Born into a prominent Hollywood family, her father, Dominick Dunne, was a producer and writer, and her brother, Griffin Dunne, became a successful actor. Dominique carved out her own path in the entertainment industry.
She is best remembered for her breakthrough role as Dana Freeling in Steven Spielberg’s supernatural horror film Poltergeist (1982).
Her career, which spanned from 1979 to 1982, was tragically cut short when she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend at the age of 22, just as she was emerging as a rising star in Hollywood.
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Complete Television Filmography
Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker (1979)
Network: ABC
Genre: TV movie- Thriller/Drama
Role: Cathy Robinson
Air Date: September 21, 1979
Running Time: 1h 36m
Dominique made her professional on-screen debut in this ABC television movie, which dealt with the dangerous world of teenage hitchhiking in Southern California.
Cathy Robinson portrayed a teenager caught up in the potentially hazardous lifestyle of hitchhiking, a topic that resonated with contemporary social concerns about youth safety in the late 1970s.
The film served as an important stepping stone in her career, showcasing her ability to handle serious dramatic material and establishing her as a promising young actress capable of tackling challenging social themes.
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Her performance demonstrated maturity beyond her years, as she convincingly portrayed the vulnerability and naivety of a young person making dangerous choices.
The role required her to convey both the adventurous spirit that would lead someone to hitchhike and the underlying fear and uncertainty that comes with such risky behaviour.
Critics noted her natural screen presence and ability to make her character relatable rather than simply a cautionary tale figure.
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Family (1980)
Network: ABC
Type/Genre: Drama Series/Family
Roles: Erica
Seasons/episodes: 5 Seasons, 86 episodes
Following her television movie debut, Dominique landed a recurring role in the critically acclaimed ABC drama series Family.
The show, which ran from 1976 to 1980, focused on the lives of the middle-class Lawrence family in Pasadena, California, and was known for its realistic portrayal of family dynamics and willingness to tackle controversial social issues.
Dominique joined the cast during the show’s final season, playing the character Erica. Her role allowed her to work within an ensemble cast and handle the naturalistic dialogue and situations that Family was renowned for.
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The series had a reputation for launching the careers of young actors, and Dominique’s work on the show further established her reputation as a talented actress capable of bringing authenticity and emotional depth to her roles.
Her character Erica was integrated into the show’s ongoing storylines, allowing Dominique to demonstrate her ability to maintain character consistency across multiple episodes while adapting to different dramatic situations.
The role showcased her talent for ensemble work and her ability to hold her own alongside established television actors.
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CHiPs (1982)
Network: NBC
Type/Genre: Police Procedural Series/Crime drama
Role: Guest appearance
Seasons/Episode: 6 Seasons, 139 episodes
Air Date: February 27, 1982
Shortly before her death, Dominique made a guest appearance on the popular NBC police procedural series CHiPs.
The show, which followed California Highway Patrol officers Jon Baker and Frank Poncherello, was known for its action sequences and light-hearted approach to police work. Her appearance came in a two-part episode titled “Roller Disco.”
This guest spot represented one of her final completed television performances and demonstrated her ability to work within the action-adventure format.
While the role was smaller compared to her recurring television work, it showcased her professional versatility and willingness to take on different types of projects.
The appearance on CHiPs also reflected the steady work she was finding in television as her career progressed.
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