While filming the scene in Poltergeist where the clown doll comes alive
and tries to pull him under his bed, Oliver went through a near-death
experience. When the puppet arms wrapped themselves around his neck, he
was unable to breathe and began choking.
Steven Spielberg thought he was
acting (he even yelled "Keep going! You're doing great!"). It was not
until Spielberg saw his face turn blue that he realized the young actor
was in trouble. Spielberg ran over and pulled the puppet off, saving
Oliver's life.
