How much did Dorothy Stratten earn during her short but promising career? Rising to fame as a Playboy Playmate of the Year, she was on the path to Hollywood success before her tragic end.
But what about her financial status? Many wonder how her earnings from modeling and acting compared to other stars of her time.
In this article, PBC breaks down Dorothy Stratten’s wealth, salary, and financial background.
From her Playboy career to her Hollywood roles, discover how she made her money and what happened to her assets after her passing.
Dorothy Stratten Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Dorothy Ruth Hoogstraten |
| Popular Name | Dorothy Stratten |
| Birth Date | February 28, 1960 |
| Age | Died at age 20 (August 14, 1980) |
| Birthplace | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Dutch descent |
| Education | Centennial High School, Coquitlam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Paul Snider (m. 1979) |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | Peter Bogdanovich (before her passing) |
| Siblings | Louise Stratten, John Arthur Stratten |
| Parents | Simon Hoogstraten (father), Nelly Hoogstraten (mother) |
| Height | 1.75 m |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source of Wealth | Modeling, Acting |
What is the Net Worth of Dorothy Stratten in 2025?
Since Dorothy Stratten’s net worth was never publicly disclosed, estimating her financial legacy is difficult. However, given her rising fame in the Playboy empire and Hollywood, she likely had substantial earnings before her untimely death.
At the time, top Playmates and rising actresses in Hollywood had promising financial prospects. Compared to stars of her era, her earnings may have aligned with those of other Playboy Playmates and young Hollywood actresses. Unfortunately, due to her tragic passing, her financial potential remained unfulfilled.
Related Personalities & Entities
- Paul Snider
- Hugh Hefner
- Peter Bogdanovich
- Playboy Enterprises
- Hollywood film industry
- Mariel Hemingway
- Bob Fosse
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Eric Roberts
- John Ritter
Want to learn about the wealthiest stars in entertainment? Check out the highest-paid celebrities.
Dorothy Stratten Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did She Earn During Her Career?
Dorothy Stratten’s earnings came primarily from her modeling career and growing presence in Hollywood. After being discovered by Playboy, she gained national recognition as Playmate of the Month (August 1979) and later became Playmate of the Year (1980).
These titles often came with financial rewards, including cash prizes, gifts, and lucrative opportunities. In addition to her Playboy salary, she earned from acting roles in films like Galaxina and They All Laughed. However, her career was cut short before she could achieve long-term financial success.
What Were Her Main Sources of Income?
Dorothy’s income sources included:
- Modeling for Playboy – Her photoshoots and Playmate titles provided significant financial compensation.
- Acting in films and TV shows – She appeared in movies like Americathon, Skatetown, U.S.A., and Galaxina.
- Promotional appearances – As a Playmate, she participated in various promotional events and public engagements.
Unlike modern celebrities, endorsement deals were not as prevalent in her time, but she still benefited from the Playboy brand’s influence.
Did She Have Any Notable Assets or Investments?
Details about Dorothy Stratten’s assets are largely unknown. However, reports suggest she had access to luxury gifts and cash prizes from Playboy. She also likely had personal belongings of value.
Her financial situation was complicated by Paul Snider, her husband and manager, who had control over many of her financial affairs. Reports indicate that Snider mismanaged some of her earnings, including selling off her Playboy prizes at a loss.
How Was Her Wealth Managed?
Dorothy’s financial management was largely influenced by two people:
- Paul Snider – As her husband and manager, he controlled many of her earnings. However, their relationship became strained due to financial disputes.
- Hugh Hefner & Playboy Enterprises – Hefner saw Dorothy as a rising star and offered her opportunities, but he also advised her to separate from Snider financially.
As her career progressed, Dorothy started gaining more independence in managing her finances. Unfortunately, her life ended before she could establish full control over her earnings.
What Happened to Her Wealth After Her Passing?
After Dorothy’s tragic murder-suicide case, her finances became part of legal discussions. Since she was still legally married to Paul Snider, much of her wealth may have been affected by their relationship.
Her family and those close to her were left to handle the aftermath. Peter Bogdanovich, who was deeply involved with her before her death, later wrote a book about her life, The Killing of the Unicorn.
Despite her short career, Dorothy Stratten’s financial story remains a topic of interest, especially in discussions about how young stars handle sudden wealth and fame.
Conclusion
Dorothy Stratten’s financial journey was promising but tragically short-lived.
Although she had lucrative opportunities in modeling and acting, her wealth was never fully realized.
Her story serves as a reminder of both the glamour and dangers of fame.
Want more insights into celebrity finances? Visit Pennbookcenter.com for the latest updates.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!
