This is an interview I did with a young man who has spent the last four years of his life investigating the death of Hollywood movie star, Dominique Dunne.
This interview will give you a glimpse into the work of a dedicated author who wants to get the facts straight for this non-fiction book because it deals with domestic violence and the ultimate crime of murder at the hands of the abuser.
Elaine Littau
Please tell me your author name and the genre you prefer to write.
Michael J. Eastman
I’m Michael Eastman, I hail from Houston, Texas, and I am currently writing a true-crime, non-fiction book about the tragic story of the late actress, Dominique Dunne. The book is called Murder in West Hollywood: The Dominique Dunne Story.
Elaine Littau
When did you know that you were a writer?
Michael J. Eastman
It all goes back to the 8th grade, from what I remember. It was English class; I don't recall the teacher's name, but I suddenly went from getting Ds in English to getting pretty good grades because I found I could enjoy writing and expressing myself. This teacher would always let us write stories in addition to doing the required work. I found it to be a lot of fun, and using my imagination. What was the most rewarding, however, was being accepted as a writer, however much in "infancy" I was at that time. It gave me a sense of something I could do, and be accepted at it. Self-worth really helps a child at that time in their lives.
Elaine Littau
I felt the same way about Jr. High and High School English class. It was something I never let on about lest the other students stone me to death.
Michael J. Eastman
When you come from a dysfunctional background as I did in my formative years, it was important to find something to get me though my life at that time. I wanted to be a football player, and I did play, but was not very athletic, so I found writing was for me, and I enjoyed it.
Elaine Littau
Tell me about your first writing experience.
Michael Eastman
Well, I am a two-time award-winning published poet, but that was mainly just for fun, but as far as anything professional, Hollywood is Dying was the first manuscript. Hollywood is Dying isn't actually about stars dying, but more about the industry itself seemingly dying due to running out of story ideas, lack of acting talent, etc. However, there is a chapter in it which covers those Hollywood stars who died tragically.
I began to write about Dominique's story, and then found that there was so much to tell, that is just simply had to have its own book. Her father, the late author and journalist, Dominick Dunne, had written about his daughter’s tragedy, but this will be the first time anyone has ever written a full book about it in much detail.
Elaine Littau
So, Hollywood is Dying was your first book?
Michael J. Eastman
Yes. A fun book, for the most part, whereas the Dominique Dunne book is a sad one. However, that book is still unpublished and is on hold until I finish my current one. Have some issues with that one, legally and financially, that still need to be worked out, because of all the copyrighted photos I need in it.
Elaine Littau
So what was the hook that got you started on the Dominique Dunne story?
Michael Eastman
Let me preface my comments here, Elaine, by saying that doing a book such as one where a Hollywood star - or any celebrity such as Elvis, Michael Jackson, etc. - can be very, very tough for the writer, especially if the author is an unknown commodity.
I had read Dominick Dunne's story about his daughter's death and the travesty that went on afterward in the courtroom where her killer went on trial, and basically walked away with a slap on the wrist.
I became emotional and angry over it, like many people have, and still are today. I said, "This just has to be told and looked into before this happens again to some poor woman!"
As I mentioned, I was working on my first book at the time and wanted to do a chapter on those Hollywood stars who had died tragically, and Dominique was one of the ones I was looking at to include in that book. Others were Natalie Wood, Mariska Hargitay's mother, Jane Mansfield, etc., but when I came upon Dominique's story, I just felt it needed to be told further than what her dad had mentioned. The more I read about it, the more intrigued and upset I became over the injustice that took place.
Elaine Littau
In telling a true story that is tragic and emotional, have you found that there are mountains of obstacles in getting the information about the circumstances of a victim’s death?
Michael J. Eastman
That is a huge understatement, yes indeed! And there are many reasons for that. Now, I can only speak for myself, and what I have experienced, but again, one is being an unknown author, where respect can be hard to come by. Locating the facts in a case can be a huge obstacle, also. You can get the basic facts from the internet that everyone else already knows, but you really have to dig deeper to find “the rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey used to say.
Other major factors for running into obstacles are that the family does not wish to be disturbed over it, nor reminded, so therefore, they want no part in helping you; plus there are privacy issues you try to not to invade, but at some point, you inadvertently do.
Another factor is that there are so many who have come before you with sleazy, tabloid intentions, that they have nearly ruined it for any good-intentioned authors who come along later.
Elaine Littau
How long ago was the murder?
Michael J. Eastman
1982. The trial took place in '83. Now, I want to say one thing more about Dominick Dunne...Nick, as he was called by his friends, did catch wind of my writing of his daughter's tragedy. And before he died a few years ago - August 2009, I think it was - he basically gave me his blessing via a friend of his, who forwarded me his e-mail.
Nick Dunne told his friend to tell me he appreciated what I was doing, but that he was too sick, too old, and didn't want to hurt all over again. Nick Dunne was dying of pancreatic cancer by then.
Mr. Dunne was very generous to have given me his approval, permission, or whatever you want to call it. That meant so very much to me!
Elaine Littau
For my readers and I, could you remind us of the movies, etc. that Miss Dunne appeared in.
Michael J. Eastman
Well, her most famous role was as the older daughter, Dana Freeling, in Poltergeist, but she also turned a memorable performance on TV's Fame, among her many other television appearances. She was an up-and-coming actress, so she really was just getting started in the business, but had a promising career. I feel her future, after all my research, would have been more in television than in films, but that's just my opinion.
Her brother is actor/producer/director, Griffin Dunne. Her aunt is author and playwright, Joan Didion, and her uncle, the late author and screenwriter, John Gregory Dunne.
Elaine Littau
Did you have to become part detective/part author in your research?
Michael J. Eastman
Indeed I did! You have no idea. And part archaeologist, too, recovering all the records and all the names of those involved; we’re talking hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles to comb through, as well as official court documents. And it was very frustrating at times, too, because of either the lack of information, wrong information, or lack of cooperation. For example, it took me a good six months before I found out the name of the priest who did Dominique’s funeral. It was very difficult to find because it had never been published, to my knowledge, and the church refused to help due to privacy issues, I presume. Her dad kept this priest’s name out of any write ups he did about the case, and I think I know why, but because of necessary detective work, I have uncovered this, as well as many other names and details never before revealed, including all the way down to the alternate jury members in the case.
Elaine Littau
When you began writing the story, where did you start?
Michael J. Eastman
At her grave, as morbid as that sounds. I mean, if you are going to do this, you really have to involve yourself, emotionally, and what better way to do that than to start there at reality 101?
Elaine Littau
In addition to locating all the information about the case, what other hurdles might you have had to clear when writing about this case?
Michael J. Eastman
When you do a story such as this one, where there are feelings to consider of the family, you want to do it the right way, and respectfully. So, you have to keep the family in mind, but this book is “pro-Dunne family” anyway, so I don’t think I did too much to offend her brothers or relatives. It is basically an unauthorized biography of Dominique and her case, but that doesn’t mean when you write an unauthorized version of someone’s life you have to offend the family.
Elaine Littau
Despite not getting all the help and cooperation you needed, you have kept yourself going with your goal of getting this story told. Have you reached your goals you set out to accomplish?
Michael J. Eastman
Although I've gotten little help or respect, I walk on, and you have to, because you know despite all, you are doing the right thing in telling this story.
You see, my intentions are two-fold:
To, in some way, help prevent this thing from happening to another woman. It's a story about a domestic abuse case turning deadly. If in the end with this story I can help save even ONE life, then it will be worth it.
I also wish to educate potential future jury members on what to be on the lookout for in cases such as this one, where the sleazy defense attorneys will turn the tables on the victim and put her on trial instead of the guilty party, as if she deserved what she got. So, this is what has kept me going with this story, keeping those goals in mind. And it’s not entirely a negative story; you get to see the good side of Dominique Dunne’s life, as well. I did not write solely about her death and the trial.
Elaine Littau
Those are angles I hadn't thought of.
Michael J. Eastman
Yes...You must have a goal if you are going to write about a true story, and if you are not a sleazy tabloid writer, than you need to have positive goals that many can benefit from.
I have spent thousands of my own dollars going back and forth to Los Angeles for this story, as well as spent countless hours in research, so one would have to really believe in what one is doing in order to spend the money and the time and the effort on a project like this.
Elaine Littau
It seems to be a true calling.
Michael J. Eastman
Just to elaborate some more on what I said, I’ve spent countless hours telling this story in writing; traveling to locations having to do with this tragedy; interviewing people that really do not want to be interviewed about this; making cold calls to places such as courts, hospitals, studios, ambulance companies, homes of people who knew her, etc., so it is not easy at all - I do not want to paint a false picture here.
Writing fiction is so much easier than doing a non-fiction story, because of the aforementioned reasons I listed, but also because you had better have your facts in order, because I guarantee you someone will come along later to correct you, if not sue you!
Elaine Littau
This is true.
Michael J. Eastman
I wanna tell ya, that is one of an author's biggest fears is being sued. You must retain a copyright attorney, and if you're writing about a celebrity, find one who has experience in that field, as well, an entertainment lawyer. I got lucky and found one who does both.
Elaine Littau
Those steps are vital. The copyright attorney, etc.
Michael J. Eastman
You bet! Now, don't let those obstacles prevent you from doing your story if you really believe in it, and are searching your best to find the facts.
Elaine Littau
Were you surprised with any of your research that was easier than you thought, or was it all difficult?
Michael J. Eastman
Well, I was pleasantly surprised at times when those few people stepped up to the plate for me. Like for example, one of the witnesses to the assault on Dominique, six weeks before she was murdered. That woman's name is Denise Dennehy, and she was actually there, so I got a star witness, if you will, to help me out and tell the story with facts! Very important, and gives your story much needed credibility.
Also, I am grateful to the Los Angeles County courts for keeping great records on microfiche after all this time passed. The personnel there at both the courthouse and the archives building were very, very helpful to me! Then there are the public libraries in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and in Houston that were really wonderful. There were also some that weren’t so wonderful, like the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department, or the Schaeffer Ambulance Company, who transported Dominique that night to Cedars-Sinai.
Can I tell you real quick about meeting the jury foreman in the case?
Elaine Littau
Sure, please do.
Michael J. Eastman
I tracked down the jury foreman from the trial in 1983, and he was shocked to hear from me and that a book was being done about the case. He was a real jerk, for the most part, but he did give me some insider information about what went on in the jury room during the trial, and also how it effected him, etc. We were supposed to meet at L.A.X. in person for an in-person interview, but he failed to show. I called him later, but he said he was busy. I've never attempted to call him back. You see, I am of the attitude that I will take help from anyone who wishes to, and brush off any who don't. The story is going to be told, either way, but it sure is nice to get the cooperation when I can get it.
Elaine Littau
How long have you been on this project?
Michael J. Eastman
Four years now. I am finding new info. all the time, but then again, most of my research work is done now.
Elaine LittauIt takes a lot of courage to write on this subject matter. Thank you for your work.
Michael J. Eastman
Yes, it does. But, again, an author with the right heart is the only one who should be writing a book like this. It's shameful that tabloid writers have come along prior to make it tough for legitimate writers, but it can be done!
You gotta have a tough, determined attitude about you when you write non-fiction, realizing that you may not get the cooperation from many people. Do it anyway - write the story! Put your heart into it, make your readers feel the same emotions you do, or those of the victim’s family!
Finally, Elaine, I want to tell those authors wishing to write a story like I am this: be ready for false accusations or assumptions made about you as to what your intentions are. For example, people, even the media, may rip you for trying to make a buck off a tragedy, dead celebrity, or whatever, but if that is not your mission, than ignore it and carry on.
Elaine Littau
It is too bad that many women have died by the hand of an abuser even since Dominique's death.
Michael J. Eastman
Sure is, but the system is getting better, and women are becoming more educated as to what to do. I am not an expert in the field of domestic abuse, but I have called in some who are in my book. I have interviewed a couple, or quoted them from their own books.
Elaine LittauHow on Earth do you find a way to put an end to a story like this one?
Michael J. Eastman
With hope, you know, that’s how I want to end it; hope for those domestic abuse victims still out there. It’s also important to remember the victim, Dominique Dunne, and what a wonderful person she sure seemed like.
I wish to have all this done by the end of this summer, and self-published soon after.
In closing, I would like to thank you for your interest in this book, and helping to get the word out! Again, the book is titled, Murder in West Hollywood: The Dominique Dunne Story.
Elaine Littau
Thank you, Michael Eastman. May your efforts be rewarded with lives saved and changed.
Michael Eastman
Thanks, and may God bless your work as an author, as well
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