Porn Star Interview: Sam Tyson

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

It’s hard to believe, but supercute newcomer Sam Tyson left behind the glamorous world of magazine publishing to become a porn star. It wasn’t too long ago that the 28-year-old blond was toiling as the publisher of a gay magazine in Los Angeles. But when that ended about a year ago, the timing seemed right for the Salt Lake City native to leap onto the pages of a magazine. Following numerous photo shoots and three videos, this former Mormon and altar boy is now preparing for his first-ever live appearance at Stonewall on February 14, 2003. “I’m having a blast,” said Tyson in a recent interview from his home in West Hollywood. “New York is going to be my Valentine this year.” Any takers?

Sam, I know the magazine business is tough, but this is ridiculous!
Yeah, before all this happened, I was working as the publisher of Hero magazine. When we couldn’t get investors, I figured it was time to do what I really wanted.
First, some background. You were born and raised as a Mormon?
Yes, I was born in Utah and blessed into the church when born, then my family converted to Catholicism. I had a strict upbringing, but my parents were Jack Mormons, which means they were a bit more relaxed.
What were their attitudes toward sex?
Very conservative. It was all very Beaver Clever. Sex was hush-hush. It was all behind closed doors.
Were you always attracted to men?
Yeah, I found a copy of Playgirl when I was five, and I was thinking, damn, those guys are hot! Not in those terms, but that’s what was in my mind.
You have described yourself as an exhibitionist. Were you always?
No, I was overweight and unpopular as a kid, but I had the desire to change and reinvent myself. It became a project to work out, eat right and get healthy. I started becoming more comfortable with my sexuality. I never got to show off when I was younger, so I wanted to do that stuff.
So you moved to West Hollywood!
Right. At first I was intimidated by L.A. because it was all about looks and image, but then I started working on myself, and it’s been good for me. I started finding the best of myself.
So what was that first step toward porn?
After the magazine folded, I was online one day and started chatting with a photographer. I decided to take some pictures and play with that energy I had resisted. Then I met [director] Chi Chi LaRue and [agent] David Forest in the same week. That was a turning point. Chi Chi basically said, “You’ve got what it takes.”
And that helped you decide?
No, I had decided to do it before I met them. I had watched a lot of porn and done my homework. When Chi Chi offered me a scene, I jumped at the chance.
And what scene was that?
That was for the video 2. Adam Wolfe played a cop, and I bottomed for him.
Were you nervous?
I was really nervous, but we shot it right in Chi Chi’s living room, and she helped me to relax.
What came next?
I did Goldenrod for Studio 2000, which was a flip-flop scene with Johnny Brosnan. He’s fantastic. Then I did The Hole for Jet Set. In that one I was fucked by Jason Adonis and directed by Wash West. It was amazing.
And now you are taking on live performing.
Yes, my appearance at Stonewall is a new thing. I have danced on boxes in clubs but never something like this. I can’t wait.
What can our readers expect to see?
I’ve only been to Stonewall once, so I’m not even sure what to expect! But I know it will be fun to take it off for New York City on Valentine’s Day.
While we are on the subject, what makes a romantic evening for you?
Well, it’s been a while since I had one. It would start with another masculine guy in the hot tub, maybe in Aspen, it’s snowing out, real cozy, just getting into each other.
So, you are single?
Yes, I am single. I guess doing porn might limit the pool, but in another way, I wouldn’t want a boyfriend who doesn’t want to see this side of me. When you get me, you get the whole package!
So, where do you want to take all this?
I want to spend a few years doing this, have a good time, then leave at the top of my game. I’d like to use porn to take me somewhere else. I’d like to open a private gym here or in Florida.
You actually seem kinda shy.
I kinda am when I go out as myself, but when I am appearing as Sam Tyson, I am more playful and an exhibitionist. The personalities merge.
Tell us about your dog.
I have a Golden Retriever. He’s two years old, and his name is Romeo.
Would you want another porn star as a boyfriend?
It would depend on who it was. I haven’t met a whole lot of them yet. Having a relationship is difficult.
Describe your perfect Valentine.
Masculine, fun-loving, about my height, takes care of himself, nonjudgmental, secure, confident, adventurous. And, of course, there has to be an attraction.
I know you are a Brad Pitt fan. How about him?
I like Brad Pitt, but I’d rather be him. Maybe I can be the Brad Pitt of gay porn! Hey, are you going to ask me if I were a Candy Conversation Heart, what would I say?
Sure, why not?
I would say, “Fuck me!” (laughs)

Reprinted from HX magazine (2003)