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David Forest Bids Adieu to XXX Biz
July 1, 2008 | 20 Comments
As we first reported earlier today (scroll down to the previous story), showbiz vet David Forest, one of gay adult’s most colorful and controversial personalities, has announced his retirement from the agenting game and has sold his David Forest Entertainment, as well as all related companies and websites, including his popular Meet the Stars program, to rival agency FabScout Entertainment. In keeping with his penchant for Hollywood-styled glamour, an emotional Mr. Forest made the announcement during a press conference deep inside a plush ballroom at the Universal Hilton in Universal City, California. At his side was Fabscout’s Howard Andrew, while Rentboy.com’s Angel Benton served as moderator. In their press release, Mr. Forest says, “I’ve had a wild ride in the XXX business and now it’s time to get off the speedway and enjoy life a lot more. I wish Howard the absolute best; he’s the only person I’d hand my business over to… I’m sure he’ll do an excellent job for my stars.” Click here for more details…
“Acquiring and adding David Forest’s talent roster and contacts to our already formidable pool of talent gives FabScout Entertainment unparalleled access to the biggest names and hottest talent in the U.S.,” said Mr. Andrew. The six-year-old agency, based in Florida, will incorporate ForestMen.com into the Fabscout.com site, which will be revamped later this summer. And Mr. Forest’s “Meet the Stars” program will become the agency’s live-appearance arm, with bookings to be managed by retired erotica star Eric Hanson. “We are particularly looking forward to significantly expanding our live appearances division,” Mr. Andrew notes. “With the Forest Entertainment reputation, its stars, and nearly three decades of success combined with our own resources, we will now have no problem making that happen.”
In attendance from the gay adult press corps were Adult Video News editor Harker Jones; XBIZ editor Joanne Cachapero and Unzipped blogger Ken Knox, plus a variety of directors, performers and behind-the-scenes personnel: helmers Paul Barresi, Jett Blakk, Doug Jeffries, Jamie Hendrix, Edward James, Jim Steel and Phil St. John; performer Sharon Kane; Shane’s World exec Megan Stokes; Forest attorney Betsy Mogul; shutterbug Anthony Duran; performers Tony Capucci and Johnny Castle (whom Mr. Forest singled out for praise); Dempsey Stearns of Suite 703; promoter Brandon Baker; and many others.
As the press conference was ending, industry legend Terry LeGrand spoke up and testified to Mr. Forest’s influence on gay adult. “You’ve made a big difference,” he said. “Because of you…we’ve raised our quality from what we used to be. You’ve been through a lot, and I think a lot of us don’t appreciate what you’ve been through. I went through a lot, too. I just want to say I appreciate David Forest and everything you’ve done for us.”
“I was ecstatic that so many people came out to say goodbye and to hear the news,” Mr. Forest said later. “And I’m proud to turn everybody over that I represent to Howard. I think he’ll do a great job.”
He also spoke to the status of several of his A-list clients. Ken Ryker, for example, is out of the picture (”I know where he lives, but I don’t know how to reach him”). Mark Dalton’s family, with whom Mr. Forest has developed a close relationship, were unhappy to hear of his retirement. Mr. Dalton is “going to be out [of jail] probably in February,” and Mr. Forest will likely consult with FabScout on his post-incarceration career. Zeb Atlas is “one-hundred percent behind this whole thing.”
“I stayed a little too long, to tell you the truth. I was starting to get annoyed by the business and people talking crap about me. I do my announcements in big places like this,” he mused, taking in the expansive ballroom. “I’m a class act and Howard’s classy, and the business needs to up its bar a little bit. I got a note from [producer] Bob East today, saying he wouldn’t be able to be here. ‘David,’ he said, ‘the business has sure changed.’ It has, it has.”
Although he will return at year’s end with a scaled-down (and differently named) version of his Meet the Stars program, Mr. Forest did not rule out a very limited presence in gay adult. “We’ll see, we’ll see. We’ll see what happens, you know? If my energy is there and my interest is there, maybe so.”
See also: XBIZ (”David Forest Entertainment Acquired by Fabscout“) and AVN (”Fabscout Acquires David Forest Entertainment“).
Comments
20 Comments so far
Wait, Eric Hanson is working for Fabscoutn now? THE Eric Hanson?!
Photos of Eric, please!!! This is great news. Please, tell me he hasn’t lost his hair and gained 100 pounds….I fucking loved that guy.
Love that this story is about David Forest and yet people are flipping out over Eric Hanson!! (Not that I blame them, but still.)
I wonder if David isn’t going to get very, very bored just sitting around watching his stories instead of getting work for his clients. I mean, is he going to take up gardening or crocheting or something?
Or perhaps a massage a day!
Or perhaps a massage a day!
Eric Hanson works of @ my gym in FtLauderdale…he’s still in good shape…you cab also find him on RENT BOYS.COM..but that pic on there is a bit older:-)
I was only just wondering this morning whatever happened to Eric Hanson. He loooovely.
I was a big fan of Eric Hanson during his heyday and he apparently sold real estate in Florida. I’d pay a fee to just get near him for a live appearance. Haha. It’s the end of an era for Forest but good that he is gracefully bowing out.
I wonder what Dak King thinks of all of this. JCA, is he still an agent in Long Beach, CA?
No Howard in LA, please.
I’d vote for no Howard anywhere in the adult entertainment industry.
And as much as I loved Eric Hanson on camera – the ton of diva attitude I heard about him back 4 years ago – sounds like the 2 of them deserve each other.
Congratulations, David! Wish you all the best.
On another note: Does anyone know what happened to Blue Door Productions in Ft. Lauderdale after Ray Vino’s death?
Thanks JC for a nice article on this “end of and era” event. David Forest always fought hard for his stars, and is a fun loving and charming man. There will be other agents, but there will never be another David Forest. Love him or otherwise, David’s mark will be left on our industry for many years to come. Wishing David a much deserved relaxing retirement.
Is retirement the new code word for Rehab?
I keep seeing that word “rehab,” and I keep seeing other references to something else. Which is it? Both? Neither?
omg!!!!!! the eric hanson!!!! this is too good to be true!!!! is he gonna do a movie? where is he??? how did this happen??? is he going to do live appearences? help! anyone tell me more!!
ok so what with forest fire, that burnt down! but whats this about Eric Hanson? he is and always will be the best pron star out there! period! Will he be doing any live work?>
SO IS IT TRUE ABOUT ERIC HANSON? IS HOWARD REALLY PAYING HIM TOP DOLLAR TO WORK FOR HIM? AS ONE OF THE MOST REQUESTED AND SOUGHT AFTER PORN STARS EVER TO DO A BLUE MOVIE, HOW DID HOWARD DO IT? OH YEAH, DAVID, FINALLY DONE WITH BS ON YOUR SITE!
i heard Eric Hanson is married with 2 kids!!!! any news on that>? is it true? if not i saw some pics of him in miami last month strolling along the beach with a girl and 2 kids!!!! hmmmmm
OMG IS ERIC HANSON, I NEED TO SEE MY ERIC!! WHERE IS HE, I BUY MANY MOVIE OF MR HANSON,, IS HE BACK IN MOVIE? HE MY ALLTIME FAVORITE THE BEST AND HOTTEST IN THE WORLD!!!! WHO CAN FIND MR HANSON FOR ME!!!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME MORE! WHO IS MR FOREST ANYWAY?