Rebecca Schaeffer: A Life Cut Short

On the morning of July 18, 1989, instead of the expected courier delivering a script for “The Godfather III” in preparation for her audition with director Francis Ford Coppola, it was Robert Bardo who rang Schaeffer’s doorbell. Upon opening the door, Bardo presented her with a card she had sent him in response to one of his fan letters, along with an autographed photo. He claimed to be her biggest fan. Politely excusing herself, Schaeffer mentioned that she needed to prepare for an interview.

Bardo then left to have some onion rings at Jans Restaurant but returned to her home shortly afterward. According to Bardo, Schaeffer informed him that he was wasting her time. In response, he drew a handgun from his waistband and shot her at close range in the chest. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.