Conversations The Hollywood insider and the murder that changed his famous family
Oct 14, 2025
Griffin Dunne, an actor, director, and memoirist, shares his poignant journey through Hollywood and personal tragedy. He recounts the heartbreaking murder of his sister Dominique, which profoundly shook his family's foundations and his own career. Griffin recalls his childhood filled with glamorous parties and brushes with legends like Sean Connery. He reflects on the aftermath of the trial and its impact on his family, and discusses how grief reshaped his life, reigniting his passion for acting through new roles and writing his memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club.
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Saved By Sean Connery
- As a child Griffin Dunne jumped into his family pool to impress Sean Connery and sank like a stone.
- Connery rescued him and joked, "it's a wee bit early for the deep end, Sonny," leaving a vivid memory.
Rooming With Carrie Fisher
- Griffin Dunne became roommates with Carrie Fisher in New York after Debbie Reynolds asked him to be her daughter's roommate.
- Their apartment filled with offbeat props and nonstop social life as both pursued acting.
Breakthrough And Personal Turmoil
- John Landis cast Griffin Dunne in An American Werewolf in London after a short meeting without auditioning him.
- Dunne watched Rick Baker's makeup transforms and felt depressed thinking of his mother's illness rather than excited.
