Dominion of tragedy: How Netflix revived Dominique Dunne's case
In 1982, Dominique Dunne, a 22-year-old actress, was murdered in front of her home in West Hollywood. Over 40 years later, her family still struggles with this tragedy. Her case resurfaced thanks to a powerful Netflix series.
The actress gained popularity with her role in the 1982 film "Poltergeist". Unfortunately, her career was brutally cut short by her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney. On 30 October 1982, Sweeney, after repeated attempts to convince Dominique to return to him, attacked her, strangling her until she lost consciousness. When the police arrived, the man confessed to the crime.
The following year, in September 1983, Sweeney was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and assault, receiving a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence. However, he was released after just two and a half years. Dunne's family, including her parents, Dominick and Ellen 'Lenny' Dunne, and her brothers Griffin and Alex Dunne, constantly strive to keep her memory alive.
The return of Dominique Dunne's tragic death case
Dominique's case was brought back to public attention thanks to Nathan Lane's portrayal of her father, Dominick, in the Netflix series "Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story". Dominick, an investigative journalist, covered the Menendez brothers' trial, which took place over a decade after his daughter's death.
His coverage of the Menendez brothers' trial contributed to tremendous media interest in the case during the 1990s.
Dominique Dunne: A tragically interrupted career
Dominique made her acting debut in 1979 with "Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker". She was born in Santa Monica on 23 November 1959 to Ellen, a ranch heiress, and Dominick, a writer, actor, and producer in Hollywood. She was the younger sister of two brothers, Alec and Griffin. Following her debut, she appeared in popular 80s television series such as "Lou Grant", "Family", "Hart to Hart", and "Fame". Her career gained momentum with her role in "Poltergeist".
The year 1981 brought her acquaintance with John Sweeney, with whom she quickly moved in. This relationship turned out to be toxic, filled with physical abuse from the man. After a few months, Dominique cut ties with him, but in October 1982, she met him for the last time, which ended in her tragic death.
After his daughter's death, Dominick dedicated himself to a career as a crime writer. His article for Vanity Fair describing the Sweeney trial became an important testimony of what a victim's family goes through. Dominick also covered famous trials, such as the O.J. Simpson case in 1995 and the Menendez brothers in 1993. He passed away on 26 August 2009 at the age of 83.
Dominique's mother, Ellen, became involved in advocacy for crime victims, founding the "Justice for Homicide Victims" foundation. President George H.W. Bush honoured her for her work in 1989, and she passed away in 1997 at 64.
According to People magazine, Griffin Dunne, the actress's brother, continues his career in Hollywood and as an author. In June 2024, he published a memoir titled "The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir", in which he recalls his family and sister.
