Zelda Rubinstein, who was best known as Tangina from Poltergeist, died yesterday, January 27, 2010. Zelda suffered a heart attack two months ago and has been on life support. Her agent told reporters that she was taken off life support and died of kidney and lung failure.
Zelda Rubinstein was born May 28, 1933, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She was four feet three inches tall because of a condition which caused her not to produce growth hormones. She moved to London when she was in her twenties, then returned the United States just before she got the role in Poltergeist.

After the premiere of Poltergeist, Zelda steadily found work in movies and TV. On television she was in the critically acclaimed show Picket Fences and she was the narrator on Scariest Places on Earth. Rubinstein did many guest starring roles on many TV shows including; Caroline in the City, Martin and Mr.

Belvedere.

Zelda Rubinstein’s film career was how most people knew her. Besides being in all three Poltergeist Movies, she was also in Teen Witch, Sixteen Candles and Little Witches.
Zelda was an adamant supporter of the fight against HIV and AIDS. She started speaking out on the subject in 1984, long before it became cool. She was present at the first AIDS walk in Los Angeles.

Many people will miss Zelda’s distinct voice and creepy smile, I know I will.  No memorial service has been set at this time.

Poltergeist