Heather O'Rourke
Biography
American child actress Heather O'Rourke was born in San Diego and began her screen career after Steven Spielberg cast her in his 1982 supernatural horror film Poltergeist. She played Carol Anne Freeling, the suburban girl targeted by supernatural forces, and the role brought her critical praise and made her a key figure in the genre. She returned to the part in Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986). A third film, Poltergeist III (1988), was her final feature. On television she had recurring roles as Heather Pfister on Happy Days and Melanie on the sitcom Webster, and she starred in the TV movie Surviving (1985) as Sarah Brogan. Her work earned six Young Artist Award nominations, with one win for Webster. The American Film Institute put her Poltergeist line at No. 69 on its list of 100 Movie Quotes.
12years old at death
- Born San Diego
- Died San Diego
- Star sign: CapricornThe sign runs December 22 to January 19
- Also credited as Heather Michele O'Rourke
Movie Career
- Films
- 4
- Career span
- 6 years1982 to 1988
Every film, newest first
- 1988Poltergeist IIIIMDb rating 4.7
- 1986Poltergeist II: The Other SideIMDb rating 5.7
- 1985SurvivingIMDb rating 7.4
- 1982PoltergeistIMDb rating 7.3
Genres
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Did you know?!
A first
In Poltergeist, O'Rourke delivered the line "They're here!" Her delivery of that line is ranked No. 69 on the American Film Institute's 2005 list of "100 Movie Quotes."
Heather O'Rourke movies on Netflix
Most often with
Zelda Rubinstein appears in three of them, more than any other actor. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Zelda Rubinstein's page
JoBeth Williams's page
Craig T. Nelson's page
Oliver Robins's page
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.