The truth behind the death of ‘Poltergeist’ actress Heather O’Rourke

• The truth behind Heather O’Rourke’s death.
• Spielberg personally cast her in Poltergeist.
• She died tragically at only 12.

If there was one movie that marked the childhood of many in the 1980s, it was Poltergeist.

Under the direction of Tobe Hooper, this film tells the chilling story of a family’s haunted house.

Many remember young actress Heather O’Rourke, who passed away just a few years after the release of this film.

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Heather O’Rourke probably never imagined how her life would change after Steven Spielberg cast her in Poltergeist.

The renowned producer and filmmaker was specifically looking for a blonde girl like her to play Carol Anne Freeling.

After a ‘disappointing’ audition, Spielberg insisted that she was perfect for the role, even personally speaking with her parents.

He read her a scary story that frightened her to tears and that’s how she was cast in Poltergeist.

Heather O’Rourke was afraid of horror movies

Many may not know that Heather O’Rourke said she was afraid of horror movies.

Her fear was so profound that she never wanted to watch any of that type of movie during her short life.

Nevertheless, while her peers nervously awaited filming their scenes in Poltergeist, she remained calm.

After this experience, she appeared in other productions such as Webster, Happy Days and CHiPs.

It all started with a simple flu

According to Vanity Fair, Heather O’Rourke began experiencing flu-like symptoms in January 1987. She was just 11 years old.

When her parents noticed her feet and legs swelling, they took her back to the doctor. The diagnosis? Giardiasis.

In simple terms, the young actress had an intestinal disease caused by a microscopic parasite.

Before starting filming on her next movie, she was examined again, and doctors suspected Crohn’s disease.

Heather O’Rourke dreamt of becoming a director

It’s worth noting that during the filming of Poltergeist III, Heather O’Rourke was on medication.

Due to the effects of cortisone and sulfamide, her face and neck appeared swollen, but she never complained.

However, portraying the character of Carol Anne Freeling exhausted her to the point where she said that if there were another sequel, that would be her last.

Nevertheless, she wanted to remain in the world of cinema, but no longer as an actress, but as a director.

The truth behind Heather O’Rourke’s death

Heather O’Rourke passed away on February 1, 1988, at the age of 12, devastating her fans

According to Vanity Fair, the day before, she woke up vomiting and with severe stomach pain.

The next day, after no improvement, she was taken to the hospital. On the way, she suffered a heart attack and lost consciousness.

Shortly before three in the afternoon, she died as a result of a cardiopulmonary arrest, the result of sceptic shock. A true tragedy.