June 25, 2012

June 18, 2012

News: Director Jerry Douglas Pens First Novel


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.

June 14, 2012

News: Erik Rhodes Dead at 30


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.

June 11, 2012