Roman Polanski Opened Up About Who He Believes Took Sharon Tate's Life

Though it's now been over 50 years, people still talk about the gruesome nature and motivation behind the Manson Family murders. Less-than-credible Roman Polanski, one of the few survivors, recently shared his own thoughts on the tragedy with a theory so shocking, authorities couldn't believe what they were hearing.

60s Dream Girl

Polanski noted that his late wife was one of the biggest icons of the 60s, but behind the shiny facade, he said, Tate was hiding a tumultuous history that nearly destroyed her career before it even got off the ground. Before she ever wandered into the Valley of the Dolls, Sharon Tate was destined for stardom. Even as a baby, she was taking home trophies for beauty pageants. It seemed like she had the whole world at her feet.

Early Globe Trotter

Because her father was in the military, Tate was constantly moving around the world, racking up pageant trophies wherever she went. Even when they relocated to Italy, she became a popular cheerleader and homecoming queen.

Taste For Hollywood

In Italy, Tate developed an affinity for the big screen and started auditioning for small parts in movies and TV. But her combination of beauty and natural talent quickly got her noticed by Hollywood bigwigs.

A Face For Close-Up

"I pointed her out to my assistant, and told her I wanted her in every close shot I could possibly use her in," said director Richard Fleischer when Tate auditioned for him. Needless to say, she got the gig.