Dorothy Ruth Hoogstratten, later known as Dorothy Stratten, was born on February 28, 1960, in Vancouver, Canada. She grew up in a financially struggling family in Coquitlam, where she stood out as a kind and intelligent student. Despite hardships, she excelled in school and graduated with honors, hoping for a future beyond poverty. Dorothy dreamed of a better life, aspiring to move to a big city and pursue a successful career. She had an older brother, John Arthur, and a younger sister, Louise. Though her early years were modest, they fueled her determination to succeed.

During high school, Dorothy worked at a Dairy Queen restaurant, where she caught the attention of Paul Snider, a 26-year-old nightclub promoter with a questionable reputation. Seeing potential in her beauty, Snider convinced Dorothy to try modeling, hiring a photographer to take provocative photos of her. Without her mother’s approval, he forged the necessary documents to submit her pictures to Playboy. Soon after, he arranged for Dorothy to move to Los Angeles, where her life changed dramatically.

By August 1978, she was making a name for herself as a model, and within a year, she was featured as “Playmate of the Month” in Playboy magazine. In 1980, she reached new heights when she was crowned “Playmate of the Year,” which opened doors to acting opportunities. Encouraged by Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, she began appearing in TV shows and films, including Buck Rogers in the 25th Century and Skatetown, U.S.A., quickly gaining recognition.

Despite her rising fame, Dorothy’s personal life became increasingly turbulent. In 1979, she married Paul Snider, but their relationship was toxic. While Dorothy’s career flourished, Snider became jealous and resentful, feeling overshadowed by her success. He sought validation through flashy behavior and flirtations with other women, while Dorothy remained patient despite concerns from her friends and colleagues. As her career advanced, she met director Peter Bogdanovich on the set of They All Laughed, a major turning point for both her professional and personal life. Bogdanovich treated her with kindness and respect, something she had long been deprived of in her marriage. Realizing she needed to escape Snider’s control, Dorothy decided to file for divorce in June 1980. However, Snider was unwilling to let go, and his increasing possessiveness soon turned dangerous.

On August 14, 1980, Snider lured Dorothy to his home under the pretense of signing divorce papers. Despite warnings from her legal advisors, she went, hoping for an amicable resolution. Instead, the meeting ended in tragedy. Snider brutally murdered Dorothy before taking his own life. Some reports suggest he assaulted her before killing her, while others claim he acted in a fit of rage. Their bodies were later discovered in the bedroom, a scene that shocked those who knew her. Hugh Hefner described Snider as a man who had lost control over his life, unable to accept Dorothy’s independence. Her sudden death left a deep impact on many, particularly Bogdanovich, who saw her as more than just a rising star—he believed in her genuine kindness and potential.