The captivating life of Hollywood’s iconic blonde Sweater Girl actress, Lana Turner, took a chilling turn in 1958, with her daughter Cheryl Crane at the forefront.
Having been a prominent figure at MGM for over 17 years, Turner had already navigated a successful career in the film and television industry.
Her notable performances in Peyton Place (1957) and The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) solidified her status as a household name.
Turner’s personal life garnered public attention due to her numerous marriages and romantic relationships, reaching a sensational climax when her lover, Johnny Stompanato, met a tragic end at the hands of the actress’ 14-year-old daughter.
During that period, this Hollywood tragedy sparked a frenzy in the media.
Delve into the details of what transpired that fateful night at the Turners’ residence and why this narrative endures as one of the most extraordinary tales in Hollywood history.
What was Cheryl Crane’s upbringing like as the daughter of a star?
While Turner was engrossed in her movie career and entangled in various marital relationships, Crane endured feelings of powerlessness in her quest to earn her mother’s affection.
Seeking a semblance of closeness with her mother, Crane admitted to sneaking into Turner’s closet to “breathe in her essence” as she recounted to PEOPLE in 1988.
Despite her attempts to seek comfort from her mother through hugs, Crane often found herself rebuffed, with Turner prioritizing her immaculately styled hair and makeup over her daughter’s emotional needs.
“Darling, mind the hair,” her mother would caution.
“And the lipstick.”
On April 11, 1958, Crane’s loyalty and love for her mother were put to the ultimate test when she confronted her mother’s paramour.
What motivated her to fatally wound Johnny Stompanato?
At just 14 years old, it seemed inconceivable that a young girl could harbor such intense emotions leading to a violent act.
However, the circumstances surrounding Stompanato’s demise shed light on the nature of the altercation that unfolded that night.
Recalling the events to KMIR 6 News in 2009, Crane narrated how she was instructed by her mother to stay upstairs while she intended to ask Stompanato to leave.
Yet, upon overhearing the escalating argument downstairs, Crane decided to intervene upon hearing Stompanato’s menacing threats against her mother and family.
How did the fatal incident transpire?
“I rushed down to the kitchen.
I didn’t know what I was searching for, but I found a knife,” Crane recollected regarding the tragic evening at the Beverly Hills residence.
Returning upstairs with the knife in hand, Crane found herself face-to-face with her mother and an advancing Stompanato.
In the ensuing confrontation, Stompanato inadvertently lunged into the blade wielded by Crane, resulting in a fatal wound to his abdomen.
In a moment of desperation to shield her mother from harm, Crane acted swiftly, leading to the tragic outcome.
Was there a legal trial following the incident?
Admitting her role in Stompanato’s death that same night, Crane confessed her actions were driven by a desire to protect her mother.
Shortly thereafter, she was confined to a juvenile detention facility for three weeks.
Devoid of legal representation and support, Crane found herself in a tumultuous situation exacerbated by her parents’ custody battles.
A week post the tragedy, Turner testified in court, detailing the events of that night and shedding light on her tumultuous relationship with her deceased partner.
During her testimony, Turner depicted Stompanato as possessive and prone to violence, recounting his threatening behavior towards her.
She explained her inability to prevent Crane from intervening in the altercation.
Following Turner’s account, a jury of coroners unanimously ruled the incident as justifiable homicide, absolving Crane of any criminal charges.
At Crane’s behest, she was placed under the care of Turner’s mother, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
How did Cheryl Crane’s life unfold after the ordeal?
In 1988, Crane broke her silence on the tragic events by penning an autobiography, Detour: A Hollywood Story, where she disclosed allegations of being s–ually abused by Stompanato.
Recounting her struggles and inner demons, Crane revealed two suicide attempts, underscoring the profound impact of the traumatic episode on her life.
At present, aged 74, Crane is married to model Jocelyn “Josh” LeRoy since 2014 and pursues a career as a real estate agent.
While Turner continued her acting career post-Stompanato’s death, featuring in the TV series Falcon Crest from 1982 to 1983, she passed away in 1995 after seven marriages, leaving behind a legacy in Hollywood.
