Sharon Tate

Sharon Marie Tate (January 24, 1943 – August 9, 1969) was an American actress. During the 1960s she played small roles in television, before starting her film career. She appeared in several films that utilised her physical beauty, and after receiving positive reviews as a light comedienne was hailed as one of Hollywood's promising newcomers. Tate's celebrity status and role as a style icon of the "Swinging Sixties" increased after fashion magazines began featuring her as a model and cover girl. Married to the film director Roman Polanski, Tate was eight months pregnant when she, along with four others, was murdered in her Benedict Canyon home by followers of Charles Manson.

Early life and becoming an actress

Sharon Tate was born in Dallas, Texas, the first of three daughters, to Paul Tate, a United States Army officer and his wife, Doris. At six months of age, Sharon Tate won the "Miss Tiny Tot of Dallas Pageant", but the Tates did not hold any showbusiness ambitions for their daughter. Paul Tate's military career progressed, and he was promoted and transferred several times. By the age of 16, Sharon Tate had lived in six different American cities, and because of the frequent moves and unsettled lifestyle, had found it difficult to maintain friendships. Her family described her as shy and lacking in self-confidence as a result, and as an adult Sharon Tate commented that people often misinterpreted her shyness and considered her to be aloof until they came to know her better. {{mn|GregKing|1}}

Related Topics:
Dallas - Texas - United States Army

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As she matured, people commented on her beauty; she began entering beauty pageants, winning the title of "Miss Richland, Washington" in 1959. She spoke of her ambition to study psychiatry, and also stated her intention to compete in the "Miss Washington State" pageant in 1960, but before she could follow either course of action, Paul Tate was transferred to Italy, taking his family with him.

Related Topics:
Beauty pageant - Richland, Washington - 1959 - Psychiatry - Washington State - 1960 - Italy

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Upon her arrival in Verona, Italy, Sharon Tate learned that she had become a local celebrity due to the publication of a photograph of her in a bathing suit, which appeared on the cover of the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes. She discovered a kinship with other students at the American school she attended, recognising that their backgrounds and feelings of separation were similar to her own, and for the first time in her life began to form lasting friendships. Tate and her friends became interested in the filming of Adventures of a Young Man, which was being made nearby with Paul Newman, Susan Strasberg and Richard Beymer, and they obtained parts as film extras. Beymer noticed Tate in the crowd and introduced himself, and the two dated during the production of the film, with Beymer offering Tate encouragement to pursue a film career. In 1961, Tate was employed by the singer Pat Boone, and appeared with him in a television special he made in

Related Topics:
Verona, Italy - Stars and Stripes - Paul Newman - Susan Strasberg - Richard Beymer - Film extra - 1961 - Pat Boone - Television

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Venice.

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Later in the year, when Barabbas was being filmed near Verona, once again Tate was cast as an extra. The actor Jack Palance was impressed with her appearance and her attitude, although her role was too small to judge whether she had talent. He arranged a screen test for her in Rome, but this did not lead to further work. Tate returned to the United States alone, saying she wanted to further her studies, but tried to find film work. After a few months, Doris Tate, who feared for her daughter's safety, suffered a nervous breakdown and Sharon Tate returned to Italy.

Related Topics:
Barabbas - Jack Palance - Screen test - Rome - Nervous breakdown

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The Tate family returned to the United States in 1962, and Sharon Tate moved to Los Angeles, California, where she contacted Richard Beymer's agent, Harold Gefsky. After their first meeting Gefsky agreed to represent her, and secured work for her in television and magazine advertisements. In 1963 he introduced her to Martin Ransohoff, director of Filmways, Inc., who signed her to a seven year contract. Tate was considered for one of the lead roles in the Petticoat Junction television series, but Ransohoff realized that she lacked the experience to handle an important role. He gave her small parts in Mr. Ed, and The Beverly Hillbillies to allow her to gain experience.

Related Topics:
1962 - Los Angeles, California - 1963 - Martin Ransohoff - Filmways, Inc. - Petticoat Junction - Mr. Ed - The Beverly Hillbillies

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During this time Tate met the French actor Phillippe Forquet, and began a relationship with him. They became engaged, but the relationship was volatile and they frequently quarrelled. After a violent confrontation with Forquet, Tate required hospital treatment for her injuries, and subsequently ended the relationship.

Related Topics:
French - Phillippe Forquet

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In 1964, she met Jay Sebring, a former sailor who had established himself as a leading hair stylist in Hollywood. Tate later said that Sebring's nature was especially gentle, but when he proposed marriage she would not accept. She said that she would retire from acting as soon as she married, and at this time she intended to focus on her career.{{mn|GregKing|1}}

Related Topics:
1964 - Jay Sebring - Hollywood

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