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Entertainment • Actress

Sharon Tate

Sharon Tate was an American actress and model best known for her work in 1960s film and television, including *Valley of the Dolls*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sharon Tate was an American actress and model best known for her work in 1960s film and television, including *Valley of the Dolls*. She was the second wife of film director Roman Polanski. Tate was murdered in Los Angeles in August 1969 while more than eight months pregnant, in a crime later linked to followers of Charles Manson.

Early life and career

Sharon Tate began her public career as a model before moving into television and film. She became known in the 1960s as a rising actress in Hollywood.

Film work

Tate appeared in several films during the 1960s, with *Valley of the Dolls* becoming her best-known role. She was also recognized for performances that helped establish her as a promising young actress.

Marriage and personal life

Tate married Roman Polanski in 1968. At the time of her death, she was pregnant with their first child.

Death and legacy

Tate was murdered in August 1969 in a crime tied to the Charles Manson group. Her death became one of the most widely reported and historically significant murders in American entertainment history.

Key facts

  • Sharon Tate was an American actress and model known for 1960s film and television roles, especially *Valley of the Dolls*.
  • She was married to film director Roman Polanski.
  • Tate was murdered at her Los Angeles home on August 9, 1969, while more than eight months pregnant.
  • Her death was part of the Tate murders, carried out by followers of Charles Manson.
  • Tate was more than eight months pregnant when she died.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Sharon Tate?
Sharon Tate was an American actress and model known for 1960s film and television roles, especially *Valley of the Dolls*. She was also the second wife of director Roman Polanski.
How did Sharon Tate die?
She was murdered at her Los Angeles home on August 9, 1969, while more than eight months pregnant. The killing was carried out by followers of Charles Manson.
What was the Sharon Tate murder?
The Sharon Tate murder refers to her killing in the 1969 Tate murders, a high-profile case in which Tate and four others were killed by members of the Manson group.
Who was Sharon Tate's husband?
Her husband was film director Roman Polanski. They married in 1968.
What movies was Sharon Tate in?
Her best-known film is *Valley of the Dolls* (1967). She also appeared in other 1960s films, including *The Fearless Vampire Killers*.
Did Sharon Tate have a baby?
No. She was pregnant at the time of her death, but the baby did not survive. Sources say she was more than eight months pregnant when she was murdered.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Tate
    Supports: Birth and death dates, occupation, marriage to Roman Polanski, and general biography.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sharon-Tate
    Supports: Biography, marriage, pregnancy at death, murder by followers of Charles Manson, and cause of death.
  3. People — https://people.com/sharon-tate-death-everything-to-know-11787492
    Supports: Pregnancy, circumstances of the murder, and identification of the victims.
  4. Golden Globes — https://goldenglobes.com/person/sharon-tate/
    Supports: Birth information, family background, Golden Globe nomination, and murder details.
  5. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/crime/sharon-tate
    Supports: Career highlights, major film roles, marriage, and murder context.