breakthrough Roles

Sharon's talent and beauty soon landed her significant roles in Hollywood, leading to her rise as a star.

10. Sharon's first major role in a movie was in The Fearless Vampire Killers, directed by her future husband Roman Polanski. Polanski was initially hesitant to cast her but was convinced after seeing her reaction to one of his pranks.

11. Sharon met Jay Sebring, a famous Hollywood men’s hairstylist, while filming The Fearless Vampire Killers. She learned the basics of haircutting from him and remained close friends until his tragic death at the hands of the Manson Family.

12. In 1967, Sharon starred in Don’t Make Waves, a film that inspired the Malibu Barbie doll. Her character in the movie was so iconic that it influenced the creation of this popular toy.

13. While filming Don’t Make Waves, Sharon suffered a near-death experience when her harness malfunctioned during a stunt. She was supposed to jump from a plane into a pool but found herself trapped beneath the parachute, which had deployed too quickly.

Personal Life and Relationships

Sharon's personal life was filled with love, friendships, and a few secrets. Here are some insights into her life off-screen.

14. Sharon often escaped to Big Sur, a place she loved for its natural beauty and tranquility. This retreat provided her with a much-needed break from the chaos of Hollywood.

15. Sharon used a bath product called Milk & Pearls, which gave her a fresh, clean scent. Her sister Debra still has the last bottle of this product, which is no longer sold in stores.

16. Sharon’s beauty was so striking that Elizabeth Taylor had her removed from the set of The Sandpiper. When Debra Tate asked Elizabeth about it, she replied, “Of COURSE I had her removed. Did you ever see your sister?”.

17. Sharon met Roman Polanski while filming Eye of the Devil in 1965. They began a romantic relationship and were married in London in 1968. Polanski was a significant influence on her career, pushing her to take on challenging roles.

Iconic Roles and Achievements

Sharon's career was marked by several notable performances that showcased her talent and versatility.

18. Sharon’s breakthrough performance came in the hit 1967 film Valley of the Dolls, based on the best-selling novel by Jacqueline Susann. Her role as Jennifer North earned her good reviews, despite the film being critically panned.

19. In 1968, Sharon appeared in Rosemary’s Baby, a creepy thriller directed by Roman Polanski. This film further solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood.

20. Sharon had a starring role in the comedy The Wrecking Crew in 1968, alongside Dean Martin. This film showcased her comedic talents and added to her growing fame.

21. Sharon had a personal photographer named Shahrokh Hatami, who would later be an important witness in tying Manson to the Tate murders. Hatami’s photographs captured many intimate moments of Sharon’s life, providing a glimpse into her personal world.

Tragic End and Legacy

Sharon's life was tragically cut short, but her legacy continues to inspire and captivate.

22. Despite her glamorous image, Sharon was a secret smoker. She tried to hide this habit from Roman Polanski, who disapproved of smoking.

23. Sharon favored designers like Ossie Clark, Pucci, Dior, and Thea Porter. Her fashion sense was always impeccable, reflecting her classic and elegant style.

24. Sharon’s favorite piece of jewelry was a Cartier watch. She preferred not to wear rings because she often bit her nails, which made her self-conscious about her appearance.

25. On August 9, 1969, Sharon Tate was brutally murdered by the Manson Family at her home on Cielo Drive in Benedict Canyon, Los Angeles. She was eight and a half months pregnant with Roman Polanski’s child. The baby did not survive.

26. Sharon and three houseguests—Wojciech Frykowski, Abigail Folger, and Jay Sebring—were killed by a group of people led by Charles Manson. The murders were part of a larger apocalyptic fantasy orchestrated by Manson and his followers.

27. Manson and four of his followers were convicted of the murders and sentenced to death in 1971. After California's temporary abolition of the death penalty in 1972, their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. One of the followers, Susan Atkins, died in prison in 2009, while Manson himself passed away in late 2017.

28. Despite her tragic death, Sharon Tate’s legacy continues to inspire. Her sister Debra Tate has worked tirelessly to keep her memory alive through books and tributes. Sharon’s story serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring power of beauty and talent.

29. In 2018, with the 50th anniversary of the Manson murders approaching, several films about Sharon Tate were in production. One notable film is Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, directed by Quentin Tarantino and starring Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate. This film aims to incorporate Tate’s death into a larger examination of Tinseltown dynamics during that era.

30. Sharon Tate is often remembered for her beauty and tragic death. However, she was more than just a victim of the Manson Family. She was a rising star with a promising career, a loving wife, and an expectant mother.

31. Sharon rarely wore makeup in her personal life, preferring simple products like Vaseline for her lips. She had a fresh, clean scent due to her favorite bath product, Milk & Pearls, which is no longer sold today.

32. Big Sur was one of Sharon’s favorite places to escape to. This natural retreat provided her with a much-needed break from the chaos of Hollywood and allowed her to connect with nature.

33. Sharon was a secret smoker and often hid this habit from Roman Polanski. She also had a personal photographer named Shahrokh Hatami, who captured many intimate moments of her life.

34. Sharon favored designers like Ossie Clark, Pucci, Dior, and Thea Porter. Her fashion sense was always impeccable, reflecting her classic and elegant style. She preferred not to wear rings because she often bit her nails, which made her self-conscious about her appearance.

35. Sharon Tate’s life and death have had a lasting impact on popular culture. Her story serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring power of beauty and talent. Despite her tragic end, she remains an iconic figure in Hollywood history.

Sharon Tate's Lasting Impact

Sharon Tate's life, though tragically short, left an indelible mark on Hollywood and popular culture. Her stunning beauty, promising acting career, and tragic end continue to captivate audiences. From winning beauty pageants as a child to starring in iconic films like Valley of the Dolls, Sharon's journey was one of talent and resilience. Her relationship with Roman Polanski and her roles in films like The Fearless Vampire Killers showcased her versatility and dedication. The horrific events of August 9, 1969, when she and her friends were murdered by the Manson Family, shocked the world and forever changed the landscape of Hollywood. Yet, Sharon's legacy endures through the efforts of her family, particularly her sister Debra, who has worked tirelessly to keep her memory alive. Sharon Tate remains an iconic figure, a symbol of beauty, talent, and the fragility of life.