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Alexandra Paul’s Story of Surviving Celebrity Stalking
Alexandra Paul Speaks Out on Surviving 13 Years of Stalking: A Baywatch Star’s Ordeal
Alexandra Paul, widely known for her roles in the horror film Christine and as a lifeguard on the hit show Baywatch, recently shared the harrowing story of her 13-year struggle with an obsessive stalker. In a deeply personal account published in The Ankler, Paul, now 61, details how an act of kindness in 2011 escalated into a nightmare that stretched over a decade and had a profound impact on her life, career, and sense of safety.
A Chance Encounter Turns into a Nightmare
Paul’s ordeal began innocuously. In December 2011, a woman knocked on her door in Pacific Palisades, California, accompanied by a young boy. Claiming they lived three hours away, the woman asked if her son could use Paul’s bathroom. Alexandra, describing herself as a “people pleaser,” let them in and introduced her husband, Ian Murray, to the pair while making small talk. After they left, Paul thought little of the encounter.
However, that was only the beginning. Soon after, Paul began receiving thank you notes and gifts from the woman, including chocolates and requests for the boy to return with a drawing. The actress politely asked the woman to leave her family alone. The messages stopped briefly, but nine months later the woman reappeared—this time as her neighbor, having rented a house just one block away.
Escalation and Legal Battles
The situation escalated rapidly. The woman’s presence became increasingly invasive, ultimately forcing Paul to seek her first restraining order. Despite the court’s intervention, the stalker violated the order nearly 30 times. In one especially terrifying incident, the woman reportedly chased Paul at high speeds and ran her car off the road, leaving her “thoroughly spooked and terrified.” Alexandra recounts that her husband, Ian, was even struck by the stalker, and the woman’s actions included making wild allegations, from infidelity to claims of being Paul’s “secret lover.” The relentless harassment forced Alexandra and her husband to move homes and cross state lines, all while racking up tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.
The Toll of Celebrity Stalking
Throughout her career, Paul prided herself on connecting with fans—an element she cherished. Yet this experience highlighted the dark side of fame. Despite restraining orders and police intervention, she faced years of anxiety and disruption, underscoring how difficult it can be for high-profile individuals to ensure their safety in the face of persistent stalking.
Alexandra’s experience is far from unique in Hollywood. Other celebrities have also dealt with similar trauma, as discussed in a feature about famous stalking cases. Yet Alexandra’s openness brings an unusual candor to a topic many avoid, and it highlights both the human cost and lack of easy solutions.
Lessons Learned and Raising Awareness
The ordeal finally ended last year with the stalker’s passing, but Alexandra continues to raise awareness about the dangers of stalking. She has shared her story in-depth through an emotionally charged essay for The Ankler. Her testimony acts as a warning and a guide for others, emphasizing vigilance, legal persistence, and the importance of boundaries even for those accustomed to interacting warmly with the public.
Fans and the wider public have reacted with sympathy and support, sharing Alexandra’s story across social media. While there don’t appear to be official Instagram posts or tweets from Paul herself about this particular interview, news outlets and entertainment-focused accounts have circulated highlights from her essay and podcast appearance, sparking discussions about personal safety, celebrity vulnerability, and the serious nature of stalking.
Listen and Learn More
Alexandra Paul also recently discussed her ordeal on the “Death, Sex & Money” podcast—a production now part of Slate—where she read excerpts from her essay and spoke candidly about the emotional and financial fallout of being stalked. For those interested in supporting the show and accessing more content, Slate Plus offers ad-free podcasts, bonus material, and deep dives into stories that matter.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, resources and help are available. Consider starting with organizations like the National Center for Victims of Crime or learning more about celebrity stalking cases from The Ankler’s original coverage.
