Gina Gershon Recalls ‘Creepy’ Meeting Nightclub Promoter Paul Snider Before His Murder-Suicide Rocked Hollywood

Gina Gershon has opened up about an unsettling encounter with Canadian nightclub promoter Paul Snider, which occurred just weeks before he committed a shocking murder-suicide. In a recent interview on SiriusXM’s The Julia Cunningham Show, the actress shared her memories of the brief meeting, describing it as distinctly disturbing.

Gershon recounted that the encounter took place while she was out at a nightclub with fellow actress Jodie Foster. The two had developed a friendship after Foster attended one of Gershon’s shows. Reflecting on their time together, Gershon recalled, “Jodie and I became party friends because she came to see my show. You know, we’re like, ‘Let’s go dancing. Let’s dress up for Halloween.'”

The night in question followed a concert, when Foster suggested they visit a newly opened nightclub. Both young and eager to enjoy the nightlife, Gershon remembered, “I don’t think we were 21 yet. Maybe 19 or 20. Anyway, we can get in, and so we were just having fun.” However, their joyful evening soon took a turn for the unsettling when Snider approached them.

Gershon described Snider as having an off-putting demeanor, recalling how he told her, “Hey, I think you should be in Playboy.” Taken aback by his smarmy approach, she replied politely that she was more interested in pursuing a career as an actress. Snider, insistent, boasted about his wife’s successes in Hollywood, referencing Dorothy Stratten, who was known for her appearance as Playboy’s Playmate of the Year.

“I remember looking at him and how he gave me his card,” Gershon said. “I wish I had that card, but then he left and Jodie and I were like, ‘Ew, we should go. This is gross. We gotta go. There’s like yucky people here.'” The uncomfortable nature of the encounter stayed with her, especially in light of the tragic events that followed.

A few weeks later, Gershon learned that Snider had killed Stratten and then himself, an act born from jealousy over her burgeoning success and the development of her relationship with filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich. On the day of the murder, Stratten, despite warnings from friends, went to the home she once shared with Snider to discuss their divorce settlement. Both were later discovered in a distressing state by friends.

Recalling the news, Gershon expressed her disbelief and horror. “It was like two or three weeks later… I got a very sick feeling in my stomach thinking, ‘God, what if I had been saying, ‘Yeah, I wanna go meet Hef and I wanna do this,'” she exclaimed. The traumatic nature of the situation left a lasting impression on her.

The case horrified Hollywood and led to numerous accounts of Stratten’s life, including adaptations in books, television shows, and films. Gershon’s retelling of her encounter not only highlights the chilling experience she had with Snider but also serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of fame and the dangers that can lurk within the entertainment industry.

With time, Gershon has likely reflected on this incident from her youth, recognising it as a stark contrast to the glamour typically associated with Hollywood nightlife. The juxtaposition between the innocent excitement of young actresses enjoying a night out and the menacing persona of Snider is a troubling reminder of the complexities faced by women in similar circumstances.

Gershon’s story is a testimonial to the importance of listening to one’s instincts and the potential risks that can arise in seemingly ordinary situations. As she continues her own successful career in acting, it seems clear that her experience has contributed to her awareness of the dynamics in the entertainment world.