Tobe Hooper’s “Poltergeist” is widely considered one of the most frightening movies ever made.
The 1982 supernatural horror tells the story of a seemingly normal suburban family living in the planned community of Cuesta Verde, California. The movie sees their home invaded by malevolent spirits that cause chaos and abduct their youngest daughter.
It stars Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Beatrice Straight, and Heather O’Rourke, among others.
Per The Numbers, “Poltergeist” grossed over $121 million from a production budget of $10.7 million, making it a hugely successful horror film. Regarding its fan appeal, it still boasts an impressive 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Poltergeist” was released on June 4, 1982, meaning it turns 44 this year. So what do its core cast look like now compared to how they did back then? Let’s find out…
Craig T. Nelson (Steve Freeling)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Craig T. Nelson in “Poltergeist.”
Movie and television actor Craig T. Nelson played Steven “Steve” Freeling in “Poltergeist.” Steve is the father and husband of the movie’s protagonist family. He’s a real estate agent who initially downplays the strange occurrences in his house, but becomes increasingly and deeply involved in protecting the ones he loves.
Age when “Poltergeist” released: 38.
Selected movie credits before “Poltergeist”: …And Justice for All (1979), Stir Crazy (1980), Private Benjamin (1980).
GettyAge now: 81.
Selected movie credits after “Poltergeist”: Turner & Hooch (1989), The Incredibles (2004), Blades of Glory (2007).
Filmography info per IMDb.
JoBeth Willliams (Diane Freeling)
Above is a social media post with a picture of JoBeth Williams in “Poltergeist.”
Actress JoBeth Williams played Diane Freeling in “Poltergeist.” Diane is Steve’s wife and the mother of his children. She experiences the paranormal events most intensely and takes a central role in trying to save her daughter.
Age when “Poltergeist” released: 33.
Selected movie credits before “Poltergeist”: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Stir Crazy (1980), The Dogs of War (1980).
GettyAge now: 77.
Selected movie credits after “Poltergeist”: The Big Chill (1983), Fever Pitch (2005), Not Without Hope (2025).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Heather O’Rourke (Carol Anne Freeling)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Heather O’Rourke in “Poltergeist.”
Child actress Heather O’Rourke played Carol Anne Freeling in “Poltergeist.” Carol Anne is the Freelings’ youngest daughter and the most psychically sensitive child. She famously declares “They’re here” and becomes the primary target of the spirits.
Age when “Poltergeist” released: 6.
Selected movie credits before “Poltergeist”: N/A.
Above is a social media post with two pictures of Heather O’Rourke in a promotional photoshoot for 1988’s “Poltergeist III.”
Age now: Sadly passed away in 1988 aged 12.
Selected movie credits after “Poltergeist”: Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986), Poltergeist III (1988).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Oliver Robins (Robbie Freeling)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Oliver Robins in “Poltergeist.”
Actor, writer, and director Oliver Robins played Robbie Freeling in “Poltergeist.” Robbie is the Freelings’ middle child who faces terrifying attacks by the eponymous supernatural entity like the ones in the iconic clown doll and tree scenes.
Age when “Poltergeist” released: 11.
Selected movie credits before “Poltergeist”: N/A.
Above is a social media post with a picture of Oliver Robbins (L) in 2024.
Age now: 54.
Selected movie credits after “Poltergeist”: Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), Man Overboard (2008), The Rideshare Killer (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Dominique Dunne (Dana Freeling)
Above is a social media post with two pictures of Dominique Dunne in “Poltergeist.”
Actress Dominique Dunne played Dana Freeling in “Poltergeist.” Dana is the eldest teenage daughter of the Freelings. She plays a somewhat peripheral part in the movie, but is still part of the family unit and, therefore, affected by the haunting.
Age when “Poltergeist” released: 22.
Selected movie credits before “Poltergeist”: Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker (1979), Valentine Magic on Love Island (1980), The Day the Loving Stopped (1981).
Above is a social media post with several pictures of Dominique Dunne’s grave in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
Age now: Sadly passed away in 1982 aged 22.
Selected movie credits after “Poltergeist”: The Shadow Riders (1982).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Beatrice Straight (Dr. Martha Lesh)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Beatrice Straight (L) with JoBeth Williams in “Poltergeist.”
Academy Award-winning actress Beatrice Straight played Dr. Martha Lesh in “Poltergeist.” Dr. Lesh is the parapsychologist who investigates the supernatural phenomena haunting the Freelings and brings in her team.
Age when “Poltergeist” released: 67.
Selected movie credits before “Poltergeist”: The Silken Affair (1956), Network (1976), The Formula (1980).
Above is a social media post with four pictures of Beatrice Straight, the bottom right of which is the most recent from 2000.
Age now: Sadly passed away in 2001 aged 86.
Selected movie credits after “Poltergeist”: Two of a Kind (1983), Power (1986), Deceived (1991).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Zelda Rubinstein (Tangina Barrons)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Zelda Rubinstein in “Poltergeist.”
Actress and human rights activist Zelda Rubinstein played Tangina Barrons in “Poltergeist.” Tangina is the diminutive medium and exorcist who famously declares “This house is clean” and guides the family through the rescue effort for Carol Anne.
Age when “Poltergeist” released: 49.
Selected movie credits before “Poltergeist”: Americathon (1979), Under the Rainbow (1981).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2010 aged 76.
Selected movie credits after “Poltergeist”: Sixteen Candles (1984), Southland Tales (2006), Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s so sad to know that four of “Poltergeist’s” core cast members are no longer with us — especially Heather O’Rourke and Dominique Dunne who passed away so young.
That said, it’s great to see three of them still around and doing well.
There’s a belief among some fans that the “Poltergeist” franchise is cursed due to the premature deaths of several people associated with the films — to the extent that it was the focus of an episode of “E! True Hollywood Story” (“Curse of the Poltergeist,” which aired on October 19, 2002).
“Poltergeist” spawned two sequels — 1986’s “Poltergeist II: The Other Side” (1986),” and 1988’s “Poltergeist III” — and a 2015 remake, but none had the critical success of the classic original.
May Heather O’Rourke, Dominique Dunne, Beatrice Straight, and Zelda Rubinstein rest in eternal peace.
