Full Breakdown
Gina Gershon Reflects on Encounter with Paul Snider Before Murder-Suicide of Dorothy Stratten
3/15/2026, 4:57:40 AM
Disturbing Encounter with Paul Snider
Gina Gershon recently recounted a chilling encounter with Paul Snider, the man who would later murder his estranged wife, Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten, before taking his own life. In her memoir, "AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs," Gershon described meeting Snider in 1980 at a Los Angeles nightclub while out with actress Jodie Foster. Gershon characterized Snider as "creepy," recalling how he approached her with unsolicited propositions to pose for Playboy, which she firmly declined. "He was so slimy he practically left a trail of ooze in his wake," she stated, emphasizing her discomfort with his advances.
The Tragic Fate of Dorothy Stratten
Dorothy Stratten, who was only 20 years old at the time of her death, was discovered by friends alongside Snider in their shared home on August 14, 1980. Stratten had been a rising star, having been named Playmate of the Year in 1980, but her relationship with Snider quickly deteriorated as his jealousy over her success grew. Candice DeLong, a retired FBI profiler, described Snider as a "psychopath" who exploited and ultimately murdered Stratten, viewing her as a means to financial gain rather than as a partner.
Background of Abuse and Control
Stratten's relationship with Snider began when he scouted her as a teenager working at a Dairy Queen in Vancouver, Canada. He arranged a nude photoshoot that led to her Playboy career, but as her fame increased, Snider's controlling behavior intensified. Friends noted that he became increasingly abusive, leading to their separation. Stratten began a relationship with filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich, which further fueled Snider's jealousy. On the day of the murder, Stratten had agreed to meet Snider to discuss their divorce, despite warnings from friends about the potential danger.
Official Statements and Responses
In reflecting on the events, Gershon expressed relief that she had not become involved with Snider, stating, "It scared me, but I listened to my instincts." DeLong highlighted the psychological profile of Snider, noting that he was "never a partner" to Stratten but rather an abuser from the start. Bogdanovich, who later wrote about Stratten's tragic fate, criticized the Playboy empire for its role in the circumstances leading to her death.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Gershon's account emphasizes her instinctual aversion to Snider, the broader narrative surrounding Stratten's murder-suicide includes various interpretations of Snider's psychological state and motivations. Some sources suggest he may have been horrified by his actions, while others argue he was fully aware of the consequences of his jealousy and rage.
Verbatim Quotes
- "How did it stay with me? Well, because it was creepy to begin with." — Gina Gershon, Actress
- "He was so slimy he practically left a trail of ooze in his wake." — Gina Gershon, Actress
- "Paul Snider is a psychopath, not to be confused with psycho." — Candice DeLong, Retired FBI Profiler
- "She didn’t want to be with him anymore." — Candice DeLong, Retired FBI Profiler
Gershon's recollections serve as a haunting reminder of the tragic events that unfolded shortly after her brief encounter with Snider, highlighting the complex dynamics of fame, jealousy, and violence in Hollywood.
