Rick Dalton

Biography
Rick Dalton was an American television and film actor who was active in the 1960s. He had gained notoriety working as the star of the western TV series Bounty Law. Casting agent Marvin Schwarz warned him about always playing the heavy in TV shows and encouraged him to pursue a career in film. Rick began suffering from severe anxiety even as he began shooting the pilot episode of a new series called Lancer.

Rick's stunt performer and best friend was Cliff Booth, who served as both a shoulder to lean on, as well as his chauffeur. After seeing Rick through the tough times, he knew their partnership would soon be coming to an end as Rick was cast to play a lead in an Italian western film being filmed in Italy.

Rick and Cliff decided to go out for one last night on the town and drank heavily. When they returned to Rick's house on Ciello drive, Rick went into the swimming pool, leaving Cliff inside.

Several members of cult leader Charles Manson's "Family" staged a home invasion on Cielo Drive, with the intent of murdering the residents of the residence owned by famous film director Roman Polansky, which included his actress wife, Sharon Tate, and her house guests.

The cult members actually broke into Rick's home. Cliff Booth had encountered these would-be killers earlier, but despite his severe intoxication, he succeeded in defending himself against them, and managed to kill one of them, while also siccing his dog onto another. Cult member Susan "Sadie" Atkins, managed to get away from the dog and went out back towards the pool. Rick, startled by her sudden appearance, leaped to defend himself. Using a flamethrower, which was actually a prop from one of his earlier films, he burned Susan Atkins to death.

After everything settled down, Rick met his neighbors at the Polanski/Tate residence and was invited to join them inside for drinks.