Sharon Marie Tate Polanski, born on the 24th of January 1942, in Dallas, Texas, was an American actress and model who became a symbol of beauty and talent in the 1960s. Her life, though tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on Hollywood and popular culture.
Early life
Sharon was the eldest of three daughters to Paul James Tate, a U.S. army officer, and Doris Willett. Due to her father’s military career, the family moved frequently, living in various cities across the United States and Europe. This nomadic lifestyle made it difficult for Sharon to develop lasting friendships, but she was known for her adaptability and grace.
Sharon Tate on her school life
I guess you could say that I was somewhat withdrawn from my classmates. I spent a good deal of time being a loner. I suppose that had something to do with the way we lived — always on the move, never living in one town very long. It’s very hard to make lasting friendships that way.
Her beauty was evident from a young age; she won the title of “Miss Tiny Tot of Dallas,” at just six months old, but her parents had no show business ambitions for their daughter.
By the age of 16, Tate had lived in six cities and found it difficult to maintain friendships. Her family described her as shy and lacking in self-confidence. As an adult, she would say that people misinterpreted her shyness as aloofness until they knew her better.


As she matured, Tate’s appearance began to be commented on, with her starting to enter beauty contests. At 16, in Richmond, Washington, she was crowned “Miss Richland” in 1959. She spoke of her ambition to study psychiatry and intention to compete in the “Miss Washington” pageant in 1960. Before she could do so however, her father was transferred to Italy. With her family relocating to Verona, Tate learned that she had become a local celebrity owing to the publication of her in a swimsuit on the cover of Stars and Stripes, a military newspaper. For the first time in her life, she began to form lasting friendships with other students at the American school she attended, bonding over their background and similar feelings of separation.
Modelling and Acting
While living in Italy during her high school years, Sharon’s interest in acting blossomed. With filming of Hemingway’s Adventures of a Young Man, being filmed nearby, Tate and her friends obtained parts as extras. Richard Beymer, who was starring, spotted Sharon in the crowd and introduced himself. The two dated during production of the film and Beymer encouraging Tate to pursue a film career.
She appeared as an extra in the film “Barabbas” in 1961, which starred Anthony Quinn. This experience ignited her passion for the craft. After graduating from Vicenza American High School, she pursued modelling, gracing the covers of fashion magazines and appearing in television commercials.
My whole life has been decided by fate. I’ve never planned anything that’s happened to me.
Sharon Tate


In 1962, her family returned to the United States and Sharon Tate moved to Los Angeles to become an actresss. After meeting Richard Beymer’s agent, Harold Gefsky, he agreed to represent her, securing work in magazine advertisements and television. In 1963, he introduced her to Martin Ransohoff, director of Filmways, Inc., who signed her to a seven year contract. After losing out on a role on CBS’s sitcom Petticoat Junction for her lack of confidence, Ransohoff gave Tate small parts in Mister Ed and The Beverley Hillbillies, but wasn’t willing to risk putting her in a more substantial role.
During this time, Tate met Philippe Forwuet and began a relationship in 1963. Although they were eventually engaged, their relationship was volatile and they argued frequently. Career pressures drove them apart and they broke up the following year.
In 1964, she met Jay Sebring, a former sailor who was now established as a leading hairstylist in Hollywood. Sharon would later state that his nature was gentle, but when he proposed marriage, she declined. She had always stated she would retire from acting as soon as she married and, at that time, she was focused on her career.


In 1964, Tate had a screen test for Sam Peckinpah for the film The Cincinnati Kid, where should would have played opposite Steve McQueen. Ransohoff and Peckinpah, however, agreed that her shyness and lac, of experience would cause her to flounder in such a large part, so she was unsuccessful. She continued to gain experience with minor television appearances, and after she unsuccessfully auditioned for Liesl in the Sound of Music, Ransohoff gave her two walk-on roles for motion pictures where he was producer.
Her breakthrough role was in the horror film “Eye of the Devil” released in late 1965, where she portrayed Odile de Carly. Sharon and Jay travelled to London for filming, where she met Alexandrian Wiccan High Priest and High Priestess Alex and Maxine Sanders. As part of Ransohoff’s promotion of Tate, he arranged the production of All Eyes on Sharon Tate, a short documentary, which was to be released at the same time as Eye of the Devil.
In her role as Odile, a witch who has a mysterious power over a landowner and his wide, Sharon may not have had as many lines as the other actors, but her performance was considered crucial to the film. As part of her role, she was required to set an ethereal tone, more so than her fellow cast members. In interviews, Tate commented on her good fortune in working with such professionals for her first film and that she had learned a lot about acting by simply watching her costar, Deborah Kerr, at work. Most of the filming took place in France, and Sebring returned to Los Angeles to fulfill his business obligations. After filming, Tate stayed in London, immersing herself in the fashion world and nightclubs. It was around this time that she met Roman Polanski.


Tate and Polanski would later agree that neither had impressed the other when they first met. Roman was planning The Fearless Vampire Killers, which was coproduced with Ransohoff. Polanski had decided he wanted Jill St. John for the female lead. Ransohoff, however, insisted that he cast Tate, and after they met, he agreed on the condition she wear a red wig while filming. The crew travelled to Italy for filming, where Tate’s fluent Italian proved helpful in communicating with the locals. Polanski was a perfectionist and had little patience with Tate, with one scene reportedly taking 70 takes before he was satisfied. In addition to directing, he also played one of the main characters, an innocent young man fascinated with Tate’s character, which blossoms into romance. As they worked together, Polanski praised her performances, and her confidence grew. They started a romantic relationship, and Sharon moved into Roman’s London apartment after filming ended. Jay Sebring also travelled to London, and insisted on meeting Polanski. Although Sebring was devastated at the end of their relationship, he and Tate stayed close with him remaining her confidante.
In 1967, Sharon starred as Jennifer North in “Valley of the Dolls,” a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year. One of the all-time bestsellers, the film version was highly publicised and anticipated, and while Tate knew a prominent role would be good for her career, she confessed to Polanski that she didn’t like the script or the book. Patty Duke, Barbara Parkins and Judy Garland were cast as the other leads, but Susan Hayward replaced Garland before filming began. Mark Robson, directing, was highly critical of the leading ladies, but according to Duke, aimed most of his ire towards Tate. Polanski later quoted Robson as saying, “That’s a great girl you’re living with. Few actresses have her vulnerability. She’s got a great future”
Roman is such a beautiful, mad human being. Sometimes things are difficult, sometimes good. But it makes life twice as interesting.
Sharon Tate on her husband


In late 1967, Tate and Polanski returned to London, and were frequent subjects of newspaper and magazine articles. She was depicted as untraditional and modern, and quoted as saying couples should live together before getting married. They were married in Chelsea, London on the 20th of January 1968, with considerable publicity. Polanski was dressed in Edwardian finery, and Tate wore an off-white taffeta mini dress. The couple moved into Polanski’s mews house in Belgravia, London.
We have a good arrangement. Roman lies to me and l pretend to believe him.
Tate on her marriage
Tate reportedly wanted a traditional marriage, but Polanski remained promiscuous, referring to her reaction to his infidelity as “Sharon’s big hang-up”. He would also remind her that she had promised not to change him. Tate accepted this, but confided to friends that she hoped he would change.
Polanski urged Tate to end her working relationship with Ransohoff, and she started to place less importance on her career, until her husband stated he wanted to be married to a hippie, not a housewife. The couple returned to Los Angeles, quickly becoming part of a social group that included some of the most successful young people in the film industry.
A Tragic End
Tate became pregnant near the end of 1968. She and Polanski moved to Cielo Drive, Los Angeles in February 1969. The house was previously occupied by friends of the couple, and Tate was thrilled to discover it was available. At their new home, they continued to be popular hosts for their large group of friends, though some were worried about the strange people who would show up at their parties.
After completing filming on The Thirteen Chairs alongside Orson Welles, Tate joined her husband in London. There, she posed for photographer Terry O’Neill in casual domestic scenes, completing a set of glamour photographs for the British publication, Queen. She then returned home to Los Angeles in July 1969, with Polanski due to join her in August before the birth of their child.


On the 8th of August 1969, Tate entertained actress Joanna Pettet for lunchat her home. She confided in her that she was disappointed in Polanski’s delay in returning from London. Polanski telephoned her that day. She declined a visit from her younger sister Debra, offering to have her over another time. Later that evening, Jay Sebring, Wojciech Frykowski, and Folger coffee heiress, Abigail Folger, dined at El Coyote Cafe, returning at around 10.30pm.
To know Sharon, to really know her, was to love her. There is just no way that anyone who knew her could have hurt her so.
Sheliah Wells, Screenland, 1968
Shortly after midnight, Sebring, Frykowski, Folger, and Tate and her unborn son were murdered by members of the Manson Family cult. Tate was the last of the victims to die, despite her pleas that the Family take her with them so she could give birth. The bodies were discovered the following morning by Tate’s housekeeper Winifred Chapman.
Legacy
Sharon Tate’s life, although brief, continues to captivate and inspire. Her performances remain a testament to her talent, and her enduring legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.