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RIP, Superstar Auteur Gino Colbert

2015-10-20T12:45:00.000-04:00

It was just last week that we learned of the death of gay porn star Blue Blake in London at age 52. Now, we can confirm that legendary director Gino Colbert has also passed away. (The two men were frequent collaborators.) It’s been reported that Colbert, 58, had a heart attack at his home in Hollywood last August. This was a sad end for a man who spent many years in front of the camera as a model and then behind it as an award-winning writer, producer and director of films in the gay, straight, bisexual and trans genres.

Colbert helmed countless titles for numerous studios before starting his own Gino Pictures imprint. He had a hand in discovering Joey Stefano, the Rockland brothers and many other big-name porn stars. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Colbert started as an assistant to straight porn director Joe Sarno (subject of the 2013 documentary A Life in Dirty Pictures) in the late 1970s in New York. Eventually he made his way to Los Angeles, where he worked for VCA/HIS, Leisure Time, Metro and New Age Pictures, creating classic movies such as Three Brothers, Porn Fiction, Men in Blue, Jeff Stryker’s Underground, Night Walk and The Matinee Idol (starring Ken Ryker). And who could forget 1994’s Tijuana Toilet Tramps (featuring Stefano)!? Colbert later turned his love for theater into a stage career, touring in Ronnie Larsen plays such as Scenes From My Love Life, 10 Naked Men, All-Male Peep Show and Shooting Porn: Live On Stage. He was also involved in Larsen’s 1997 film documentary Shooting Porn.

In recent years, Colbert oversaw the annual Hall of Fame induction presentation at the now-defunct GAYVN Awards and helped Robert Van Damme (below with Gino in 2009) with the launch of his RVD Productions. He was also a guest speaker at UC Santa Barbara graduate film program, and he was honored with an annual film festival dedicated to his work at the former Tomkat Theatre in West Hollywood. While he had stepped away from the business, Colbert remained a devoted movie buff and fan. He was also one of nicest and most thoughtful guys you could ever meet—in or out of the industry. RIP, sweet man.

David Forest Dead at 66

2015-09-08T14:31:00.000-04:00

PHOTO BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Sad news over the holiday weekend: Industry veteran David Forest has passed away. An obituary in The L.A. Times yesterday confirmed that the flamboyant talent agent and manager died on August 13 from complications due to diabetes. Forest, 66, had recently suffered a heart attack and a broken leg but, in his usual fashion, appeared to be bouncing back.

Following a successful career in music, booking acts such as the Grateful Dead and Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham (before Fleetwood Mac), Forest made a name for himself in gay porn by managing a veritable who’s who of big-name stars. He formed his company in 1981 and oversaw the careers of Jeremy Scott, Leo Ford, Tim Kramer and Lance, among others. In the early ’90s, Forest signed Ryan Idol, Ken Ryker, Kevin Williams and Tom Katt. The Forest roster continued to grow in 2000 with the addition of Billy Herrington, Jeff Palmer, Billy Brandt, Eric Hanson, Jeremy Tucker, Caesar and Chris Steele. In recent years, Forest has managed superstars such as Mark Dalton, Rod Barry, Zeb Atlas, Johnny Castle and Tony Capucci.

At various times over his 35-year career, he was incarcerated on pandering charges, retired, sold his company, entered rehab, relaunched his escorting service and worked on his autobiography (tentatively titled From Rock to Cock). Somehow Forest, often a controversial figure in the porn world, always returned to the business he loved. For Los Angeles readers, a “Celebration of Life” service will be held this Friday, September 11, at 11 am at Hillside Mortuary (6001 W. Centinela Ave.).

Cole Tucker Passes Away at 61

2015-06-11T13:41:00.001-04:00

PHOTO BY VINCENT LAMBERT

One of the legends of gay porn’s heyday has died. According to The Desert Sun, Cole Tucker passed last Sunday in Palm Springs from AIDS-related causes. The tattooed superstar appeared in numerous films for multiple studios in the mid to late 1990s, making his gay porn debut at age 44. He went on to win a Grabby for Best Performer in 1998 and was inducted into the Grabbys Hall of Fame in 2000. The same year he was also honored with a special achievement award from the GAYVNs for his work for AIDS charities. Hit titles include Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, MANeuvers: Agony of Victory, Link 2 Link and Fallen Angel.

Following his retirement, Tucker resumed his career in real estate. He is survived by his longtime former partner Louis Milinazzo. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, June 13, at 11 am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (1020 East Ramon Road) in Palm Springs. His family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Desert AIDS Project. For more information, visit desertaidsproject.org.

Karp, Richard Allen (Rick), 61, passed away Sunday , June 7 in Palm Springs from AIDs related illness. He is survived by his brothers Steven, Paul and Alan Karp, his sister Sarilee Norton, his nieces Lisa Estrach and Chelsea Karp, his nephews David and Kevin Karp, and his dear friend and former partner Louis Milinazzo. Rick had worked as a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker for many years, both in Palm Springs and Boston. Formerly, he worked in the hospitality and entertainment industries while residing in Provincetown, Boston and Palm Springs. Despite being HIV positive for nearly 35 years, Rick continued to move forward with his life and provide support and encouragement to others who were living with HIV. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1020 East Ramon Road in Palm Springs. The family invites Rick's friends and colleagues to join us.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Desert AIDs Project in Palm Springs - See more at: http://obituaries.desertsun.com/obituaries/thedesertsun/obituary.aspx?n=richard-allen-karp&pid=175050590&#sthash.S9a278GA.dpuf

Derek Atlas Makes Hot House Debut

2014-10-27T23:16:00.000-04:00

He just signed as a studio exclusive last month. Now, Derek Atlas is starring in his first scene for Hot House. The soon-to-be gay porn superstar has worked in the industry for more than three years, but he’s strictly A-list now that he’s performing only for Falcon Studios Group. Derek’s debut duo is from the upcoming feature Saddle Up, directed by Christian Owen, and co-stars sexy Ricky Decker. The pair get hot and horny for a literal roll in the hay, playing farmhands who take a break from their chores to work each other over. And in case fans are wondering, the beefy and tattooed Atlas is on top here.

In a new interview from the set of his next film, Auto Erotic with Billy Santoro for Raging Stallion, Derek shares why he got into the big biz (“I like to fuck people”), what he hopes to accomplish (“I want everyone to know my name”) and his ultimate fantasy scene (hint: it involves the theme song from Titanic). Sounds like this personal trainer from Upstate New York is enjoying his new life in sinful Las Vegas! To watch the interview, go to the Falcon Studios Group blog. And for more info, visit HotHouse.com.

Stone Is Latest Cocky Boys Contender

2014-10-07T12:34:00.000-04:00

As long as there are cute guys craving attention out there, some will always wanna be a Cocky Boy! Thus, the studio’s So You Wanna Be a Cocky Boy? series continues. Smooth hottie Stone is the current contender. (Tatye Hanson was a previous winner.) The pierced and tattooed dancer from Tulsa chronicles his journey from Oklahoma, sharing his excitement about his first visit to NYC. Besides taking his first Manhattan cab ride (which he survives!), Stone takes us to his debut gig at Adonis Lounge. He also talks about his love of public sex (a date in a movie theater and in his “vehicle”) and how his favorite time to jack is in the morning because he always wakes up hard. Ah, youth.

But things get interesting when Stone takes to the garden of the Cocky Boys estate to work his thick meat and use a Fleshjack for the first time. “Stone has these bright green eyes that really light up when he’s outdoors,” says director Jake Jaxson. And he knows how to time his explosive orgasm to the sound of thunder! “He had such a bold presence on screen that the clouds opened up the second he climaxed and a loud clap of thunder was heard in the distance,” Jaxson adds. “We knew Stone was hot, but we had no idea he could control nature itself!”

In other Cocky Boys news, two films from the online studio have been selected to play at the 2014 Berlin Porn Film Festival. The two titles that will be screened are Fuck Yeah Levi Karter (a documentary featuring the popular Cocky Boys exclusive) and Answered Prayers: The Banker (Part One of the ongoing five-part mini-series.) The films will screen on Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26. For more information, visit Cockyboys.com.

John Magnum in Bound Jocks Solo

2014-07-30T12:03:00.002-04:00

It’s been a while since we heard from John Magnum, and we thought the muscle stud was back in a new solo for Bound Jocks. It turns out that the scene was first released in 2011 and was just a repost. Oh, well. The fun starts with Magnum in a jockstrap and tied to a stool. He struggles and strains to free himself. Then, he’s blindfolded in blue shorts and tied up on a chair. At least his cock and balls are out, though they are tied up too. This goes on for about 11 of the scene’s 13 minutes. Finally, in the last moments, Magnum frees his hands and manages to work his sweet cock, blowing a load all over. Free at last! For more information, visit BoundJocks.com.

News: Arpad Miklos Commits Suicide

2013-02-05T19:00:00.001-05:00

We’re sorry to report that Arpad Miklos is dead. The porn superstar was found in his New York City apartment on Sunday, apparently after committing suicide. His passing was confirmed by writer Randal Lynch is an online interview with publicist Howard Bragman. Miklos, who was discovered by director Kristen Bjorn in 1995, was a popular model who appeared in dozens of movies, including this, this and this, for numerous studios over the years. (He is pictured below at the 2011 Hookie Awards with host Leslie Jordan.) Miklos was originally from Hungary, where he worked as a chemist. He was known for his manly physique, friendly disposition and work for various charities. According to Lynch, Miklos left a note with instructions for his burial. Those plans are currently private. He was 45.

News: Josh Weston Dead at 39

2012-12-18T18:14:00.003-05:00

Porn superstar Josh Weston has passed away. It was announced yesterday that the 39-year-old model had died on Sunday, December 16. But today, Hot House, one of the studios he worked for, said that he had succumbed due to HIV-related complications. Weston got his start as a dancer at the Nob Hill Adult Theatre in San Francisco. There, he was seen by director Chi Chi LaRue and began his gay porn career in 2001 as an exclusive for Falcon Studios, where he appeared in films such as The Dark Side, Fleet Week and The Hunted, among others. He then went on to work for Hot House (in movies such as Trunks 3 and Communion), COLT Studio Group, Channel 1 Releasing and with co-stars such as Robert Van Damme and Tyler Saint (in The Muscle Pit). Later, he appeared in low-budget bareback scenes before dropping out of sight in 2009. Weston will be missed by his many fans.

News: Jeff Stryker Returns to Live Performing

2012-11-19T22:56:00.000-05:00

You can’t keep a good legend down. That’s why porn superstar Jeff Stryker is staging his first live performances in 10 years this week in Florida. The Large One will be appearing at the BoardWalk Bar in Fort Lauderdale from November 21–24. The Powertool star will sign autographs, meet and greet his many fans and hawk his infamous Jeff Stryker action figure (aka doll!). (Maybe he’ll plug his Rentboy ad, too!?) Talent manager Howard Andrew of Fabscout.com is credited with bringing Stryker back to the spotlight at BoardWalk Bar, which has previously hosted top-name talent such as Bel Ami’s Lukas Ridgeston and Johan Paulik and the Visconti Triplets. “The amount of buzz this event is creating has been even more than we anticipated,” Andrew says. “There is a whole generation of guys for whom Jeff Stryker defined what it meant to be a porn star, and they won’t miss the opportunity to meet him live one more time.” For ticket information, visit Boardwalkbarxxx.com.

News: Next Door Launches Clothing Line

2012-10-22T08:21:00.001-04:00

An online porn studio is branching out into fashion! Next Door Entertainment kicked off a new clothing line last weekend at Share Nightclub in Las Vegas. “Our new underwear collection is the beginning of what we hope to turn into a full clothing line,” Next Door president Stephan Sirard says. “We started by offering consumers and fans a product that is both comfortable and stylish, while remaining true to the Next Door brand.” The line includes boxer briefs, briefs and a jock made of 94 percent cotton and 6 percent Spandex. The undies are available in gray and blue. For more information, visit NextDoorClothing.com.

News: Ryan Idol Sentenced to Jail Time

2012-09-30T23:12:00.002-04:00

In a sad turn of events, porn superstar Ryan Idol has gone from Broadway to behind bars. The attempted murder case (which was tried in September of last year) that has been pending for the past several months has been decided. Unfortunately, Idol, who has long been retired from the industry, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. According to his onetime agent David Forest, Idol appeared in Sacramento Superior Court last week where the judge denied his motion for a new trial and instead sentenced him. Idol was given a total of 466 days credit for the jail time he’s served in the past year. According to Forest, Idol’s attorney will file for an appeal. “I will get everyone Ryan’s prison address once he reaches the first stage of the journey,” Forest adds. “I’m sure he will appreciate some support.”

News: Donny Wright Signs With Next Door

2012-09-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

Didn’t this happen already!? We feel like we reported this a while back, but Next Door Studios officially announced last week that Donny Wright has signed an exclusive contract with the online studio. Wright has appeared in numerous scenes for big-name studios over the past couple of years. Earlier this summer, he won a Fleshjack contest voted by fans, which means his mouth, cock and ass will be molded for future generations. More recently, the 24-year-old stud did a “special scene” with Cody Cummings for Next Door titled “Master Masseur.” (In other words, he did all the work!) Next Door president Stephan Sirard says, “We are so proud of Donny here at the studio. Donny is a gorgeous young man, a great performer and a real pleasure to work with.” For more information, visit NextDoorStudios.com.

News: Drew Warner Passes Away

2012-08-30T00:27:00.000-04:00

PHOTO BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Sad news: Director Drew Warner has died. San Diego Gay & Lesbian News is reporting that Warner (aka Andrew Briskin) passed away on Monday following an illness. The paper did not name the illness or cause of death. Warner, who lived in Puerta Vallarta, was 44 years old. In recent years, he had started a travel company in Mexico, but he was known to most as an award-winning videographer, editor, director, producer and sometime performer in the gay porn industry. He ran his own Sports & Recreation Video studio in the late 1990s, and rented out his West Hollywood loft for the filming of numerous films. He also discovered and guided the careers of many porn superstars, including Dean Phoenix and Jeremy Hall. Drew (pictured above right with model Rhett O’Hara) also went on to work with several dance artists, and produced and promoted music events in San Diego and elsewhere. We did this interview with him in 2001, in which he talked about how he got his start in the industry. It was refreshing to talk to someone who pulled no punches and told it like it was. In 2002, Vince also wrote for a magazine Warner started called Inside Porn. Drew was never at a loss for ideas, inspirations or projects. He will be missed.

Sneak Peek: The Ultimate Top

2012-08-29T00:06:00.000-04:00

Jet Set Men is back doing what it does best. The studio, famous for gay porn parodies such as this and this, has just wrapped production on its latest one. The Ultimate Top is a send-up of the hit reality show The Ultimate Fighter (which actually has some pretty hot non–porn star guys on it!). The film stars new exclusives Kris Jamieson and Nick Ryder. Director Chris Steele has created an “in-your-face style parody with sweat-dripping man-on-man action in the ring of competition,” says casting director Rob Romoni. The cast includes Derek Van Damme, Mike DeMarko, Jason Goodman, Logan Vaughn, Tristan Baldwin, Charlie Roberts, Gavin Waters and Brody Wilde. The Ultimate Top is set for a September release. For more, visit JetSetMen.com.

Seen: Zeb, Brent and Rocky at Mickys

2012-08-14T00:39:00.001-04:00

Last week, we told you about Brent Corrigan and Rocky Houston appearing at Cocktails With the Stars at Micky’s in West Hollywood. As expected, Rocky announced his big return to the big business, but the surprise of the night was that the guys were joined by superstar Zeb Atlas (who just signed to shoot four more scenes for Raging Stallion and Falcon). Muscle stud Atlas and timeless twink Corrigan ended up stripping down for the crowd in the packed upstairs lounge, while Rocky gave out copies of his 2009 Jet Set Men film Hung Country for Young Men. Also seen: superagent David Forest, who organized the event through his Premiere Artists company. Where’s host Scotty B!?

Event: Brent and Rocky Have Cocktails in Weho

2012-08-08T07:19:00.001-04:00

Micky’s popular Cocktails With the Stars night just keeps keeping on. This week, the West Hollywood event hosted by Scotty B is welcoming superstar Brent Corrigan (who is working legit these days as Sean Lockhart) and returning star Rocky Houston. The appearance, which is presented by superagent David Forest and MeetTheXXXStars.com, is Houston’s first in three years. He was originally brought to Los Angeles about five years ago by Randy Blue. He did several scenes for the online studio before going on to work for director Chris Steele and Jet Set Men in this film. Now, Rocky, who is 29 and based in Ohio, is back and committing to the big biz once again. With Forest and Premiere Artists repping him in all adult areas, who knows where he’ll wind up! You can see Brent and Rocky on Wednesday, August 8, from 7 to 10 pm, at Micky’s (8857 Santa Monica Blvd.).

News: Zeb Atlas Signs for Four More Scenes

2012-08-06T08:28:00.000-04:00

After 10 years in the big biz, porn superstar Zeb Atlas ain’t going anywhere. The star of Raging Stallion’s Built Tough, in which he worked with Landon Conrad and Micah Brandt, has just signed a deal to do four more scenes for the San Francisco–based studio. The first will be in a top-secret fall release from director Tony Dimarco titled The Woods and co-starring hairy newcomer Jimmy Fanz. The two-parter was shot in Northern California near Russian River and will feature a total of 16 top models, including exclusives Tom Wolfe, Paddy O’Brian and Charlie Harding.

“The success of Built Tough and Zeb’s exceptional performance really got us excited about working with him again,” company president Chris Ward says. “I have heard great things from Tony Dimarco about his performance in The Woods as well. I’m sure his scene with Jimmy Fanz will be a winner.“

After only two months of release, Built Tough is already Raging Stallion’s best-selling movie of the year. Atlas previously appeared in RSS’s bro studio Falcon’s Best Men in 2009. For more information, visit RagingStallion.com.

Seen: Cockyboys at NYC Bar Event

2012-08-02T09:24:00.000-04:00

The Cockyboys are on the promotional trail for their current Project: GoGo Boy release. Last week, exclusive stars Max Ryker, Kennedy Carter, Jake Bass (does he ever smile!?) and Stephen Forest invaded The Ritz in New York to press the flesh. At least the young models seemed to get along, unlike in their reality-inspired Go-Go Boy bitchfest! And the guys aren’t the only ones getting attention this week. The company’s creative director Benny Morecock is profiled in the latest issue of New York magazine (where he discusses his poly relationship!). For more information on Project GoGo Boy, visit Cockyboys.com.

New Release: Trunks 7

2012-07-23T08:23:00.000-04:00

Can they have possibly done seven of these movies!? Oh yes, they have! Hot House Video has announced the release of Trunks 7. This is the gay poolside sex series from award-winning director Steven Scarborough. This time, cover stud Trenton Ducati (no longer with TitanMen) leads a hot and humpy cast, including Jimmy Durano, Ty Roderick, Alex Andrews, Boston Miles, Brendan Cage and Parker London. These gorgeous musclemen “pack their trunks with giant cocks and big round bubble butts to show off under the blazing hot sun.” Welcome to Palm Springs! For more information, visit HotHouse.com.

Seen: Brandon and Alencar at Sea Tea in NYC

2012-07-13T11:58:00.000-04:00

PHOTOS BY VINCENT LAMBERT

The ninth-annual Bad Boys on the Hudson cruise sailed last weekend, giving sweaty New Yorkers a break from the heatwave gripping the city. But within an hour of leaving the pier, this horny bunch of passengers was sweating bullets, thanks to a steamy live sex show! Porn veteran Will Clark hosted the event aboard the dilapidated Queen of Hearts. But the guests didn’t seem to mind, as long as they got to watch porn superstars Michael Brandon and Rafael Alencar groping each other and swapping blowjobs (and jizz!) onstage. Also shaking their moneymakers for charity (Breaking the Cycle and Housing Works benefited this year) were Collin Stone, Scott Spears, Lance Navarro and Spike. Imperial Court Empress Witti Repartee was a trouper, manning the raffle segment with a dead mike and no lighting, and DJ Jonny Mack kept those interested swaying to the beat. Until next year—if the ship doesn’t sink by then!

News: Benjamin Godfre Solos for Falcon

2012-07-11T18:38:00.000-04:00

Well, everyone certainly seems to be excited about this! Falcon Studios has announced that legit (?) fashion model Benjamin Godfre is working on a long-term project with the San Francisco–based studio. The work includes two jerk-off scenes that are already in the can. They will be part of a five-scene solo DVD collaboratively directed by Godfre, who will be mentored by some of the studio’s other (real) directors, such as company president Chris Ward, Tony Dimarco and Steve Cruz.

“At first I was very nervous working with a major studio like Falcon/Raging Stallion,” Godfre says, “but they are a respectful and professional company who takes great care of their models, so I felt right at home. I’m confident that this project will be a huge success.” The DVD is set for a fall release. For more information, visit FalconStudios.com.

Ps. We still don’t know who he is!

Event: Will Clark’s Bad Boys on Hudson 2012

2012-07-02T08:40:00.000-04:00

Are all you sea-faring gays ready for the ninth-annual Bad Boys on the Hudson cruise!? Well, ready or not, it sets sail this Sunday, July 8, from 6 to 10 pm on the Queen of Hearts. Porn veteran Will Clark is once again helming the event, which this year benefits Breaking the Cycle and Housing Works. The roster of featured stars is similar to previous years, so in case you missed it, here’s your chance to cruise the high seas with Michael Brandon (and his monster), Rafael Alencar (pictured below), Collin Stone, Scott Spears, Lance Navarro and Spike. DJ Jonny Mack will spin the tunes, and there’ll be a special appearance by the Imperial Court’s Empress Witti Repartee (cute name!). Tickets are available in advance ($22) or at the door ($25). For more information, visit SeaTea.com.

Web Watch: Live on Cam…Jimmy Fanz!

2012-06-25T08:34:00.000-04:00

Gay porn’s “It Boy” of the moment continues to expand his burgeoning career. Recent Raging Stallion/Falcon Studios exclusive Jimmy Fanz has started doing live cam shows! His latest, just last week, featured the hairy hottie trying out a dildo while jacking for a brimming chat room. The major sideburns looked new (Jimmy shared that he’s filming a lumberjack movie next month), but the rest of his fur was in tact and appreciated as always. Fanz played with his thick cock long and hard for an hour before popping jizz and proceeding to eat it. (“It’s sour,” he winced!) The viewers didn’t seem to care and begged for more. Well, they don’t have a long wait. His next cam show is scheduled for this Thursday, June 28, at 10 pm EST. Tune in for an eyeful! Jimmy is also featured in RSS’s Fucked Down (in a solo scene) and the new Jocks release Knockouts and Takedowns (in a boxing ring duo with Evan Mercy). For more information, visit FalconStudios.com.

News: Director Jerry Douglas Pens First Novel

2012-06-18T08:35:00.000-04:00

Jane Fonda is all over these days talking about the “third act” of life in her book Prime Time. Well, guess what? Porn peeps get to have a third act too! Director Jerry Douglas, who has written and directed gay porn since before your balls dropped, has penned his first novel! (He has also done legit theater, and we reviewed his most recent play here.) And with The Legend of the Ditto Twins, Douglas is walking some familiar terrain. Anyone remember his 1996 movie Flesh & Blood? Well, it starred Kurt Young and was about…twins! Jerry’s first novel is about twin bros Eric and Derrick, who play “secret games” at night in bed together. According to the press release from publisher Bruno Gmünder, the books follows these newbies “on their journey from a modest dairy farm in America’s heartland to the glamorous world of Berlin’s physique models, from the wonderland of Prague’s adult film industry to the fast lane of New York’s glittering club life. And ultimately, all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.” To where!? WTF!? Well, it beats hanging at The Abbey! Although twincest remains a hot button topic with gay porn fans (some love it, some hate it), we’re sure Douglas brings his witty tone and seasoned point of view. The author will be interviewed about the book this Wednesday, June 20, on The Derek & Romaine Show (Sirius XM satellite radio channel 108). Tune in to hear a master storyteller.

News: Erik Rhodes Dead at 30

2012-06-14T18:55:00.001-04:00

PHOTO BY VINCENT LAMBERT

It’s a sad day for gay porn as Falcon Studios has confirmed the passing of superstar Erik Rhodes. The New York–based model is believed to have died of a heart attack in his sleep early this morning. He had turned 30 in February. Rhodes worked with the San Francisco–based Falcon for eight years as an exclusive. He debuted in 2004’s Super Soaked and went on to appear in more than 30 films, including Fleet Week, Ringside and Pledgemaster: The Hazing. He also directed eight movies for the studio’s Mustang line.

In an official release, Falcon states, “Erik was an equally beautiful human being who lit up a room, and brought fun and joy to our studio and his fans that was unparalleled. He was a giving person with a special wit, and he put his all into every performance. [Erik, we] are celebrating your life and your achievements, but we will miss you and all the special moments you have given us forever.”

As news of his death spread, friends, fans and industry vets immediately started weighing in on Twitter with fond memories of the porn icon. And although he will be remembered for his award-winning body of work (and some of the fun, crazy things he did), Rhodes was often known more for his private life and the personal demons that haunted him. In his online blog, the buff bodybuilder was brutally honest about his bouts with drug abuse, depression and addiction.

On a personal note, we only met him once at a GAYVN event in San Francisco, where the above pic was taken in 2008. He was a big, strapping man who commanded much attention, seemingly to his own surprise. We hope that he’s finally found the peace that eluded him in life.

Falcon has created a special “Celebrating Erik Rhodes” memorial page on the studio’s blog where fans can leave messages for Erik and his loved ones. To leave your message, click here.