I cannot form an opinion as I am just an artificial intelligence and do not have personal experiences or emotions. However, I can certainly highlight the poignant and moving story of Danna Silberling and her connection to Rebecca Schaeffer.
I found it heartwarming when a dedicated fan would send me delightful trinkets like stuffed animals while I was busy filming my sitcom, “My Sister Sam.”
Living with her photographer sibling in San Francisco marked a significant turning point for her acting career, following a few initial jobs. Even after the cancellation of the CBS show in 1988, she continued to secure roles.
I had the opportunity to work alongside some true Hollywood legends in the late ’80s. In June of 1989, you could find me on the silver screen, starring in “Scenes From the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills,” a racy and hilarious film. Prior to that, I completed a TV movie titled “Voyage of Terror: The Achille Lauro Affair.” This gripping production was based on the real-life 1985 hijacking of a cruise liner, and I was fortunate enough to act alongside screen veterans Eva Marie Saint and Burt Lancaster. Just before that, I collaborated with Dyan Cannon for her directorial debut, “The End of Innocence.” In this project, I portrayed a younger version of Cannon’s character.
I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the rumors that she was being considered for the starring role in the upcoming romantic comedy “Pretty Woman.” What a dream come true!
On the morning of July 18, 1989, the young man from Oregon, aged 21, eagerly anticipated a delivery that could significantly impact his life.
Later that day, Schaeffer was set to try out for the highly desired part of Michael Corleone’s daughter Mary in “The Godfather Part III” from director Francis Ford Coppola. She was on the lookout for a messenger delivering the script to her West Hollywood residence at any moment.
At 10:15 a.m. when the bell rang, Schaeffer got up to open the door, unfortunately encountering a fatal gunshot from 19-year-old Robert John Bardo.
For the past three years, he had been deeply infatuated with the actress and went to great lengths to discover where she resided. He hired a private investigator who obtained her address from motor vehicle records. However, due to his own past struggles with mental health, he was unable to purchase a firearm himself. Instead, he asked his older brother to help him buy one.
Robert’s brother restricted the use of the gun to their shared sessions for target practice. He acquired a .357 Magnum weapon.
After shooting her, Schaeffer repeatedly asked, “Why? Why?” as recounted by Bardo during a jailhouse interview with a psychiatrist, which was presented in court as evidence for his insanity defense.
In the summer of 1986, during his freshman year in high school, Bardo watched a commercial for “My Sister Sam” and was drawn to Schaeffer. They seemed to share a quiet and authentic nature, so Bardo expressed his feelings by sending her gifts and writing letters. When she responded to one of his letters, he decided to travel from Tucson, Arizona to Los Angeles to meet her in person.
He visited the studio but was unable to enter as he carried flowers and a teddy bear with him, which weren’t allowed past the security checkpoint. Eventually, he returned home.
Jack Egger, former chief of security at Burbank Studios, shared with the LA Times that he initially believed the man’s behavior was due to being lovesick. The man was very persistent in gaining entry and repeatedly mentioned “Rebecca Schaeffer” and his strong feelings for her.
As a seasoned hair stylist with extensive experience, including working on the set of “My Sister Sam,” I, Judy Crown, can attest to Rebecca Schaeffer’s captivating beauty and endearing sweetness. However, there was an undercurrent of naivety about her that made her all the more intriguing. During filming, when letters and gifts arrived unexpectedly on set, I would advise Rebecca not to engage. “Rebecca,” I’d say, “please don’t respond. I have a strange feeling about this, just ignore it.” I believed that sometimes people could be unpredictable, and it was best for her to steer clear of any potential disturbances.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve had the opportunity to observe and evaluate many individuals throughout my career. At first, my impression of Schaeffer was favorable, but after witnessing her raw emotion and vulnerability during the love scene in “Scenes From the Class Struggle,” my perspective shifted. Inspired by this newfound understanding, I made a decision to travel to Los Angeles to learn more about her and perhaps offer some guidance or support. Armed with only my gun and hollow-point bullets for protection, I boarded the bus, ready for this exciting journey of discovery.
According to all reports, Schaeffer was extraordinarily kind and trusting, and she had been eagerly anticipating receiving a script. Therefore, it is likely that these qualities explained why she welcomed a stranger to her door on two separate occasions. (Additionally, the intercom in her apartment, which she could have used to communicate with someone outside, was not functioning.)
I pondered over the mysterious encounter between Schaeffer and the unidentified man, speaking to reporters later that day as Detective Dan Andrews of the LAPD. “Based on what we know so far, it’s possible she recognized him, or perhaps she was naive and trusting,” I shared, expressing my thoughts on why Schaeffer had welcomed the stranger into her home. “There’s no evidence to suggest she had contacted us for help before or that she had experienced any form of victimization or harassment.”
Upon arriving at her entrance for the first time, Schaeffer encountered Bardo who presented her with a letter and a signed picture he had received from her. With great enthusiasm, he declared himself as her most ardent admirer. She graciously replied that she needed to prepare for an interview.
“Please take care,” Bardo later remembered her telling him, and she shook his hand.
Following a meal at a nearby eatery, he went back. He explained that he had inadvertently left another letter and a CD with her by mistake.
In the prison interview, Bardo repeated what she had told him: “You’ve come to my door once more.” He felt he was disturbing her unnecessarily. She seemed impatient, saying, “Hurry up, I’m pressed for time.” To a fan, this response appeared insensitive.
He had told her he’d forgotten to bring something, and then produced a gun from the shopping bag he’d brought all the way from Arizona to shoot her.
At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, just under a mile from her apartment, Schaeffer was sadly confirmed deceased.
Around noon, Tom Noonan, an actor and friend of Rebecca’s, phoned Danna Schaeffer, a writer and educator based at Portland Community College in Oregon. A few minutes past, while on a pause from composing her script, Danna reached out to return the call.
She recounted to Entertainment Weekly in 2017 how sunny and clear her voice sounded when he answered the phone. Then came the words she’d never forget, “Mrs. Schaeffer, I have tragically sad news. This morning, Rebecca was fatally shot.”
Danna phoned the hospital for information, but they only shared that “a woman had been admitted and passed away.” (or “a woman was admitted and later deceased.”)
“At that point I kind of knew,” she said. “Then the detective called. And it was all over.”
Later on, Danna kept the phone bill with her as a grim reminder of the tragic moment she learned her daughter had passed away: July 18, 1989, at 12:15 p.m.
As an obsessed fan, I can’t help but feel deeply saddened by the news of Francesca Schaefer’s untimely demise. Her loss was not only a profound personal tragedy for her loved ones, such as her boyfriend at the time, Brad Silberling, but also sent shockwaves through the Hollywood community and eventually resonated throughout California.
Many famous figures, including Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, Keanu Reeves, and Sandra Bullock, have reportedly been pursued by individuals alleged to be stalkers.
Stalking hadn’t been considered a criminal offense prior to Schaeffer’s murder, although it was one factor leading to action.
In the year 1990, California was the pioneer among states, enacting an anti-stalking law. Tragically, five women in Orange County had lost their lives the preceding year despite possessing restraining orders against harassers. Ultimately, other states adopted similar legislation.
The Screen Actors Guild advocated for stronger privacy laws in California after getting involved, leading to restrictions on accessing personal information like home addresses from the Department of Motor Vehicles. In 1988, this department reportedly received approximately 16 million requests for such information. Subsequently, Congress passed the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act in 1994, mandating all states to implement similar privacy protections.
I couldn’t believe it when I looked back and saw the aftermath of Rebecca’s passing in 2017. It wasn’t until then that I became aware of the waves of impact she had left behind. Her death was like an unexpected earthquake, shaking up the world around us.
Back then, Brad Pitt, who was not yet widely recognized, resided in the same neighborhood as Schaeffer. He shared this with Silberling at a later point, who passed on the information, stating, “Her loss left a significant impression on him and served as a wake-up call for the safety and importance of younger actors in the industry.”
After Schaeffer’s tragic passing, gun control gained significant attention, leading the cast and team of “My Sister Sam” to produce a public service announcement (PSA) focusing on gun violence.
“Getting it moving wasn’t a challenge at all for us, Pam Dawber explained to a reporter from Tribune Media in October 1989. However, convincing networks to broadcast it could prove difficult. As for gun control, it’s a contentious topic, but our message is simply about preventing handgun violence. Isn’t that something everyone can agree on?”
Thirty years before the anniversary of Schaeffer’s murder in 2019, Dawber expressed her deep sorrow on ABC News’ 20/20 by stating that she and her colleagues were consumed by intense grief.
We held a memorial for Rebecca at her studio, bringing us all together in an attempt to find meaning and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Rebecca’s parents actively joined the campaign for stronger gun regulations, urging legislators to limit access to firearms by implementing stricter laws. In 1990, Danna played a significant role in establishing Oregonians Against Gun Violence and traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for the approval of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.
“Each morning, Benson Schaeffer, Rebecca’s father, acknowledged the reality of death to the Los Angeles Times in October 1991. At times, the grief was overwhelming, and the longing for the lost person never faded. The gun issue served as an outlet for their lingering anger during this period.” (The Brady Bill was eventually passed into law in 1993.)
The Schaeffers aimed for the following objectives in gun sales: Introducing mandatory waiting periods and restricting transactions solely to certified dealers.
Benson, a child psychologist, expressed, “There’s not much we can change regarding Rebecca’s passing. But by taking this action, we find solace in expressing publicly that what occurred to Rebecca was wrong.”
Moreover, the gruesome event added to the disturbance, as the sight of it all was captivating: A young and radiant 21-year-old famous figure met her demise at the hands of a stalker in her residence during daylight hours. The terror and inexplicable appeal were unending.
A vivid image of a promising young actress emerged, one who was not only destined for great success but also left an indelible mark on those around her through her selfless nature.
“Jonathan Howard, her agent, shared with the Los Angeles Times just hours following the tragic murder, that there wasn’t a single adversary for her in the world. She was an exceptionally kind and genuine person, whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Her success as a young actress was undeniable, with opportunities coming her way consistently. I find it hard to comprehend this unfortunate event.”
Twenty years had passed, and the sensation of shock remained strong. In an interview with 20/20 in April, Howard expressed, “The last time I conversed with Rebecca was regarding her audition for The Godfather III… I never imagined that our conversation would be our last one. She was so passionate about it, so eager, and I didn’t realize our discussion would be our final moment together.”
Schaeffer’s mother shared that before leaving Oregon for New York to focus on modeling and acting at the age of 16, Schaeffer had considered training to become a rabbi. Upon arrival in New York, she joined Professional Children’s School in Manhattan.
In my perspective, it appeared completely normal to me, as I shared this with a Portland newspaper later on. However, I’m aware that my parents experienced immense hardship during that time.
I recall working alongside Schaeffer in the model industry’s bustling scene at Prestige Models. Amidst the six of us sharing a room, she stood out as an unwavering and dedicated young woman. Her commitment to her craft was palpable, and she never lost sight of her friendships or perspective despite our hectic circumstances.
Rebecca spent some time modeling in Japan at the beginning of her career. Later, in 1985, she made her television debut on the soap opera “One Life to Live.” Her initial film appearance was a minor role in Woody Allen’s 1987 comedy production titled “Radio Days.”
“She was extremely curious and spirited,” Sean Six, an actor who dated Schaeffer in Portland, told People. “We’d travel, go to parks, have picnics. She liked to horseback ride or just spend time on a mountaintop. She was the only actor I’ve ever known who managed to become successful and remain unjaded.”
And overall, Six added, “she lived a very quiet life. She was sensitive, kind of a loner.”
Schaeffer didn’t have any remembrances of attending Hollywood parties, neither right after the events nor when such memories often resurface in narratives.
In an interview with TopMob in 1996 for the premiere episode of “TopMob True Hollywood Story,” Sue Cameron, a previous representative of Rebecca’s, shared that Rebecca enjoyed spending time at home reading and playing with her cat. Her preferences included classical music, attending concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, maintaining good health through workouts and strolls, and avoiding Hollywood parties.
Jenny O’Hara, my “Sister Sam” co-star, recalled Rebecca as a typical teenage girl who frequently chatted with me and Pam about boys and relationships. She sought our guidance on various matters. However, she carried herself confidently in public situations.
“O’Hara praised Sophie’s first babysitter, Rebecca, telling TopMob, ‘She was genuinely authentic with no falsehood or affectation. Her naturalness left us all in awe.’ As a trusted caregiver for Sophie, Rebecca showed great promise as a mother.”
During her initial stay in Los Angeles following the success of “My Sister Sam,” Schaeffer resided with Dawber and her spouse, Mark Harmon, for a few months.
Dawber shared with 20/20, “We ended up becoming like sisters.” She explained, “I had a sister who died when I was 25 and she was 22. So, having another young girl around the house felt natural and comfortable for me. It was beneficial for both of us.” The experienced actress expressed her joy as she watched Rebecca’s career flourish.
Dawber was “thrilled that she was getting to really, really enjoy…a big showbiz life.”
I followed Schaeffer as she eventually made her move, initially settling in an apartment overlooking the Sunset Strip’s hills. Yet, I grew concerned about the isolation that came with such a tranquil location. Consequently, I decided to leave and relocated to a building on Sweetzer Avenue in West Hollywood instead.
Dawber, who had gone through the ordeal of having a stalker, reminded her, “Honestly, Rebecca, you should avoid using your real name on your mailbox.”
However, Dawber pointed out that she ignored that piece of advice. As for the actor from “Mork & Mindy,” he suggested adding your business manager’s address to your driver’s license as a way to avoid being located.
Before Schaeffer gained widespread recognition, her destiny set her apart as a promising young actress on the brink of cinematic fame, forever preserved in our memories.
In her interview on “TopMob True Hollywood Story,” Dyan Cannon described being greatly impressed by a young woman she met. “Upon entering, she left me utterly amazed,” Dyan reminisced. “She possessed a quiet strength and playful curiosity, all while exuding a sense of contentment that was quite unusual for someone so young.”
Newsmagazines and tabloid news programs such as “Hard Copy” and “48 Hours,” which were relatively new at the time, were captivated by the photogenic victim. Had she not been tragically murdered, she would have become a well-known figure for positive reasons in every household.
“Discovering the gruesome details of Rebecca’s murder left me reeling in 2019 during an interview on 20/20. The concept of stalking wasn’t something we considered a major threat back then. I mean, who would have imagined that someone would follow Rebecca, she’d open her condo door to him, and he’d shoot and kill her? Such a chilling thought was unheard of in those days.”
Later on, witnesses described spotting Bardo on Rebecca’s street, exhibiting a picture of her to people passing by and asking for her residence. Upon reaching her building, he inquired from a cab driver parked at the side if it was a single house or a multi-unit complex.
Not much later, neighbors heard a shot and screams. Bardo ran off up the street.
“Outside her apartment, Kenneth Newell from the adjacent building recounted to the Los Angeles Times how he rushed out upon hearing a gunshot. There, on the ground, he found a woman clad only in a small black bathrobe. Her gaze was fixed, unblinking, giving an uncanny impression of being deceased already.”
Later on, the security team at the studio expressed that the letters received by Schaeffer didn’t seem alarming or hostile in any way. They appeared to be ordinary pieces of fan mail.
In simpler terms, Paul Bartel expressed to People magazine that he believed the murderer must have been someone unfamiliar with the victim. He found it hard to imagine that anyone who truly knew her could have committed such an act, as she was known for her maturity and intuition, which would have prevented such a tragedy.
One day after her death, the police in Tucson received a tip about a man causing chaos at a busy intersection.
Near a bustling freeway, Bardo loudly proclaimed that he was responsible for Rebecca Schaeffer’s death. Law enforcement swiftly apprehended him. Upon discovering a picture of the actress in his possession, officers reached out to L.A. authorities right away.
I’m a diligent observer of law enforcement matters, and I’d like to share an intriguing piece of information. In Los Angeles, the authorities had been alerted by a woman residing in Tennessee. She had confided in them that there was a man named Bardo who held an unhealthy obsession with an individual named Schaeffer.
Based on my personal experience and understanding of human emotions, I believe that the woman discovered she was his sister, and before embarking on another journey to Los Angeles, he penned a letter to her in Knoxville expressing his deep-rooted fascination with the unreachable and the necessity to eliminate something elusive from his life.
Bardo shared that his inspiration to engage a private investigator came from an intriguing magazine article about Arthur Richard Jackson, who was then imprisoned for the 1982 stabbing incident outside actress Theresa Saldana’s residence.
As a devoted fan from north of the border, I can tell you that Jackson, hailing from Scotland, found himself in an unfortunate predicament. He was living in the United States illegally, having been deported not once, but twice – first in 1961 and then again in 1966. With a strong desire to own a firearm, he made the attempt, but alas, he lacked the essential U.S. driver’s license for this particular transaction.
With the assistance of a private investigator, Jackson discovered Saldana and faced charges for attempted murder and causing severe physical harm. Convicted in 1977, he received the longest possible prison sentence of 12 years. Paroled in 1989, Jackson failed to be released; instead, he was imprisoned for an additional five and a half years due to threatening Saldana with death.
In 1996, I found myself being extradited to England just a day before my parole release was scheduled. The reason for this unexpected turn of events? I was wanted to stand trial for a crime I had allegedly committed over three decades ago – a bank robbery in 1966 that resulted in the death of an innocent man. While incarcerated in California, I reportedly confessed to this old crime to the authorities.
When Jackson came up for parole consideration for the first time, Saldana, who was against his release, expressed her concerns to the LA Times, stating, “My safety is at risk. This is what drives me…I’m not advocating for harming this individual. I’m not suggesting that, and my reason for keeping him detained is not for retribution, absolutely not. I believe we have a duty to ensure the wellbeing of the general public.”
I, as a dedicated advocate for privacy and safety, played a significant role in pushing for the enactment of the Anti-Stalking Law and the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act back in 1990. Unfortunately, I, Saldana, passed away in the year 2016.
In an interview from his prison cell, Bardo expressed that Rebecca held a unique allure for him which made it difficult for him to let go.
In this version, a young prosecutor named Marcia Clark took on the case, and in return for Bardo relinquishing his jury trial, she opted against pursuing the death penalty.
The absence of a jury didn’t lessen the morbid fascination with the proceedings one bit.
The Bardo case served as a rehearsal of sorts for blending justice and fame, paving the way for more prominent trials involving music producer Phil Spector and actor Robert Blake in the future, according to KNBC 4’s Patrick Healy during an interview on TODAY in July 2019.
Healy pointed out that the harsh truth applied to more than just the well-known, affecting everyone. Driving a car puts you at risk of unintentionally irritating someone who can easily obtain your license plate number, visit the DMV for your address, and be prepared with dangerous weapons.
In today’s world, it’s unlikely that an actor who has appeared in a major network TV show would open their door to an unfamiliar person.
Dr. Park Elliott Dietz, a psychiatrist who spoke with Bardo at Los Angeles’ Men’s Central Jail, stated that while he thought Bardo had been dealing with schizophrenia since his childhood, according to the law, Bardo did not qualify as legally insane based on California’s definition.
During the strange events unfolding, Bardo revealed to Dietz that the U2 song “Exit” from their album “Joshua Tree,” which deals with the dangerous consequences of religious fervor, had particularly moved him. This song, in turn, was influenced by “The Executioner’s Song” written by Norman Mailer, a compelling account of serial killer Gary Gilmore’s life.
The lyrics “Hand in the pocket, finger on the gun, its weight a burden, heartbeat thunderous, racing wildly, my love” convey the same meaning in a more natural and easier-to-understand way.
In the courthouse, the melody of the song was heard and allegedly brought energy to Bardo. With enthusiasm, he tapped his knees rhythmically as if they were drums and silently mouthed the lyrics. Otherwise, he remained largely still, appearing dejected and keeping his gaze fixed on the floor.
Following this revelation, U2 avoided performing “Exit” live until their 2017 tour, where they played the entire “Joshua Tree” album.
Stephen Galindo, Bardo’s legal representative as a deputy public defender, contended that due to his client’s severe mental illness, they couldn’t have intentionally planned the crime. Instead, it was suggested that Bardo should be held accountable for the lesser charge of second-degree murder.
“Rebecca Schaeffer was tragically killed, making her an undeniable victim,” Galindo stated in court. Simultaneously, “Robert Bardo is likewise afflicted—a victim of neglected upbringing and a mental health system incapable of delivering the necessary care.”
Clark acknowledged that Bardo was undeniably unusual, yet not necessarily insane. In accordance, Judge Dino Fulgoni concurred with the prosecution’s assessment.
On October 29, 1991, Bardo was found guilty of premeditated murder with the additional charge of having deliberately planned an ambush. Subsequently, in December of the same year, he was penalized with a sentence of life imprisonment, meaning he would not be eligible for parole.
Now 54, he remains behind bars at Avenal State Prison in California.
“The innocence of all parties involved in the case stood out to me, as Clark shared with the LA Times in the spring of 2024. When Bardo emerged at the studio, the security guard assumed it was just a devoted fan and paid it little mind. Consequently, she remained unaware that this man had been following her. Looking back, I recall that not much importance was attached to him by anyone, considering there were likely numerous similar cases with no consequences.”
Although the legal aspect of Schaeffer’s murder came to an end, her parents’ lives did not instantly return to how they once were. Instead, they were left with the challenging duty of healing and keeping their daughter’s memory alive.
In 2017, Danna first presented her one-woman show “Mid-Air: Elegy for a Daughter” at the Portland Fringe Festival, which she had written about the mourning of her only child. Later that year, the production was staged again at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Daily News in 2018, she declared that the time had come for a preliminary acceptance of the fact that she was no longer there.
Danna died in 2022, survived by Benson, her husband of 59 years.
In 2002, Silberling made the film “Moonlight Mile,” which explores the intricate bond between the girlfriend’s grieving parents and her deceased lover. This poignant story was influenced by Silberling’s personal encounter with the Schaeffers in Oregon following Rebecca’s tragic demise. For nearly two years afterward, he refrained from dating.
In an interview with the Jewish Journal back in 2002, he shared his fascination with this unique and unfamiliar experience depicted in the film. He explained how the grieving process can take unexpected turns, such as finding yourself laughing uncontrollably with the bereaved parents, making light of insensitive comments from well-meaning people. These moments of inappropriate humor often catch us off guard during the most unexpected times.
When Silberling was 23 years old and attending graduate school at UCLA, he encountered Schaeffer on a blind date in the year 1987. They described their encounter as if fate had brought them together, saying, “We just naturally came into each other’s lives.”
On the day she passed away, he remembered finding a delightful message she had recorded on his answering machine in the morning. That message was the last time he listened to her voice. A few hours afterwards, he was at the hospital, where her parents confirmed the identification of her body.
Silberling maintained a strong relationship with the Schaeffers, and they attended his wedding to Amy Brenneman in 1995.
In an interview with The Guardian back in 2003, he shared his thoughts on creating “Moonlight Mile,” explaining, “Despite my past hardships, I’ve managed to discover reasons for optimism. I have a family now and have made it through. Through this film, I aimed to understand how such resilience developed in me.”
On the show “20/20,” Jonathan Howard, who used to represent Rebecca, expressed, “The world missed out on a divine being. I mourned the loss of a companion. … The film industry lost a promising talent, and the world lost a guardian angel.”
Benson Schaeffer remembered the last time he talked to his daughter, a day or two before she died.
He shared on “20/20” that she had been invited to appear on a television set, and added, “I suggested we talk more about it afterward. She replied, ‘Sure thing.’ And she expressed her affection for me by saying, ‘I love you.’ To which I responded, ‘I love you’ as well.”
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2024-07-21 15:22