What Happened to Star 80?
Star 80 is a 1983 American biographical crime drama film directed by Bob Fosse, chronicling the tragic life and murder of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten by her estranged husband, Paul Snider. Despite initial mixed reviews, the film has gained a stronger critical reputation over time for its unflinching portrayal of exploitation and the dark side of fame, remaining a subject of discussion and retrospective screenings into 2026.
Quick Answer
Star 80 is a 1983 biographical crime drama film that depicts the rise and tragic murder of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten. Directed by Bob Fosse, the movie stars Mariel Hemingway as Stratten and Eric Roberts as her obsessive husband, Paul Snider, who ultimately killed her in a murder-suicide. The film, Fosse's last, was initially met with mixed reviews but is now largely considered a powerful and disturbing examination of exploitation and the perils of fame. It continues to be discussed in film retrospectives and is available on various streaming platforms as of 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Dorothy Stratten Murdered
Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten is murdered by her estranged husband, Paul Snider, in a murder-suicide.
Pulitzer Prize-winning Article Published
Teresa Carpenter's article 'Death of a Playmate' is published in The Village Voice, detailing Stratten's story and winning a Pulitzer Prize.
Star 80 Film Release
Bob Fosse's film 'Star 80', based on Carpenter's article, is released in the United States by Warner Bros.
VHS Release
Warner Home Video releases 'Star 80' on VHS.
Roger Ebert Praises Eric Roberts
Film critic Roger Ebert states on 'The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers' that Eric Roberts should have received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 'Star 80'.
Bob Fosse's Final Film
'Star 80' marks the final directorial feature for acclaimed director Bob Fosse before his death.
DVD Edition Released
Warner Home Entertainment releases 'Star 80' on DVD.
Streaming Release Date
The film becomes available for streaming.
Warner Archive DVD Reissue
The Warner Archive Collection reissues 'Star 80' on DVD.
Retrospective Analysis Published
Crooked Marquee publishes an article titled 'Star 80: Bob Fosse's Devastating Portrait of Hollywood Exploitation', discussing its enduring relevance.
35mm Screening at IFC Center
The IFC Center screens 'Star 80' on 35mm as part of a retrospective on Bob Fosse's work, highlighting its continued cultural significance.
Reddit Discussion on Film's Legacy
A Reddit discussion thread notes that 'Star 80' has a better reputation today, despite its initial mixed reception, and remains a tough, provocative movie.
Currently Available on Streaming
As of today, 'Star 80' is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms including Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon, and DIRECTV.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Released on November 10, 1983, 'Star 80' is a biographical crime drama based on Teresa Carpenter's Pulitzer Prize-winning Village Voice article, 'Death of a Playmate.' The film meticulously details the relationship between Canadian Playboy model Dorothy Stratten and her husband, Paul Snider, from their early days in Vancouver to Stratten's ascent as a Playboy Playmate and aspiring actress, and ultimately, her murder by Snider in 1980.
Directed by Bob Fosse, 'Star 80' was his final directorial feature before his death in 1987. Fosse's approach was unflinching, often utilizing a non-linear narrative and interviews with supporting characters to piece together the events leading to Stratten's death. The film was shot on location, with the death scene reportedly filmed in the actual house where the murder-suicide occurred, adding to its stark realism.
Upon its release, 'Star 80' garnered mixed critical reception. While Mariel Hemingway's portrayal of Stratten and Eric Roberts's intense performance as Snider received acclaim, some critics found the film exploitative and criticized its graphic violence. Roger Ebert, however, awarded it four out of four stars, calling it an 'important movie.' Over the decades, its critical standing has improved, with many now viewing it as a masterclass in building a sense of impending doom and a profound, albeit disturbing, commentary on the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the exploitation of women.
The film's enduring legacy lies in its raw depiction of misogyny, obsession, and the destructive pursuit of fame. It is often cited in discussions about true crime narratives and the ethics of portraying real-life tragedies on screen. As of 2026, 'Star 80' remains a significant work in Fosse's filmography and a touchstone for examining the cautionary tales of celebrity. It continues to be available for streaming and rental on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon, and DIRECTV, and occasionally features in retrospective film series, such as a 35mm screening at the IFC Center in May 2024 as part of a Bob Fosse retrospective.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Star 80 made different choices?