The Tragic Story of Rebecca Schaeffer

Early Life and Career

• Childhood and Family: Rebecca could light up a room from a young age; adored by family.
• Passion for Acting: Discovered as a teenager, moved from Portland, Oregon to New York at 16 to pursue acting dream.

Breakthrough Roles

• One Life to Live: Landed a role in this soap opera shortly after moving to New York.
• My Sister Sam: Major break into prime time; show was a hit and Rebecca became a rising star.
  • Featured on the cover of Seventeen magazine and TV Guide.
  • Hosted Thanksgiving Day parades on CBS.

Fan Interactions and Early Warnings

• Fan Letters: Enthusiastically responded to fan mail, including one from Robert John Bardo.
  • Close people warned Rebecca about answering fan letters for safety reasons.

Robert John Bardo's Obsession

• Initial Encounters: Robert Bardo became obsessed, traveled from Tucson to Burbank to meet Rebecca.
  • First attempt: Met with security, denied entrance.
  • Second attempt: Agitated and angry, still no police alert.

Career Progression and Stalker Escalation

• New Roles: Began branching into mature roles; major part in "Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills."
• Godfather III Audition: Excited for role; stalker enraged by love scene in previous film.

The Crime

• Final Encounter: Bardo tracked Rebecca’s home address through a private investigator.
  • Visited her apartment pretending to be a fan; left once but returned soon after.
  • Confrontation: Bardo pulled a gun, shot Rebecca once in the chest.

Legal and Cultural Aftermath

• Arrest and Conviction: Fled to Tucson, confessed to police; found guilty of first-degree murder, sentenced to life without parole in 1991.
• New Laws: Rebecca's murder led to the establishment of the first anti-stalking law in California.

Legacy

• Memory: Forever remembered as a talented actress with unfulfilled potential.
• Impact: Change in legal landscape to better protect individuals from stalkers.

Closing Remarks

• ABC News Contact: George Stephanopoulos mentions further information sources and ways to stay informed with ABC News.