Quick Facts
Also Known As: Heather Michele O’Rourke
Died At Age: 12
Died Young Child Actresses
Height: 1.42 m
Died on: February 1, 1988
place of death: Encinitas, California, United States
Cause of Death: Septic Shock
Diseases & Disabilities: Crohn’s Disease
U.S. State: California
Career
Heather O’Rourke was discovered by producer Steven Spielberg when she and her mother were having lunch in the MGM commissary while her sister Tammy was shooting for a movie. Spielberg quickly offered her the role of Carol Anne Freeling in his upcoming movie ‘Poltergeist’. The film, which was released in 1982, made her an instant child star. In 1982, O’Rourke was also cast in the recurring role of Heather Pfister in the television series ‘Happy Days’. The same year, she did the television film ‘Massarati and the Brain’ as well. In the ensuing year, she appeared in episodes of the TV series ‘CHiPs’, ‘Matt Houston’ and ‘Webster’.
In 1984, the little actress had a minor role in the TV program ‘Finder of Lost Loves’. Two years later, she reprised her role of Carol Anne Freeling in the sequel of ‘Poltergeist,’ titled ‘Poltergeist II: The Other Side’. O’Rourke also made a guest appearance in ‘The New Leave It to Beaver’ the same year. In 1987, she got featured in an episode each of ‘Our House’ and ‘Rocky Road’. A year later, she appeared in ‘Poltergeist III,’ the third installment of the Poltergeist film series. This movie was released posthumously.
Family & Personal Life
Heather Michele O’Rourke was born on December 27, 1975 in San Diego, California, USA, to Michael and Kathleen. Her mother was a seamstress while her father worked as a carpenter. O’Rourke had an elder sister named Tammy, who was also an actress. Her parents divorced in 1981, following which her mother married Jim Peele, a part-time truck driver, in 1984. O’Rourke studied at Big Bear Elementary School. She planned to attend UCLA and major in filmmaking.
Illness & Death
O’Rourke suffered from giardiasis in 1987 and was later diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. On January 31, 1988, she started vomiting and the following day, she collapsed. She suffered a cardiac arrest while being taken to the hospital. She had surgery to repair an acute bowel obstruction caused by congenital stenosis of the intestine. However, the surgery did not help and the little girl died later that day. Her last words were “I love you,” addressed to her dear mother. O’Rourke was buried at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
Facts About Heather O Rourke
Despite her young age, Heather O’Rourke was known for her professionalism and natural talent on set, earning praise from her co-stars and directors for her work ethic and dedication.
In addition to her work in “Poltergeist,” Heather O’Rourke also appeared in the sequels “Poltergeist II: The Other Side” and “Poltergeist III,” showcasing her range as an actress.
Heather O’Rourke had a passion for animals and was known for her kindness and compassion towards all creatures, often volunteering at animal shelters in her spare time.
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