Heather O’Rourke was the angel-faced child actress who rose to fame as Carol Anne Freeling in Poltergeist. But her breakout role came with a terrible curse.
1. She Was Cursed From The Beginning
Heather Michele O'Rourke rose to prominence at the tender age of five when she landed the starring role in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 horror classic Poltergeist. In just six short years, she would return to the role of Carol Anne Freeling two more times in Poltergeist II: The Other Side and Poltergeist III.
Tragically, she would become the youngest victim of the “Poltergeist Curse”.
2. Her Family Came From Humble Beginnings
By the time she was barely out of diapers, Heather O’Rourke would become a household name. But the cherub-faced child star had a long way to go from her humble beginnings to the heights of Hollywood. Born just two days after Christmas in 1975 in San Diego, California, her father worked as a carpenter while her mother made ends meet as a seamstress.
Funny enough, they already had a star on their hands.
3. She Wasn't The Only Star In The Family
O’Rourke’s acting career would overshadow anything her parents ever accomplished, but she wasn’t the only one in the family with their sights set on the stars. Her older sister Tammy was also an actress. Sadly, even before O’Rourke made her big screen debut, the demands of Hollywood were already straining the family.
4. Her Family Fell Apart
In 1981, Heather's parents went through a tough divorce. Only a few years later, in 1984, her mother, Kathleen, remarried. She tied the knot with Jim Peele, a part-time truck driver. By then, the family had relocated to a trailer park in Anaheim, California—far from the picture-perfect Hollywood life many might imagine.
However, nothing could dim O’Rourke’s rising star.
5. She Was Spielberg’s Dream Girl
While casting for his upcoming ghost-themed horror flick, Poltergeist (1982), Steven Spielberg had a specific vision. The legendary director wanted a “beatific four-year-old child” to play the role of Carol Anne Freeling, the innocent yet haunted star of his frightening film. O’Rourke just so happened to be in the right place, at the right moment.
6. She Had A “Hollywood Moment”
One day, O’Rourke was having lunch at an MGM commissary with her mother and sister, who had landed a part in Pennies from Heaven. Then, in one of those “only in Hollywood” moments Spielberg spotted his perfect star. The director knew instantly that O’Rourke was the girl he had been searching for to star in his horror flick.
There was just one question: Could she act?
7. She Didn't Nail Her First Audition
Despite the undeniable charm of her angelic looks, Spielberg still wanted to make sure that O’Rourke could deliver on camera. But when the time came, little Heather blew her audition. When she tried to perform a scene in front of Spielberg where she was supposed to act scared, she couldn’t stop laughing.
Studio executives were probably rolling their eyes—but Spielberg saw her potential.
8. She Got A Second Chance
O’Rourke got something that few other Hollywood hopefuls get: a second chance. Despite her non-stop laughter, Spielberg couldn’t shake the feeling that O’Rourke was special. Although he initially doubted whether she could take the role seriously, he gave her another shot, asking her to return for a second audition—this time with a scary storybook in hand.
9. She Screamed Until She Cried
During her second audition—with the help of a scary book—O’Rourke proved her star potential and gave Spielberg exactly what he was looking for. He asked O’Rourke to scream…and scream she did. So much so, in fact, that she ended up in tears.
The audition was harrowing but it sealed the deal: Spielberg had found his Carol Anne Freeling.
10. She Was Better Than Barrymore
O’Rourke iconic role nearly went to another little Hollywood hopeful—and one with some pedigree behind her. Even though Spielberg loved O’Rourke for Poltergeist, he had considered casting Drew Barrymore for the role. Instead, the director put Barrymore in ET the Extra-Terrestrial.
Barrymore didn't realize how lucky she was—because Poltergeist was cursed.
11. She Broke Down During A Tough Scene
The trouble on the set of Poltergeist started right away. One of the more intense scenes in the frightening feature involved a wind machine blowing toys into a closet as O'Rourke's character, Carol Anne, clung to her bed.
But it was too much for the young actress to handle. On a busy set, surrounded by grown ups who were supposed to protect her, O'Rourke completely fell apart. But at least there was one man in her corner.
12. She Need Some Comfort
Steven Spielberg was seemingly the only one who understood the stress and strain of putting a young child through the rigors of filming a horror movie. When the veteran director saw how much the wind machine was affecting her, he immediately stopped filming. Spielberg himself then picked her up, calmed her down, and promised he wouldn’t ask her to shoot that scene again.
The two formed a truly special bond. But Spielberg wouldn't always be there to save her.
13. She Was The Toast Of Her Castmates
Poltergeist might have terrified audiences when it hit theaters, but it was actually a surprisingly fun movie to make. In a heartwarming moment on the Poltergeist set, Oliver Robins, O'Rourke's co-star, recalled how Spielberg toasted the youngest cast member’s birthday. He promised that, when she turned 21, he'd buy her a bottle of her own.
Sadly, she would never make it.
14. She Won Critical Acclaim
When Poltergeist premiered, young Heather O'Rourke instantly became a beloved child star. The New York Times described her as a key element of the film, noting that her “wide eyes, long blonde hair, and soft voice” made her unforgettable. Her haunting and emotionally compelling performance became the defining image of the series.
In fact, she was basically all that anyone remembered.
15. Her Iconic Line Left A Lasting Impression
Even casual film fans have probably heard the famous line, “They're here!” The immortal film quote was, of course, O’Rourke’s line, and her chilling delivery made it a cultural phenomenon. Years later, she coined another iconic film quote with the equally spooky line, “They’re baa-aack!” in the sequel, cementing her place in American pop culture.
She just needed the awards to prove it.
16. Her Role Became Legendary
Thanks in large part to O’Rourke’s performance, Poltergeist not only gained a cult following, but it was also was a critical and commercial success. The film earned three Academy Award nominations, and O'Rourke herself landed a nomination for a Young Artist Award.
Unfortunately, she didn’t snag the trophy but she didn’t exactly walk off the set empty-handed either.
17. She Took Home A Souvenir
On screen, O’Rourke faced down haunted dolls and possessed toys, but off-screen, she loved her role’s lighter side. And, in a way, the role did land her some gold—just not Oscar gold. The studio allowed the child star to keep the goldfish that her character, Carol Anne, had in the film, giving her a small, un-cursed piece of the Poltergeist experience.
Of course, the money wasn’t bad either.
18. Her Paycheck Was Impressive
Most actresses have to work for years before they can earn the big bucks. But not little O’Rourke. For her performance in Poltergeist, O'Rourke earned between $35,000 and $100,000—a substantial sum for a young child actor in the early 1980s. Her breakout success not only made her famous but also allowed her to financially help her family.
19. Her Fame Bought The Family A Home
With her newfound success, O'Rourke’s family was able to move out of their trailer park. Thanks to the financial stability that her acting career provided, her family bought a house in Big Bear Lake, California. The move marked a big shift in their lifestyle and in O’Rourke’s prospects.
She seemed the furthest thing from cursed—and the good times were going to keep rolling...for now.
20. She Shined On Television
After Poltergeist, O'Rourke continued cashing in on her fame and became a regular on television. She starred alongside iconic Disney characters in Believe You Can…and You Can! and made appearances on several other shows. She even had a recurring role as Heather Pfister on Happy Days, showing that her talents went far beyond the horror genre.
In fact, her talents even extended off-screen.
21. She Was President
When O’Rourke wasn’t busy gracing the screen with her presence, she was busy being president—class president that is. Despite her fame, she was a pretty normal child who enjoyed attending school. Between acting jobs, she attended Big Bear Elementary School, where she wasn’t just a student: She was president of her fifth-grade class!
But the Poltergeist Curse was getting ready to strike.
22. She Lost Her Big Sister
Shortly after Poltergeist (1982) hit theaters, tragedy started to surround the movie. Dominique Dunne, who played O'Rourke’s older sister in the movie, lost her life after a physical altercation with her ex-boyfriend. The horrific event marked the beginning of an ominous set of events that fans began calling the “Poltergeist Curse.”
23. She Came Back For The Sequel
Cursed or not, Poltergeist (1982) had been a resounding commercial and critical success, and the studio wanted to cash in. Even with the tragic loss of Dunne under such tragic circumstances still looming overhead, MGM forged ahead on making a sequel. For O’Rourke, however, it would not be as fun the second time around.
24. She Had A Fright On Set
On the set of Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986), O'Rourke had a chilling real-life encounter. Let’s just say that she wasn’t acting when she looked terrified. The first time that the child actor saw her co-star Julian Beck, who played the sinister Reverend Kane, on set, his gaunt appearance frightened her so much that she burst into tears.
She just didn’t think anyone else would be as scared as she was.
25. She Wasn't A Fan Of The Sequel
Despite being terrified while on set herself, O'Rourke wasn’t impressed with the second Poltergeist film. In fact, she disowned it after its release, saying that it wasn’t nearly as scary as it should have been. “I thought it was too boring,” she admitted. “I don’t think it would scare anyone”.
Unfortunately, she was right—the film practically became a parody of itself.
26. Her Famous Line Became A Catchphrase
Despite the failures of the second film, O’Rourke’s famous lines “They’re here!” from Poltergeist and “They’re baa-aack!” from Poltergeist II became pop culture sensations. Over the years, other celebrities have tried to cash in on the child actor’s fame, such as Jane Fonda who quoted the line in her memoir My Life So Far.
Little Heather O’Rourke had a big impact on culture—but she wouldn’t live to see it.
27. Her Curse Was Just Beginning
Having appeared in both Poltergeist films, O’Rourke had no way of knowing that the dreaded “Poltergeist Curse” had already gotten ahold of her. Tragically, the premier of Poltergeist II: The Other Side would mark the last movie that the young actress would see released during her lifetime. It’s hard to say that it was worth it.
28. She Earned A Prestigious Nomination
For her performance in Poltergeist II, O'Rourke landed her second nomination in as many films. She was nominated for the Youth in Film Awards in the category “Exceptional Performance by a Young Actress Starring in a Feature Film”. Although she didn’t take home the prize, the nomination was still a testament to her talent.
Or an omen of her frightful fate.
29. The Curse Claimed Another Victim
The so-called “Poltergeist Curse” struck again even before the release of the second film. Julian Beck, who had terrified O’Rourke on set as the evil Reverend Kane, succumbed to his prolonged fight with stomach cancer just months before Poltergeist II hit theaters.
Next, the curse was getting ready to claim its youngest victim.
30. She Was A Little Queasy
In January 1987, O'Rourke began feeling unwell, showing the first signs of what would later become a tragic medical emergency—or the fallout of a calamitous curse. While at home with her mother Kathleen, stepfather Jim Peele, and sister Tammy, O’Rourke complained of a sudden and unexplained feeling of nausea.
Nothing too out of the ordinary. The poor family had no idea this was the beginning of the end.
31. She Just Had The “Flu”
Heather wouldn't stop complaining about this inexplicable feeling of nausea, so her mother Kathleen took the ailing child star to a medical facility in San Diego. Despite repeat visits, the doctors dismissed her symptoms as a common flu. “They kept telling me she had the flu,” Kathleen recalled.
But the flu couldn’t explain what happened next.
32. She Suffered From A Parasite
Following her “flu” diagnosis, O’Rourke’s symptoms only worsened—and they were anything but flu-like. Suddenly, O’Rourke’s feet began to swell, shocking her mother and prompting her to take the child actor back to the hospital. There, doctors made a horrifying discovery: Heather had been infected with a parasite called Giardia.
The worst part was how O’Rourke had contracted the bug.
33. Her Success Was Her Undoing
Based on her success from the Poltergeist franchise, O’Rourke’s parents had been able to move from their trailer park into a home in Big Bear Lake. But the “Poltergeist Curse” had blighted their wealth. The doctors believed that O’Rourke had contracted the parasite from the well water at their Big Bear Lake home.
They hoped a little medication could undo the hex—and at first, it seemed like it worked.
34. Her Mother Thought She Had Recovered
When O’Rourke began treatment with the anti-parasitic medication Flagyl, her mother watched as her daughter made a miraculous recovery. “Essentially, Heather was fine,” Kathleen said, noting that kids often recover quickly. But Kathleen, being an overprotective mother, took O’Rourke back to the doctors for a follow-up visit just before filming on Poltergeist III began.
Just in case.
35. She Was Even Worse Off Than They Knew
O’Rourke’s doctors performed an X-ray and made another startling—and terrible—discovery. While the medication had cleared the parasite, O’Rourke’s X-ray revealed that she was still dealing with some serious inflammation. The doctors diagnosed the child star with Crohn’s disease and prescribed more medication to manage her symptoms.
But the cure might have been worse than the disease.
36. She Had “Chipmunk Cheeks”
O’Rourke began filming Poltergeist III in Chicago while on her new course of medication, cortisone and sulfa. But, while her new meds reduced her internal inflammation, they caused swelling elsewhere—namely her face. O’Rourke’s mother recalled that the child star was “rather embarrassed about her chipmunk cheeks”.
Thankfully, the swelling subsided—but the curse intensified.
37. She Escaped Disaster On Set
The dreaded “Poltergeist Curse” made a nearly fatal return on the set of Poltergeist III. While filming a car chase scene, a fiery explosion erupted, nearly injuring a crew member and destroying several cameras. Fortunately, O’Rourke hadn’t been on set that day.
Ever the professional, however, when she arrived on set the next day her first question to director Gary Sherman was, “Did you get the shot?”
38. She Was Ready To Move On
O’Rourke developed a close friendship with the Poltergeist III’s director, Gary Sherman, and his girlfriend. However, with all of the drama associated with the franchise and the threat of the curse forever hovering over her head, O’Rourke made a big decision.
She informed the studio that if there were ever a Poltergeist IV, it would be her last appearance in the series. However, fate had already determined her final appearance.
39. She Went Cross-Country
To celebrate the end of filming, O’Rourke, her mother, and her stepfather took the road trip of a lifetime. Unhitching the cab of Jim Peele’s 18-wheeler, the family drove from Chicago to Disney World in Florida and then back to Los Angeles over the course of two months.
During this time, O’Rourke seemed to be in good spirits and in excellent health. Then suddenly, everything changed.
40. Her Health Took A Sudden Turn
In late January 1988, the O'Rourke family had just moved into a new apartment in Lakeside, California. There seemed to be no cause for concern until one morning when, without explanation, O’Rourke woke up and began vomiting.
Shocked but not too alarmed, O’Rourke’s mother gave her Gatorade, hoping it would soothe her stomach. Sadly, it did not.
41. She Collapsed
The next morning, O’Rourke insisted she was well enough to go to school, but her mother knew that something was wrong. O’Rourke couldn’t even swallow the toast that her mother gave her, her fingers and toes had turned blue, and her breathing became labored.
Just then, O’Rourke collapsed and her mother frantically called the paramedics. Sadly, it was already too late.
42. Her Final Words Were Touching
Even as she slipped into septic shock, O’Rourke remained conscious when the paramedics arrived. The emergency responders asked her if she felt unwell and she only meekly replied, “A little”. As the paramedics rushed the child star to the hospital, her mother told her, “I love you,” to which O’Rourke simply replied, “I love you, too”.
Mother and daughter wouldn’t get another chance to say goodbye.
43. She Was “Technically” Gone
During the ambulance ride to the hospital, O’Rourke’s health only deteriorated and she suffered cardiac arrest. She then slipped into a state of unconsciousness. By the time she arrived at the hospital, the medical team said that she had “technically” passed to the other side. Miraculously, however, they managed to revive her.
But it wasn't enough.
44. She May Have Suffered Brain Damage
While the medical staff had managed to revive O’Rourke, her condition remained precarious at best. They believed that her heart attack had been severe, and informed her parents that her fixed pupils suggested brain damage. Worse yet, they suspected that her prior diagnosis of Crohn's disease had been incorrect and asked permission to perform exploratory surgery.
Unfortunately, the surgery confirmed their worst suspicions.
45. She Went To The Other Side
During the operation on the child star, doctors found the source of O’Rourke’s health problems—and it wasn’t good. The Poltergeist star, as it turned out, had an obstructed bowel. While they managed to remove the obstruction, it was already too late. At 2:43pm the “Poltergeist Curse” claimed its final and youngest victim.
46. Her Passing Ended The Franchise
The studio had plans for a fourth Poltergeist film, once again starring their cherub-faced child star. But O’Rourke’s untimely demise and the media frenzy surrounding the “Poltergeist Curse” put a stop to those plans. Eventually, the franchise would return with a reboot in 2015, but without O’Rourke or any of the original cast. The film flopped.
47. She Had An Open Casket
Despite her massive fame, O’Rourke had a private funeral service. Her family paid their final respects to her on February 4, 1988, at Lakeside Memorial Chapel. The following day, they laid her to rest at Pierce Brothers in Westwood, California. Her mother, Kathleen, requested an open casket so she could say goodbye to her daughter one last time.
And she had a fitting tribute for the fallen star.
48. Her Mom Was Her Best Friend
Before O’Rourke’s mother closed her daughter’s casket, she placed a gold chain around her neck. The necklace had letters that spelled out “FRIEND” while she, herself, kept the companion chain that spelled “BEST”. O’Rourke had given her mother the matching pair for Christmas, saying that Kathleen was not just her mom, but her best friend.
49. Her Passing Was Unusual
O’Rourke’s untimely demise left medical professionals scratching their heads. Daniel Hollander, head of gastroenterology at the University of California, called O’Rourke’s case “distinctly unusual” as she had no prior symptoms of a bowel defect.
But there was one perfectly reasonably—if supernatural—explanation for O’Rourke’s tragic passing.
50. Her Curse: Explained
To many of her fans, O’Rourke’s tragic passing was the final disaster in the all-too-real “Poltergeist Curse”. And those fans believed that they knew exactly where the curse began. In the original 1982 film, the filmmakers used real skeletons in the infamous scene where they rise from the ground—or, at least, that’s how the story goes.
Whether that tale was just a marketing myth or something more sinister, many believe that it gave rise to the “Poltergeist Curse” that ultimately doomed Heather O’Rourke.