Sharon Discusses her Career and FVK, Connie Kresci and Sharon and Roman, and More Adorable Art of Sharon from FVK

Here is a nice short newspaper article from 1966:

Sharon's Secret

By Earl Wilson

LONDON--Sharon Tate had to keep a secret and the secret was Sharon Tate.

Nobody was to know that Sharon Tate was to be lauched as a secret sex missile.  And keeping it a secret wasn't easy for Sharon Tate, because she's an All-American girl not given to secrecy.

When I asked her where she is from in America, she answered, "Everywhere!"

Born in Dallas, as city she remembers but slightly, Sharon naturally went along when her father, an Army Officer, was transferred to ... San Francisco, to the state of Washington, to the city of Washington ... eventually to Verona, Italy.  She didn't go along when he went to Vietnam where he's now stationed, a year away from retirement. 

"By then, I was already signed and under wraps, as they say," Sharon told me at breakfast at the Savoy.

She'd become one of the beautiful people trying to make it in Hollywood.  She'd gone to test for a cigarette commerical, taken one deep puff, and fallen on her face.

"Then they sent me for an interview for a movie part.  They said, 'Honey, this is for a girl who's been around.  You look like a baby.'

"That afternoon I had to go to Metro for another interview.  Marty Ransohoff, the producer, sat in a chair near me.  When I came in they just sat and looked at me.

"They said they had a plan for me.  They would train me and prepare me.

"I would live quietly and study until I was ready.  I would not take any jobs and I would not be seen.

"I studied in New York with Lee Strasberg.  I lived at 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue.  At times I was wondering if it was really going to happen.  But generally I did not have time to have doubts."

Somehow she learned she should remain what she had been ... "to retain those things the producer saw in me the first time he saw me ... I had a job to stay the way I was ...

"The big mistake some girls make is to change themselves into somebody else."

So Sharon kept Sharon's secret.  Finally, she was ready.  They launched her in 'Thirteen', playing the lead (the star is Deborah Kerr), then gave her stardom of her own in 'The Vampire Killers,' another spoof of vampires.

"I'm a sweet innocent little girl who's stolen by the vampires--out of a bathtub," she explained.  "I am a Jewish girl named Sarah.

"I'm taking a bath when they decided to send me to school to make me a lady.  My father has decided to keep my room full of garlic to keep people away from finding me.  So when they open the door and find me in the bath ... but I mustn't give away the plot ... "

Sounds like to me it might be keeping Sharon Tate in a bathtub... but that's how Paulette Goddard started.

As you know I have been trying to get in touch with various people who knew Sharon.  Recently, I came across another name of a girl who knew her.  But unfortunately, I found she has since passed.  She also dated Sebring and tried to console Polanski after Sharon's death.  Her name was Connie Kreski and here is a brief summary of her life:

Connie Kreski (September 19, 1946, Wyandotte, Michigan – March 21, 1995, Beverly Hills, California) was Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for January 1968 and was Playmate of the Year for 1969. Kreski had long taffy-colored hair and blue eyes.

In April 1969 Kreski was signed by Newley to play the feminine title role of Mercy Humppe in the Universal Pictures film Can Hieronymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness? The movie was shot in Malta and starred Milton Berle, Joan Collins, and George Jessel.

Los Angeles Times writer Joyce Haber mentioned Kreski in a newspaper column just days after the murder of Sharon Tate by followers of Charles Manson. Kreski was a member of the murdered actress' social circle along with John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Tina Sinatra, Jacqueline Bisset, Michael Sarrazin, and Andrew Prine. Kreski was among those invited to the mansion Tate shared with her husband, director Roman Polanski. The home was on Cielo Drive, Los Angeles, California. Haber said that some of those invited declined to attend on the fatal night of August 9, 1969.

Kreski died of a blocked carotid artery on March 21, 1995 in Beverly Hills, California.

---from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connie_Kreski

Here are some photos (from Getty Images) of her with Roman taken in late 1969 or 1970 sometime.  Not sure who the men are with them?  One looks alike Bill Tenant but not sure about the other?  Does anyone know?

 And look at this adorable new cartoon art of Sharon and Roman from "The Fearless Vampire Killers" (from Deviant Art):

Last Part of the Newest Vintage Translated Article, Sharon Tate: What people remembered about her and how she thought of herself

And now here's what they who knew her had to say

Her mother: "Sharon is the most beautiful girl in the universe. Sometimes I wonder how my husband and I may have created such a wonder."

An instructor from the school of acting: "A beautiful girl in an incredible way. Sometimes, however, seemed made of marble. One day I put a stick in her hand and said, 'Beat me, do something, show emotion, you are a piece of ice!' "

Lee Strasberg (Director of the Actor's Studio): "I remember her, she was a beautiful lady."

Husband Roman Polanski: "In her arms if the world ended...I would die happy."

Enrico Lucherini today.

Her roman publicist Enrico Lucherini: "Her mood would change from hour to hour. She lived as if in a dream and would forget about everything and everyone around her. She was always over-excited and remains a woman constantly on the run, elusive."

Lucignani (director of her latest film): "An excellent professional actress. She seemed very intelligent, different from the usual diva prefabricated in Hollywood. She had nothing of the witch, witchcraft ,nor anything morbid in nature of the many films her husband made. In the evening she went to bed early and in the morning she got up early because she wanted to be on set ready for filming. I do not know any cool people who are addicted to hippies.  She was not like them. She was exquisite, a true friend in the comradery sense of the word. I kissed her affectionately on the cheek, but I felt that there was not even a shadow of ambiguity. No flirting possible. She was in love with Polanski. Jewish like him, I think. I thought she was, in short, a woman very well balanced. Her beauty was not only on the outside but also from within. "

What she said about herself

"They tried to make me into a 'dumb blonde'. They have succeeded in making an image of me like that.  But they are the real stupid ones in Hollywood. They think that an audience wants to see and go delirious for a blonde with shiny lips, large breasts, large buttocks and brain from a hen."

"I am not a strong and aggressive woman. Indeed, I have a pretty sweet character, fluid, and sometimes distracted. I do not think about things too much: I accept everything that happens because it seems a much more easy and natural way to handle life."

"I'm happy to be seen as beautiful.  But I see beauty in others and think of people that way in general."

"Men especially appreciate one thing: imagination in the creative sense of the word."

"My husband has forbidden me to wear underwear. He says that leaves marks on the skin, and that the body of a woman is so much more beautiful and natural, free, with no elastic."

She died, however, with underwear on her. Two parts: a small, intimate bikini. This displeased some people. She was almost a mother. Not for a mother to die like that. Here the bitter shadow of death hangs over her. 

The last part of the article.

Caption under Sharon photo: "The waiting is wonderful." London. Sharon Tate in a recent photo, taken just days before her tragic death. Beside her, the actress had wanted to have the clothes and the lace cap and shoes of wool that she had prepared for her eldest son to be shown in the photo, whose birth was planned for early autumn, Sharon had declared herself happy to be expecting a child: "My husband and I eagerly wanted this baby," she said on several occasions the pretty wife of the director Polanski, "now we feel that our marriage, the love that unites us and our very lives are going to have a complete sense."

Sharon Tate: New Sex Goddess Handle with Love

Here is an article I found among clippings.  It is probably around 1967-68.  It looks like it was in one those Screen Stories magazines or that type of magazine.

New Sex-Goddess Handle with Love by Bill Marks

Sharon Marie Tate was born in Dallas, Texas, and since both her parents are natives of Houston, she claims to be a Texan. Her father was (and still is) an officer in the U. S. Army, and the Tates, like most Army families, never remained in one place for very long.

When Sharon was six months old and already a beauty, she was chosen Miss Tiny Tot of Dallas. When she reached her teens, she was elected Miss Richland, Washington. Later she was named Miss Autorama in a beauty contest there. At the time, she had no aspirations for a career in films, and no one could have guessed that a few short years later she would become Hollywood's newest sex-goddess and most talked-about overnight movie star.

She attended high school in Verona, Italy--her father was stationed there for four years. She was a cheerleader and a baton twirler and--of course--Homecoming Queen and Queen of the Senior Prom.

"When I was in school," she recalls, "I dreamed about becoming a psychiatrist or a ballerina. Like most girls I would dream about being a movie star too. But those dreams are the impossible kind, the kind you don't really set your heart on.

"I guess you could say that I was somewhat withdrawn from my classmates. I spent a good deal of time being a loner. I suppose that had something to do with the way we lived--always on the move, never living in one town very long. It's very hard to make lasting friendships that way. And my father was rather strict with me and my two younger sisters. He insisted on proper behavior and very often vetoed our choices of boyfriends. There was always a curfew whenever my sisters or I would go out on a date--we had to be home on time or else. But I never resented his authority. In fact, I'm thankful for my strict upbringing; I feel it has helped me learn discipline--and that's very important in this business."

But how did the pretty Texas girl become Sharon Tate, ready-made star? It all started just two and-a-half years ago. Sharon returned to California with her parents. Then 18, she felt it was time to be on her own, to be independent. She took an apartment and any job that would help pay the rent.

Her newfound friends persuaded her to try to break into modeling. And Sharon did do a few commercials for Chevrolet and a cigar company. She worked for a wine company by dressing up in Irish costume to serve free samples to patrons of Los Angeles restaurants.

"When I was in Rome," Sharon says, "I met Richard Beymer. He was there shooting a picture. He told me that if I ever wanted to be an actress, that I should contact his agent in California. That's how I came to meet Harold Gefsky. Harold introduced me to Herb Brower, who was connected with the television show, 'Petticoat Junction'...

"At the time, I was hoping that I might be able to get a bit part on the show--I would have been greatful even for a walk-on, anything to tide me over till my next job. But he just looked at me and then he grabbed my hand and the three of us went running off to Martin Ransohoff's office."

During that first meeting with movie maker Ransohoff, Lady Luck must have been standing next to the beautiful but frightened and bewildered Sharon. Ransohoff sat at his mamouth desk, studying the young girl who till then only dreamed about being a movie star. Then the silence broke like thunder.

"Draw up a contract," he shouted. "Get her mother. Get my lawyer. This is the girl I want." Later Ransohoff said, "I have this dream where I'll discover a beautiful girl who's a nobody and turn her into a star everybody wants."

Sharon Tate walked into that dream. There was no delay for a screen test, not even a still photograph was taken. She immediately signed a seven-year contract and Ransohoff personally took charge of his dream-girl. Sharon's impossible dream became a reality.

When Sharon wasn't filming bit parts for various TV shows, she studied acting with the best coaches, including the master himself, Lee Strasberg.

In very short order, Ransohoff sent her off to France for her first movie, '13', which stars Deborah Kerr and David Niven. In the film, she plays a chillingly beautiful, expressionless girl who has a witchy talent for putting the hex on people. (Completed last year, the film should be released soon--the delay possibly due to the Ransohoff strategy and sales pitch.)

Next came 'Don't Make Waves' with Tony Curtis--the first of her four completed movies to date which has already been seen by the public. She has also completed 'Your Teeth in My Neck' and 'Valley of the Dolls'.

But even before the public saw one foot of screen film, they saw her face on a dozen magazine covers across the country and in Europe. (All part and parcel of the Ransohoff ready-made star image.)

During the filming of 'Your Teeth In My Neck' (previously called 'The Vampire Killers'--a spoof of horror films) Sharon fell in love with the film's director, Roman Polanski. He also stars in the picture with her.

"Marty Ransohoff had to sell Roman on the idea of even considering me for the film," Sharon said. "He arranged for the two of us to have dinner. Roman never said a word to me--we just sat there and ate and he just looked at me. Then we had a second dinner meeting and the same thing happened. Later he took me to his apartment. He lit some candles and then excused himself and left me standing there alone. A short while later he came storming into the room like a madman and he was wearing a Frankenstein mask. I let out a blood-curdling scream and while I was still crying from the scare, he was calling Ransohoff to tell him that the part in the film was mine."

Since then, Sharon and Roman have been inseparable and close friends say that the two will marry. "She's very much in love with Polanski," confides a close friend. "He's the first man she has ever loved. People have always done things for her--ever since she was a child, someone always took charge of her. It's been her life's pattern. She's miserable when she has to come to Hollywood and Polanski can't be with her. She prefers London--or anywhere else as long as they are together.

"I think Sharon is a little embarrassed by her beauty--she feels that the public won't accept her simply because she has been turned into a Hollywood sex-goddess. She wants to be able to prove herself as an actress, too.

"Most of all she needs love--the love that only Roman can offer. I think she would give up her career--even though stardom is in her reach--if it meant losing the man she loves."

Sharon Tate's success as Hollywood's newest golden girl could very well depend on whether or not she gets that happiness in her private life.

Note: I apologize as for the last few months my scanner has not been working and I haven't had time or money to fix it. Anyway, a friend let me borrow his digital camera so I took a couple of shots of the photos that were in the article.  Hopefully, soon I can get things taken care of to show off better photos.

Photo Comparison of the Week, Marilyn Monroe and Sharon Tate and more

I found a great photo of Sharon were her hair and make up where done up like Marilyn Monroe:

Speaking of these two beautiful ladies, I found many comparisons that they have in common:

Both were great beauties inside and out.  It makes me think of Mia Farrow's quote about Sharon: "She was like a princess in a fairy tale; as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside."

Until people got to know them better, some thought both Marilyn and Sharon were naive and not very bright.  Both were more intelligent than what was actually known.

Both began as models and moved on to acting.  Likewise, both were also groomed for stardom by the old Hollywood system.

Both had known the Kennedy's: Marilyn knew John and Bobby while Sharon and Roman dined with Bobby Kennedy the night before he was assassinated.

Both adored animals small and great.

Both were also featured nude in Playboy magazine.

Both were well known as hollywood blonde bombshells and sex symbols.  Both of them wanted to go on to more serious work and to be looked at as "serious actresses."

Both were in films written by their husbands; Marilyn in "The Misfits" by Arthur Miller and Sharon "The Fearless Vampire Killers" by Roman Polanski.

Both died tragically in the month of August, both were discovered by their maids and both died in their own homes. 

Both were Studio Club girls, Marilyn stayed there first then Sharon was there 15 years later.

Both wanted children badly but, for different reasons, were not granted that opportunity.  They both had a nuturing nature towards animals and children alike.

Both were in films from 20th Century Fox Studios and Columbia Pictures.

Both had the great William Travilla design clothes for their films.

Both died at an age ending in 6, Marilyn was 36, Sharon was 26.  Both are said to be taken 'before their time.'

Both smoked but quit for different reasons.  Marilyn because it made her teeth yellow and Sharon because Roman didn't like it and shortly after they were married, she became pregnant.

Both had connections to Jean Harlow; Marilyn idolized her as a child and teen and Jay Sebring (Sharon's ex but still great friend) ended up owning the house that Jean had had when she was married to Paul Bern.  Furthermore, when Marilyn married Joe DiMaggio, the couple moved into a home at 508 N. Palm Drive in Beverly Hills next door to Jean Harlow's last home.

Both made motion pictures in London and loved it there.

Both had two siblings: MM had a half brother and sister while Sharon had two sisters.

Both were photographed by Bert Stern in similar poses and camera angles in photo shoots.  And both were photographed by many of the same legendary photographers such as Richard Avedon and Philippe Halsman.

Both preferred the comfort of being barefoot although of course, they did wear shoes.

Both married Jewish men in the their short lifetimes.

Both had Sydney Guillaroff do their hair for a movie.

Both had lived at the Chateau Marmont at one time or another.

Both studied under Lee Strasberg and lived in New York at different times.

Both loved the fashion designer Emilio Pucci and both were buried in that designer's clothes.

Both have become legendary and are more known now than ever.

Both were living in similiarly designed homes when they died. Single story two bedroom houses with a maid's room at the other end of the house. Both houses had pools accessed from the master bedroom.  In addition, the last houses Marilyn and Sharon lived in had been moved into in February month of the year.  Also, both lived in the homes they died in less then six months.

Both died on a Saturday.  Marilyn died on Saturday night, August 4th, 1962. Although she wasn't declared dead until early Sunday morning, August 5th. Coroner's report as well as the accounts of those present place her as having died around 8 pm in the evening. From the accounts available, Sharon died after midnight, probably between 12:30 am; 1 am early Saturday, August 8th, 1969.



Both were having work done on their homes when they died. Marilyn was having her bathroom re-done and updated. Sharon was working on having the maid's room converted into a nursery.



Both had bad relationships with Elizabeth Taylor.  Taylor was never friendly with Marilyn, although now 40 some years later relates an empathy for her in print. When Marilyn was living, Taylor was belittling to her. Once at a party when Marilyn tried to befriend Taylor, Taylor turned to her date and said in a loud voice, "Keep that **** away from me, will ya?" Taylor had Sharon's scenes in "The Sandpiper" cut either over jealousy of the young starlet's beauty or jealousy of her new husband Richard Burton's wandering eye and that he might try to pick up Sharon.



According to the Internet Movie DataBase, Sharon and MM both were around 5' 5' in height.
 
Both had early bit parts in films where their scenes ended up on the cutting room floor.
 
CMG now handles both celebrity merchandise legally for Marilyn and Sharon.
 
Both are burried in California cemeteries.



Both played characters that died in their films; Marilyn Monroe in "Niagara" and Sharon in "Valley of the Dolls."

Both were well known for their great smiles.  MM for her open mouthed smile and Sharon for her often described "Mona Lisa" one.

Both were known to wear glasses.



At the time of their deaths both were big box office, MM was even in development for more roles in films like "What a Way to Go!" and "The Stripper." While Sharon was enjoying box office success with "Valley of the Dolls" and the Matt Helm film, "The Wrecking Crew." In addition, Sharon was in development for major films roles as well with "The Story of O","Tess" and an unknown western Polanski had an idea for.


Both have had songs written about them and performed by rock bands and pop singers.


Both were part of Fellini films in some way: MM was referenced in the dialogue of "La dolce vita" (1960), in the context of dieting. And Sharon and Roman were in "Ciao Frederico" visiting the well known director on the set of a 'making of' documentary.


Both have appeared on European postage stamps.


Both have been portrayed by other actress. MM has had many actresses play her while Sharon has so far had at least three actresses play her in biographical type material.


Upon their deaths, rumors were fueled that there was sloppy handling of evidence in both cases.

Both had to do many takes in the movies they appeared in. Marilyn fumbling her lines of dialogue caused many retakes while Polanski--ever the perfectionist--made Sharon do many retakes on her scenes in "The Fearless Vampire Killers."


Both had ties to director J. Lee Thompson. He was suppose to direct Monroe in "What a Way to Go!" (He was on MM's list of approved directors.) He did direct Sharon in "Eye of the Devil."


Thomas Noguchi performed both Marilyn's and Sharon's autopsies.


Both had connections to Orson Welles. In 1947, while briefly involved with Orson Welles, Marilyn joined Welles in his popular magic stage show, The Mercury Wonder Show, being sawed in half by Welles using the "Buzz Saw" illusion he had previously used on both Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich. Meanwhile, one of the major reasons why Sharon wanted to make what would be her last film, "12 + 1" was the chance to work with the legendary actor/director Welles.


Another two bits of trivia: Martin Ransohoff wanted to make her the next Marilyn Monroe. Sharon even played Jennifer North a tragic blonde character not unlike Monroe herself.
 
Can anyone think of anything else?  Add a comment and let me know?  It's fun to do comparisons every now and then.

Another great and interesting review of Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" here:

http://rwufilm.blogspot.com/2009/12/rosemarys-baby_12.html