Remembering Dominick Dunne October 29, 1925 - August 26, 2009

No one knew the dark side of the rich and famous better than Dominick Dunne.

Dunne was an American writer and investigative reporter who studied and reported on the crimes and
murders of the rich and famous.  In addition to writing, he was also a movie producer in Hollywood and made frequent appearances on television including his TV series, "Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege, and Justice that was popular on Court TV.

Dunne was the second of six children and was born in Hartford, Connecticut.  His father was a prominent heart surgeon.  As a boy, he was known as "Nicky."  He attended Kingswood School and Canterbury School in Connecticut followed by Williams College.  He was also a decorated World War II veteran having received the Bronze Star for heroism during the Battle of Metz.

Following his military service, Dunne returned to New York City having taken a job as a stage manager for television.  He was later brought to Hollywood by the legendary Humphrey Bogart who wanted Dunne to work on the television version of "The Petrified Forest."Eventually, Dunne became the vice president of Four Star Television. It was during those days that Dunne ran around with the rich and famous.  During that time, Dunne faced several addictions and decided for his own wellbeing, he would settle in rural Oregon.  It was there that Dunne wrote his first book called "The Winners."

Dunne was a frequent writer for "Vanity Fair" magazine and did a lot of fictional writing about real life events.  He covered many famous trials including the cases of O.J. Simpson, Claus von Bulow, Michael Skakel and the Menendez brothers. Following his daughter, Dominique's murder, Dunne wrote "Justice: A Father's Account of the Trial of his Daughter's Killer."

He frequently socialized with, wrote about, and was photographed with celebrities.  His story was written in the release of "Dominick Dunne: After the Party.

Dunne disclosed his recent diagnosis with bladder cancer in 2008. During that time, he was writing his final book called "Too Much Money." He died at his home in Manhattan on August 26, 2009.

Dunne's funeral program

Dominick Dunne's funeral mass (program pictured) was held at the St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Manhattan and was attended by hundreds from the world of society and celebrity.  Fr. Daniel Morrisey said Dunne spent over nine years planning every detail of his funeral, which began with the singing of his favorite Cole Porter song "Anything Goes."  Tina Brown, former editor for Vanity Fair said of Dunne "He became a celebrity, but never behaved like one.  Do any of us doubt that if he was alive he would be working this  funeral today." Others who eulogized Dunne included columnist, Liz Smith.  The service ended with his granddaughter, Hannah telling how he always sent her
flowers for Valentine's Day.  She then sang "Funny Valentine."

Dunne's resting place

Dunne was laid to rest in the Cove Cemetery in Hadlyme, Connecticut.