Jan
31
RIP: Sergio Real, Damon Audigier
January 31, 2012 | 5 Comments
Obits: I’m working on confirming details on the apparent passing of several performers. Michael Brandon and Will Clark conveyed the news that Sergio Real passed from liver cancer earlier this month in New York. Mr. Real was a tall, brawny and hirsute utility player with an active career throughout most of the previous decade. His early titles date back to 1998 and included sexpics for All Worlds Video, Catalina Video and Men of Odyssey, while in later years he filmed primarily for Bacchus Releasing, Hot Desert Knights and other smaller, boutique labels. He’s seen here, at left, on a 2001 DVD insert. CLICK HERE for a short remembrance from Mr. Clark. And then last night, word spread via Austin Wilde that Damon Audigier had died. Mr. Audigier has been active on the scene for several years with a handful of titles for Buckshot Productions, Jocks Studios and CitiBoyz. He’s pictured, left, on the CitiBoyz DVD insert here. CLICK HERE for a remembrance from Chronicles of Pornia. I haven’t fully verified some details, but I’ve been getting a fair number of notes about both men today, so I decided to post a small update. My condolences to their families, friends and fans.
Dec
31
In Memoriam: Passings, 2011
December 31, 2011 | 6 Comments
[Edits: 1/1/12.] In Memoriam: As we head into a brand-new year with all of its possibilities, we take a few moments to memorialize seven of our colleagues and friends from the adult industry who left us in 2011. You’ll always be in our thoughts:
* Amateur performer Andrew Embiricos: December 4 (CLICK HERE for our April ’07 post about him).
* Singly named performer Storm: July 6.
* Performer Robert Elephante: late May.
* Performer Ethan Marc: May 17.
* Performer Evan Cobb: April 28.
* Classic AMG physique model Forrester Millard: April 1.
* Performer Joshua Berlin: January 26.
See also:
* “In Memoriam: Passings, 2010”
* “In Memoriam: Passings, 2009“
Dec
1
World AIDS Day: In Remembrance
December 1, 2011 | 6 Comments
Today is World AIDS Day. It’s become a tradition here to briefly suspend blogging for part of the day in remembrance of the male performers and other adult-biz members we’ve lost to AIDS and related causes over the past quarter-century. CLICK HERE to visit the World AIDS Day website for more information about ways you can stay aware and informed. As well, please consider donating a few coins to an HIV/AIDS service organization. Your financial assistance is more crucially important than ever in this Great Recession era of austerity. After the jump, a roll call of the 100 or so friends, performers, coworkers and others we’ve lost. CLICK HERE for their names…
Jul
8
RIP: Retired Performer Storm
July 8, 2011 | Leave a Comment
I’m sorry to report the passing of one of our own, the singly named Storm. He died Wednesday afternoon, July 6, from liver cancer and had been living in Key West, Florida for the past decade. Storm’s friends and family were with him. In fact, his buddy and fellow retired performer, Joe Kent—the ’95 Falcon Studios classic THE RENEGADE, among others—alerted the industry to the news. Storm was “quite proud of his career” in adult filmmaking, Mr. Kent told me today. His career stretched throughout the ’90s and includes many films for helmer Robert Prion. He debuted with a bang in 1990 with the fantastic FRENCH KISS opposite Joey Stefano as well as STIFF COMPETITION for Falcon opposite Danny Brown and Glenn Steers. His dozen or so blue movies for Mr. Prion were released through 1999 or thereabouts. Storm’s work, of course, has also been compiled many times over. “Very sad news about Storm,” wrote Chi Chi LaRue this morning. “I had the pleasure of working with him many times. He did an amazing scene for me with Joey Stefano.” A memorial service and celebration of his life is scheduled for August. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
[Image © Falcon Studios.]
Jun
7
RIP: Performer Ethan Marc
June 7, 2011 | 16 Comments
[Edits 06/15/11.] I’m sorry to confirm the news that performer Ethan Marc died on Tuesday, May 17. Apparently the news has been circulating around the web for several weeks; this morning, I confirmed several details. His obit notes only that his passing was peaceful and that he is survived by his extended family; no COD was given. Mr. Marc was 38 years old. The arc of his career in all-male adult was long and began in the late ’90s with eye-catching performances in such titles as REFORM SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL and DEMOLITION MANN (All Worlds Video, both 1997) and the critically acclaimed TAILSPIN in 1998 for Studio 2000. He worked consistently for several more years, earning a rep for his high-energy sexual mojo as well as much-gossiped-about clashes with directors and costars, and then left the biz. Mr. Marc returned to blue movies for a second run, from 2003-05, with TAKING FLIGHT for Falcon Studios, the WET PALMS series for Jet Set Men and other sexpics, including numerous scenes for Show Guys Productions. (Pictured, left, is the cover of 1999′s LOST EXIT for Channel 1 Releasing.) Marc took a second lengthy hiatus from adult and returned earlier this year, looking essentially the same with his ridged abs and blue eyes, in several hardcore episodes for web studio SouthernStrokes.com. I interviewed and got to know Ethan during his first run through the adult business. He was compact and charming with a genuine interest and facility for performing. He was a dyed-in-the-wool exhibitionist and truly enjoyed a good, sweaty roll in the hay. I know he wrestled with his own demons. But his joyfulness—a certain irrepressible thrill at scratching that particular itch for others to watch and savor—is what should be remembered. And it’s what will stand the test of time, I think. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Jun
6
RIP: Bel Ami, Hammer Model Evan Cobb
June 6, 2011 | 9 Comments
We have more unhappy news to report today. Performer Evan Cobb, who appeared onscreen in several films for Bel Ami and Hammer Entertainment, died on April 28. He was in his early twenties; the COD was suicide. Bel Ami founder George Duroy confirmed the details. A slender, feline beauty with blue eyes and blond curls, Mr. Cobb appeared on the cover of 2009′s EYE CONTACT (with Julien Hussey) for Bel Ami’s Lukas Ridgeston label. Despite being new on the scene, he was given solo placement on the cover of Hammer Entertainment’s BANANA SHAKE, also in ’09, and anchored LOVE HOUSE (Raw Eyes Productions) a year later. I was introduced to the young man by Mr. Duroy on a trip to Bratislava early last year. He was quiet and reserved with a seductive mien. Our condolences to his family, friends, co-workers and fans.
Jun
6
RIP: Classic AMG Model Forrester Millard
June 6, 2011 | 1 Comment
I’m sorry to confirm the passing, on April 1, of classic physique model and beefcake icon Forrester Millard. In 1946, the slender, sultry teenager became the very first catalogued model for pioneering photographer Bob Mizer‘s Athletic Model Guild, which had been established one year earlier and remains the oldest continually operating company in all-male adult entertainment. Mr. Millard’s photographic layouts, shot over several decades, vaulted him into the erotic imagination of thousands of gay men. I first heard the news and Tweeted about it last week—the news had been making the internet rounds—then spoke with AMG President Dennis Bell over the weekend. Mr. Millard’s wife of more than 30 years was by his side when he died; the COD was apparently heart failure. He was 81 years old. Millard had no idea of his iconic status until relatively late in life. In 2009, he gave a rare on-camera interview to the AMG archivists. Mr. Bell recalled how the still-handsome Millard playfully flexed his biceps to recreate several of his famous poses. Our condolences to his family, friends and many fans, spanning several generations, across the globe.
[Images © Athletic Model Guild.]
May
26
RIP: Performer Robert Elephante
May 26, 2011 | 1 Comment
I’m sorry to report that performer Robert Elephante died earlier this week. The apparent COD was accidental electrocution from a downed power line in his neighborhood outside Dallas. Several newspaper accounts confirm the news. A popular name in the bear and leather communities, Mr. Elephante appeared in BEAR PLUMBING INC. for Pantheon Productions and BIG EASY BEARS for Bear Films in 2009. “We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Robert Elephante,” Bear Films posted yesterday to their Facebook fan page. “As a person, Robert is a great friend to the bear community and will truly be missed by all of us. You are in our thoughts.” Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
[Image © Pantheon Bear.]
Dec
31
In Memoriam: Passings, 2010
December 31, 2010 | 5 Comments
In Memoriam: As we celebrate fresh starts with a brand-new year, we take a few moments to memorialize eleven of our friends, colleagues and coworkers from the adult industry who left us in 2010. We’ll never forget you:
* Performer Lindon Hawk: December 13.
* Hot Desert Knights founder William Atkinson Gardner: September 8.
* Director, producer and industry founder John Summers: August 21.
* Performer Leo Bramm: August 6.
* Performer Shane Risk: July 26.
* Performer Linkin Kurtis: July 16.
* Producer, director and activist Allan Gassman: April 12.
* Performer Donny Price (a/k/a Craven Cox, Kyle Young): March 17.
* Veteran performer Jamie Gillis: February 19.
* Performer Randy (a/k/a Ricky Hawke): January 12.
We also remember performer Eddie Black, whose passing on July 28, 2009, came to our notice earlier this year.
See also:
* “In Memoriam: Passings, 2009“
Dec
14
RIP: Falcon Star Lindon Hawk
December 14, 2010 | 8 Comments
Former Falcon Studios performer Lindon Hawk died Monday in Pensacola, Fla. following an apparent road rage attack. A studio rep confirmed his passing on their Twitter feed today. Hawk, whose real name was Terry Lindon Kelley, was involved in “a minor car crash” on Saturday, December 11 with Telly Jabar Hill. “When Kelley got out of his vehicle to view the damage, witnesses said that Hill, who was an occupant of the other vehicle, punched Kelly one time in the face with his fist. Kelley fell to the ground and suffered a massive head injury,” said a local media report. He was taken to a hospital, where he died two days later. Hill fled the scene but was arrested Monday and booked on a $50,000 bond. Police are still investigating the incident. Mr. Hawk was a popular Falcon exclusive and filmed only a handful of blue movies between 2000 and 2002, including BRANDED, READY FOR MORE and STROKE. He was 34. On a personal note, I had the pleasure of getting to know Lindon during his brief stint in gay adult. He was delightful, a ridiculously adorable guy with a good heart. I remember we’d had a number of phone chats, but hadn’t yet met in person, when he called out of the blue to invite me to an impromptu lunch. I happily accepted, until we realized that I was in Los Angeles and he was in San Francisco. “The biggest impression he made on me was his warmth, as he was the kind of person who would hang onto you or cuddle up next to you if he’d just met you hours ago,” recalls Jason Sechrest. “He was generous and funny with a smile that lit up the room. Lindon will be missed by many.” My condolences to his family, friends and fans.
[News sources: Fox10TV.com and Pensacola News Journal. Image © Falcon Studios.]
Dec
1
World AIDS Day: In Remembrance
December 1, 2010 | 3 Comments
Today is World AIDS Day. As we did last year, we’ve suspended blogging for part of the day in remembrance of the male performers and other adult-biz members we’ve lost to AIDS and related causes over the past quarter-century. CLICK HERE to visit the World AIDS Day website and do what you can to stay informed and aware. If your budget allows the expenditure, please consider dropping a few coins to such organizations as AIM Healthcare. You’d be helping the adult biz in a tangible way. Otherwise, make a donation to an HIV/AIDS organization in your neck of the woods. After the jump, a roll call of the 100 or so friends, performers, coworkers and others we’ve lost to this disease. CLICK HERE for their names…
Sep
14
RIP: HDK Founder Bill Gardner
September 14, 2010 | 1 Comment
I’m sorry to report the passing of William C. Atkinson Gardner (a/k/a “HDKBill“), 62, of Hot Desert Knights. He died September 8 following a yearlong battle with lung cancer. HDK President Lee Watson informed the industry. “He passed away at home surrounded by his loving family, who were by his side and held his hand to the end,” writes Mr. Watson in an open letter posted to the official studio blog. Gardner founded the Palm Springs-based HDK in 1998 following a career in local politics in Ohio and as president of the Delaware Motor Transport Association. “Bill was the kind of guy who would quite literally take the shirt off his back and give it to you if you needed it—then offer his trousers. Bill’s heart was filled with compassion, a giving attitude and the wit that went beyond human comprehension,” Watson said. “He has touched so many lives along the way and left his mark within this community. We all miss him greatly.” Mr. Gardner is survived by his wife, son and daughter, and granddaughter. A private memorial service will be held soon. The family has requested memorial donations be made to the AIDS Assistance Program of Palm Springs (CLICK HERE for their website.) “Bill’s favorite drink was Crown Royal. One of his endearing final wishes was that all his friends, wherever they may be, would toast him with a glass of Crown Royal and celebrate his life,” Watson said. “So please join us as we honor a man of men, a steward of this community and the heart and soul of HDK. You are loved by many and will be sorely missed.” Our condolences to Mr. Gardner’s family, friends and coworkers. CLICK HERE for the full entry on HDK’s blog.
[Image source.]
Sep
8
UPDATE: Rio Silver Death Story a Hoax
September 8, 2010 | 12 Comments
I’m sorry to report that performer Rio Silver has died from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this week in London. He was 24 years old. Videographer mr. Pam notified the industry after a posting was made to Mr. Silver’s Facebook profile by his brother. If our Constant Readers have been following this story online, you’ll already know that news of performer Rio Silver‘s death from a car accident in London was a hoax. And a pretty good one, too. The person/s who managed to perpetrate this heinous bit of trickery fooled people who were closest to Mr. Silver (some of whom were my sources). Happily, he is alive and well. Scroll down the comments section for remarks from videographer mr. Pam. And please join me in cursing the jokester to hell. Rio Silver is a recent entry into the adult world and has filmed for web studios Men at Play, UK Naked Men and Tim Tales as well as Lucas Entertainment, for whom he shot two sexpics including the recently released PASSION. He is pictured here, far left, with Pam and costars Harry Louis and Jonathan Agassi.
[Image from mr. Pam Facebook account.]
Jul
29
RIP: Performer Shane Risk
July 29, 2010 | 1 Comment
We have more sad news to report: GPTimes has confirmed that performer Shane Risk has died. The news has been on the blogosphere, but it took us several days to verify certain details. He passed Monday, July 26 at home in West Hollywood, which we confirmed via a print source. He was 25 years old. The cause of death has not been officially released. Shane’s erotic output was small, just one film—last year’s TAKEN: TO THE LOWEST LEVEL—plus a compilation and nine or ten webcam episodes for the Channel 1 Releasing site. Shane was also known and celebrated for his gifts as a singer and musician. He was briefly signed to DV8 Casting, whose Jason Sechrest shares a few personal memories on his blog. Funeral services are being held tomorrow (Friday). We are withholding his birth name by personal request. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. Memorial contributions are being made in his name; contact me for details.
See also:
* “Planet Porn: Jett Blakk Birthday Bash“
Jul
28
RIP: Hyde Park Model Linkin Kurtis
July 28, 2010 | 4 Comments
I’m sorry to report that performer Linkin Kurtis has died. He was an exclusive for Hyde Park Productions, for whom he filmed several blue movies—among them TWINK PLAYMATES and TWINKS AT PLAY 2 in 2006-07—and a variety of web-exclusive episodes. Kurtis, 24, passed Friday, July 16 at his home. The cause of death has not yet been revealed; we confirmed the news via a print source. Studio principals Doug Knight and Ted McIntyre informed our colleagues at Gorgeous Boys Online, who notified the industry. “He was drug-free and had just completed his first year in college,” Knight said in a statement. “Many customers built a fondness for him as he had a very friendly personality. I ask that Linkin be in your prayers this week.” Kurtis’ family was aware of his adult industry work, and the studio is donating funds from web sales this week to help cover funeral expenses. “He had this youthful innocence mixed with a deeper devilishness that made his costars very comfortable,” Knight recalled. “He was great to work with and always gave his all. We wish we had been able to do more films with him, but time just didn’t allow it.” McIntyre said “everything about Linkin was unique. His edgy twinkiness built up a very loyal fan base that will surely miss him, as will everyone here at Hyde Park Productions.” Kurtis is survived by a large extended family, who has asked that his birth name not be revealed. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. CLICK HERE for the Hyde Park web store if you wish to make a donation, or contact me for details.
Mar
23
RIP: Performer Donny Price
March 23, 2010 | 10 Comments
[Edits 3:45 p.m.; 04/03/10] I’m sorry to report that performer Donny Price has died. He passed on Thursday, March 17 in New York City; the COD has not been revealed as yet. But we confirmed the news independently. Our colleagues at Gorgeous Boys broke the news and provided these photos. Donny Price was 25 years old. He was known primarily for a supporting role in the controversial 2004 blue movie EVERY POOLBOY’S DREAM from Cobra Video and starring Brent Corrigan, who was underage when several of his episodes were filmed (the original cut of the film is no longer commercially available). Through 2005 and ’06, Price appeared in a handful of fetish and amateur titles, among them SHOWGUYS 43 for AMVC and WINNING THE BET for Dark Realm Productions (both as Kyle Young), KYLE’S PISS INITIATION for Golden Boys USA (as Kyle with no surname) and a handful of spanking and condomless titles as Craven Cox for Helix Studios and 8Teen Boy. We’ll update this story with more details when appropriate. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
[Images: Gorgeous Boys Twitpics.]
Feb
22
RIP: Erotica Legend Jamie Gillis
February 22, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Adult industry publication XBIZ reports that adult industry legend Jamie Gillis has died. The veteran performer passed on Friday, February 19 from cancer. He was 66 years old. Friends Ashley and April Spicer and director Wesley Emerson released a statement that reads, in part: “A wonderful and charismatic man and most treasured friend, he will be greatly missed by his partner Zarela, his family, his many friends and countless fans around the world.” Mr. Gillis will be cremated in a private ceremony. Memorial donations can be made to the NYC Police Athletic League, “an organization that helped Jamie as a boy and continues to assist children in New York City,” XBIZ notes. Mr. Gillis was among the adult industry’s most prolific, and colorful, personalities. He filmed hundreds of blue movies dating back nearly 40 years and shot a variety of mainstream film and television cameos. Straight-biz director Carter Stevens famously said of Mr. Gillis: “There are five kinds of people in porn: heterosexuals, homosexuals, bisexuals, trisexuals — and then there is Jamie Gillis.” Famous for BDSM roles, he also dabbled in gay adult with several early titles such as “Boynapped” (1975), “Los Banditos” (1976) and the late-’70s 3D title “Manhole.” More recently, he appeared in nonsex roles for director Paul Barresi in GOODFELLAS/BADFELLAS (1997, Pacific Sun Entertainment) and THE UNDERBOSS (1998, U.S. Male).
[H/T ATKOL forum members.]
Jan
25
RIP: Active Duty Performer Randy
January 25, 2010 | 9 Comments
Obits: It is my sad duty to report the recent passing of the singly named Randy, a popular young performer known primarily for his work with ActiveDuty.com. Word quickly spread throughout the weekend after Active Duty director and principal Dink Flamingo made the announcement in the studio’s chatroom. We are still working to confirm a few details but it appears Randy, just 22, died on Tuesday, January 12 from what has been ruled accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. “Randy had a spirit and infectious sense of fun that came [through] in all of his movies,” writes blogger DeWayneInSD. “He will be greatly missed by his fans, friends and the Active Duty family.” Randy also performed as “Ricky Hawke” in roughly a dozen 2007-08 blue movies for Miami Studios. He is among the cast of the recently released BRENT CORRIGAN’S WORKING HARD. “With a mouth full of metal, Randy was easily one of the most adorable models,” Mr. Corrigan told my colleagues at Unzipped.net. “Braces or not, he never stopped beaming! Like the very glint of silver flashing at you every time he pursed his lips to smile, Randy’s happiness, friendliness and unequivocal acceptance of everyone around him made him absolutely unique in our often overtly judgmental world. When we say that everyone loved him and relished being in his company, we really do mean everyone. Randy was more than just a paramour to us. His zeal and vibrancy simply just emanated from him indiscriminately.” Our sincere condolences to his family. friends and fans. CLICK HERE for a touching tribute posted to YouTube.
[Image © Active Duty.]
Jan
25
RIP: Performer Eddie Black
January 25, 2010 | 4 Comments
Obits: I’m sorry to report the passing of British model Eddie Black, a relative newcomer who filmed for web studio StraightHell.net and was known Stateside for his work with Treasure Island Media (TIM). The U.K.-based director Liam Cole informed TIM’s Max Sohl, who contacted me with the news, noting “Eddie was most definitely a TIM fan-favorite.” Mr. Black, 29, apparently died last July 28, 2009. Few other details have been confirmed as yet. “(H)e was really a pleasure to shoot with,” Mr. Cole wrote on his blog. “His family have chosen not to give out details about his death, but the last time we spoke he sounded cheerful and well and I’m hoping that’s how he spent the rest of his last summer.” His first adult film was also Mr. Cole’s first as director. “We were both excited by the adventure. On his first shoot I paid him with a cheque in an envelope with his ‘porn name’ written neatly on the outside. He told me afterwards that he’d held onto the scrappy envelope as a keepsake of his first step in a new chapter… I love the idea of Eddie keeping that envelope and it’s certainly true that he got a real kick out of making the videos and being seen by others in his prime, doing something he loved.” Eddie Black anchored BAD INFLUENCE (2008) and POUNDED (2009) for TIM. Our condolences to his friends, family and fans.
[Images © Treasure Island Media.]
Jan
25
In Memoriam Stories
January 25, 2010 | Leave a Comment
We’re working on a couple of stories about the recent passing of several gay adult performers. Some fans have been emailing all weekend asking why we haven’t written up a few these stories yet, given they’ve already run elsewhere, and the fact is when it comes to obits I prefer to triple-check certain details before writing anything. It can be time-consuming doing the leg work on these kinds of stories. I’ll have more information shortly.
