Dirk Shafer, a gay man who, while closeted, posed nude for Playgirl Magazine and won its Man of the Year title in 1992, has died, according to reports. He was 52.
Shafer was reportedly found in a car near his workplace in West Hollywood, California. A cause of death had not been determined officially, though a heart attack was suspected, according to deadline.com. An autopsy has been scheduled.
Shafer, who was born in Carbondale, Illinois, but grew up in Oklahoma, came out publicly then lampooned his Playgirl experience in the 1995 mockumentary Man of the Year, which he wrote, directed and starred in. The film addressed his real-life struggles keeping his true sexuality a secret when he went on the talk-show circuit and met female fans to promote his Playgirl appearances.
Shafer was also a dancer, and choreographed dance scenes for the 1993 miniseries Tales of the City. In 2001, he made another film, Circuit, and had a brief appearance on an episode of Will and Grace.
Shafer had been working as a personal trainer and certified fitness instructor at the time of his death. In 2012, he posed once more for Playgirl to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his first appearance. His layout was accompanied by interview by actress Lucy Lawless.
Deadline.com’s article is at bit.ly/1E0W45t.