The role of Patti Russell in the CBS television series My Sister Sam launched the professional profile of Rebecca Schaeffer in 1986. Following her move to Los Angeles, she worked as a film and television actor while maintaining her background as a fashion model. Her career was abruptly terminated in 1989 at the age of 21.
Early Pursuits and Modeling
Born in Eugene, Oregon, in 1967 to Danna and Benson Schaeffer, she spent her youth in Portland. While attending Lincoln High School, she began modeling for television commercials and catalogues. She secured representation with Elite Model Management at age 16, moving to New York City to attend the Professional Children's School. Her height of 5 ft 7 in proved an obstacle in the high-fashion industry, leading her to transition toward professional acting work.
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Her initial acting credits included a brief stint on the soap opera Guiding Light and a six-month role as Annie Barnes on One Life to Live in 1984. She relocated to Japan seeking modeling opportunities before returning to New York to focus on acting. After appearing on the cover of Seventeen, she was cast in the CBS comedy My Sister Sam. She moved to Los Angeles during this period, living with co-star Pam Dawber. Following the show's cancellation in 1988, she appeared in projects including the film Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills and served as a spokesperson for the charity Thursday's Child.
Circumstances of Death
On July 18, 1989, she was shot at her home in West Hollywood by Robert John Bardo, a 19-year-old from Tucson, Arizona. Bardo had been stalking her for three years, utilizing a private investigator to obtain her residential address via California Department of Motor Vehicles records. At the time of the incident, Schaeffer was preparing for an audition for the role of Mary Corleone in The Godfather Part III. She was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center shortly after the attack.
Legacy and Burial
Her death prompted legislative changes in California regarding stalking offenses. Her remains were transported to Portland, Oregon, where a burial took place at Ahavai Sholom Cemetery on July 23, 1989. Among those attending the service were her boyfriend, Brad Silberling, and her former co-stars Pam Dawber and Mark Harmon.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Eugene, Oregon
- Died: 1989, Hollywood, California
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: Lincoln High School, Professional Children's School
- Primary Occupations: Actor, Model
- Key Television Role: Patti Russell, My Sister Sam
- Burial Site: Ahavai Sholom Cemetery, Oregon
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the stalking legislation?
Following her death, her case helped lead to the passage of new laws in California aimed at preventing stalking.
What project was she working on when she died?
She was preparing for an audition for the role of Mary Corleone in the film The Godfather Part III.
Achievements
- Educated at Professional Children's School
- Worked as actor, television actor and model
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