Dirk rose to fame as a Playgirl favourite, being named the magazine’s ‘Man of the Year’ in 1992.
After publicly coming out as gay, Mr Shafer wrote, directed and starred in his film Man of the Year, a fictionalized account of his struggle with hiding his true identity while being viewed as a sex symbol by women.
He was found in his car in West Hollywood on Thursday (March 5), reports said.
Police reportly identified him by his driver’s license, while an autopsy will be carried out over the coming days.
Shafter took on the topic of gay circuit parties for his second directorial outing in 2001, while also appearing in sitcom Will & Grace the same year.
Paying tribute on Twitter, Will & Grace star Eric McCormack wrote: “Lost a good man today. #DirkShafer dear pal and awesome trainer for 17 years. Sending love to his family and so many friends. Be at peace, D.”
In 2012, he featured in another Playgirl centerfold to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his original.
