History of Rebecca Schaeffer in Timeline

"Rebecca Lucile Schaeffer was an American actress and model known for her role as Patricia "Patti" Russell in the CBS comedy "My Sister Sam". Tragically, at 21, she was murdered by Robert John Bardo, an obsessed fan who had been stalking her. Schaeffer's death brought significant attention to the issue of stalking and led to the enactment of anti-stalking legislation in California."

November 6, 1967: Birth

Rebecca Lucile Schaeffer was born on November 6, 1967, in Eugene, Oregon. She was the only child of Danna, a writer and instructor, and Dr. Benson Schaeffer, a child psychologist.

1982: Influence of Theresa Saldana Stalking Case

Robert John Bardo learned that Arthur Richard Jackson, who had stabbed actress Theresa Saldana in 1982, had used a private investigator to obtain her address. Bardo used this same method to find Schaeffer's address.

1984: Modeling and Move to New York

At 16, Rebecca Schaeffer began modeling and working as an extra. With her parent's permission, she moved to New York City in 1984 to pursue modeling after spending the summer working with Elite Model Management.

1984: Acting Debut in "One Life to Live"

In late 1984, Schaeffer landed the role of Annie Barnes on ABC's "One Life to Live" for six months.

1985: Bardo's Previous Obsession

Before becoming fixated on Schaeffer, Robert John Bardo was obsessed with child peace activist Samantha Smith, who died in a plane crash in 1985.

1985: Move to Japan and Return to New York

In 1985, Schaeffer moved to Japan in hopes of furthering her modeling career. After facing difficulties due to her height and weight, she returned to New York City to pursue acting.

1986: Breakthrough Role in "My Sister Sam"

After appearing on the cover of Seventeen magazine, Rebecca Schaeffer was cast in the CBS comedy "My Sister Sam" in 1986, which became an initial hit.

1986: Acting Debut and "My Sister Sam"

Rebecca Schaeffer landed a small role in Woody Allen's "Radio Days" and the lead role of Patricia "Patti" Russell in the CBS comedy "My Sister Sam" in 1986.

1987: Bardo's Attempts to Meet Schaeffer

Robert John Bardo traveled to Los Angeles in 1987 to meet Schaeffer but was turned away by security. He returned a month later with a knife, but was again prevented from contacting her.

April 1988: End of "My Sister Sam"

After a successful first season, "My Sister Sam" was canceled in its second season in April 1988.

1988: Cancellation of "My Sister Sam"

In April 1988, "My Sister Sam" was canceled due to falling ratings after airing for two seasons.

July 18, 1989: Death

On July 18, 1989, Rebecca Schaeffer was shot and killed at the age of 21 by Robert John Bardo, an obsessed fan who had been stalking her for three years.

1989: Bardo's Escalation and Murder of Schaeffer

After watching Schaeffer in "Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills," Bardo became enraged and hired a detective agency to find her address. On July 18, 1989, he shot and killed her at her home.

1990: Anti-Stalking Legislation

Schaeffer's death helped prompt the passing of America's first anti-stalking laws in 1990, including California Penal Code 646.9.

1994: Driver's Privacy Protection Act

In 1994, the Driver's Privacy Protection Act was enacted, preventing the DMV from releasing private addresses, in response to Schaeffer's murder.

2002: Film Inspired by Schaeffer's Death

Brad Silberling, Schaeffer's boyfriend at the time of her death, directed the film "Moonlight Mile" (2002), which was influenced by his grief over her murder.