Dorothy Stratten
Dorothy Stratten – Life, Rise & Tragedy
Discover the life and legacy of Dorothy Stratten (1960–1980)—Playboy Playmate, actress, and the tragic story behind her murder. Learn about her early years, career, and how her memory lives on.
Introduction
Dorothy Ruth Hoogstraten, better known as Dorothy Stratten, was a Canadian model, actress, and Playboy icon whose meteoric rise ended in a devastating tragedy. Born on February 28, 1960, she became Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in August 1979 and Playmate of the Year in 1980.
Her life inspired films, books, songs, and enduring public interest—both for her talent and the horror of her untimely death.
Early Life and Family
Dorothy was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to Simon and Nelly Hoogstraten, immigrants from the Netherlands.
She had two siblings: a brother, John Arthur, and a younger sister, Louise (born in 1968).
As a teenager, Dorothy attended Centennial High School in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Dairy Queen to help with family expenses.
It was during her job there—when she was about 18—that she met Paul Snider, a nightclub promoter, who became her manager and, later, her husband.
Rise to Fame: Modeling & Acting
Entry into Playboy & Modeling
Snider had photographs taken of Dorothy in nude form and submitted them to Playboy's Great Playmate Hunt in 1978. As she was under 19 (the age of majority in British Columbia), her mother had to sign the release form.
After being selected as a finalist, Dorothy moved to Los Angeles in late 1978. Snider joined her there, and they married in June 1979.
She adopted the professional name Dorothy Stratten.
In August 1979, she was featured as Playboy’s Playmate of the Month. Playmate of the Year.
Acting & Screen Appearances
Beyond modeling, Stratten ventured into acting. Her film and TV credits, though limited by her short life, include:
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Americathon (1979) — uncredited role as a stage escort
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Skatetown, U.S.A. (1979)
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Autumn Born (1979)
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Galaxina (1980)
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They All Laughed (released 1981, after her death) — she co-starred as Dolores Martin
On television, she appeared in episodes of Fantasy Island and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. The Tonight Show in April 1980.
Her acting career was seen as having potential, and some insiders thought she could cross over into more serious film roles.
Relationship with Paul Snider & Personal Struggles
Paul Snider was significantly older and more experienced in promotion than Dorothy. Over time, his control over her career, finances, and public image became oppressive.
As Dorothy’s fame and opportunities grew, her relationship with Snider became increasingly volatile and abusive.
By 1980, Dorothy was distancing herself from Snider—seeking independence, personal growth, and a separation of business and marital ties. Peter Bogdanovich, the director of They All Laughed, which created further tension.
Tragic Death: Murder & Aftermath
On August 14, 1980, Dorothy Stratten was murdered in Los Angeles by her estranged husband and former manager, Paul Snider, who then committed suicide.
The murder occurred during a meeting supposedly intended to finalize separation terms or property settlement.
Dorothy was only 20 years old.
Her remains were cremated and interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Legacy, Cultural Impact & Remembrance
Though her life was short, Dorothy Stratten’s story has remained powerful in popular culture:
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Her murder was dramatized in:
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TV movie Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story (1981)
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Film Star 80 (1983), directed by Bob Fosse, starring Mariel Hemingway as Stratten
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Peter Bogdanovich wrote a memoir The Killing of the Unicorn: Dorothy Stratten 1960-1980 as both tribute and critique.
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Her story has inspired songs and artistic references. For example, Bryan Adams’s song “The Best Was Yet to Come” was dedicated to her.
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In 2022, the Hulu limited series Welcome to Chippendales featured Nicola Peltz portraying Stratten in a dramatization of the infamous Chippendales and entertainment world context she was entangled with.
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Her tragic death is often cited in discussions about exploitation, abuse in the entertainment world, and the vulnerabilities faced by young models and actresses entering high-pressure industries.
Lessons from Dorothy Stratten’s Life
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Vulnerability & Power Imbalance: Her relationship with Snider showed how power dynamics in professional and personal life can become abusive, especially when the “manager” is also a partner.
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The Cost of Fame Too Soon: Rapid elevation without strong protection or autonomy left her exposed to manipulation and danger.
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Legacy Beyond Tragedy: While her death overshadows much of how she is remembered, she also had genuine talent, charm, and the possibility of growth in acting.
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Cultural Cautionary Tale: Her story reminds us to examine systems that commodify beauty and youth, and to recognize the human beings behind the images.