Dominick Dunne was born on October 29, 1925, in Hartford, Connecticut, the youngest of six siblings. His family was well-off, and he grew up surrounded by privilege. Despite this, tragedy struck early in his life when his sister was killed in a car accident when he was just a teenager.
After graduating from Williams College, Dunne enlisted in the navy during World War II. Upon his return, he began his career in Hollywood as a producer and writer. However, it wasn't until later in life that he found his true passion for investigative journalism.
Dunne's journalistic career took off in the 1970s when he began writing for Vanity Fair. He quickly became known for his in-depth reporting on high-profile court cases, particularly those involving the rich and famous. His work often shed light on the inner workings of the legal system and society's reactions to it.
"The Two Mrs. Grenvilles" (1985)
"People Like Us" (1988)
"The Mansions of Limbo" (1991)
Throughout his career, Dunne covered some of the most infamous court cases of the time, including the trials of O.J. Simpson and the Menendez Brothers. His reporting was always thorough and insightful, earning him a reputation as a trusted voice in the field of true crime journalism.
Dunne was married to Ellen Beatriz Griffin, with whom he had two children. Tragically, their daughter, Dominique Dunne, was murdered in 1982, a case that deeply affected the entire family. Despite the personal tragedies he faced, Dunne remained dedicated to his work and continued to produce impactful journalism until his death.
Dominick Dunne's legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work in journalism and film production. He was a trailblazer in the field of investigative reporting and brought attention to important social issues through his writing. His impact on the true crime genre is undeniable, and he will be remembered as a respected and influential figure in the media world.