Ep. 4: Rebecca Schaeffer

In this episode, we delve into the tragic murder case of Rebecca Schaeffer, a promising young actress whose life was abruptly taken by an obsessed fan. I'm thrilled to have my mom, Katherine, join me as we explore the personal and cultural impact of this notorious case. Together, we unpack the events of that fateful day and discuss how it reshaped Hollywood's approach to celebrity safety and anti-stalking laws. Tune in for an intimate, informative conversation that sheds new light on a story that still resonates today.

Trigger warning: This episode includes a brief mention of suicide.

Show Notes:

• Check out the work of Thursday's Child: https://thursdayschildofli.org/ 
• Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text "HELLO" to 741741 for crisis support via text

Sources:

• All That's Interesting. “Rebecca Schaeffer.” Retrieved from https://allthatsinteresting.com/rebecca-schaeffer
• CBS News. “Actress Killer Stabbed in Prison.” Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/actress-killer-stabbed-in-prison/
• The Day Newspaper. (1987, July 4). “Rebecca Shaeffer says co-star really like big sister.”
• Deseret News Newspaper. (1989, July 19). “TV Actress Answers Her Door, is Slain by Gunman.”
• Eugene Register-Guard Newspaper. (1989, July 24). “Murder Suspect Seemed as Determined as Victim.”
• Find A Grave. “Rebecca Schaeffer.” Retrieved from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1486/rebecca-schaeffer
• IMDb. “Rebecca Schaeffer – Biography.” Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0769726/bio/
• Los Angeles Times. (1989, July 29). Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-07-29-fi-317-story.html
• Medium. “Fanaticism Turned Fatal: The Rebecca Schaeffer Case.” Retrieved from https://medium.com/omitted-history/fanaticism-turned-fatal-the-rebecca-schaeffer-case-f99b71ce7376
• People. “Murder Rebecca Schaeffer Anti-Stalking 20/20 Clip.” Retrieved from https://people.com/crime/murder-rebecca-schaeffer-anti-stalking-20-20-clip/
• RebeccaSchaeffer.net. Retrieved from http://rebeccaschaeffer.net/
• Saturday Evening Post. “The Hollywood Murder That Made States Take Stalking Seriously.” Retrieved from https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2019/07/the-hollywood-murder-that-made-states-take-stalking-seriously/
• Times-Union Newspaper. (1991, October 30). “Fan Convicted in Slaying of Rebecca Shaeffer.”
• The Union Democrat Newspaper. (1989, July 19). “Actress Schaeffer Slain.”
• UPI. “Schaeffer Remembered as Amazing Young Lady.” Retrieved from https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/07/23/Schaeffer-remembered-as-amazing-young-lady/1562617169600/