RIP, Superstar Auteur Gino Colbert

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

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

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

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

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

News: Arpad Miklos Commits Suicide

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

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: Drew Warner Passes Away

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.

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.

News: Roman Ragazzi Passes Away

We’re sad to say that reports of porn star Roman Ragazzi’s death are true. Details are still unknown, but the onetime Raging Stallion exclusive was found dead in his NYC home over the weekend. He was 38. Ragazzi was known for performing in films such as Tailpipes, Grunts, Playback and Savage in 2007 and 2008. He was also named RSS’s Man of the Year and won a GAYVN Award for Best Sex Scene (with Ricky Sinz) in 2008. In the early days of this site, we covered him extensively, including the controversy surrounding the high-profile job he quit after being outed in The New York Post.

Israeli-born Ragazzi went on to start his own business and become a personal trainer. He recently modeled in a swimwear photo shoot in the February issue of Out magazine, but he mostly distanced himself from the industry. Director and friend Michael Lucas tells VincentLambert.com: “Roman was a true Israeli, tough outside yet gentle inside. I feel terrible and guilty that I was not there for him more. My deep condolences to his family and friends.” We knew Roman a bit over the years and always found him to be a sweet and smart man. And if you’ve ever seen his movies, you know how beautiful he was. Thankfully, his work lives on. RIP, RR.

Short Takes: Porn Star Fantasies…and More

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Short Takes: Adonis Gets Brutal…and More

Here it is, guys! The first pic of Jason Adonis from his just-wrapped role in Raging Stallion’s upcoming holiday release Brutal. It was only last week that talent agent David Forest announced that returning client Adonis would be appearing in a scene in award-winning director Tony Dimarco’s new sports-themed epic. Now, Tony tells VincentLambert.com that after a grueling 19 days, the big-budget San Fran production is complete. Adonis, who appears in a threeway with Spencer Reed and Trent Diesel, is in impressive company, with a cast that includes Ricky Sinz, Alexsander Freitas and Angelo Marconi. RSS president Chris Ward says, “Brutal is our most high-profile movie of the year and adding Jason to the cast is perfect. I look forward to seeing him under our lights!” Oh, and it just so happens that Adonis’s scene was shot on his 30th birthday. Have a happy, bb! Next up for the hung stud? A gang bang movie for Jet Set Men and an appearance at Forest’s Cocktails With the Stars event at Micky’s in Weho on September 9. For more information on Brutal, visit RagingStallion.com.…We broke some sad news on Twitter last week. Industry veteran John Summers passed away on August 21. Known as the Black Buddha of Porn, Summers produced and directed numerous films, including Two Handfuls, Big and Thick and Style, and discovered major stars throughout his many years in the porn business, especially through his association with gay porn innovators Chuck Holmes, Matt Sterling (both deceased), John Travis and Jim Hodges. Summers died of a heart attack in North Hollywood. He was believed to be in his early sixties.…Anyone remember Big Penis? The book, that is. Well, TASCHEN, the German publisher of the 2008 oversize volume of large appendages, is now releasing two related products: The Big Penis Diary 2011 and The Big Penis Calendar 2011. The former is spiral-bound yearly diary that offers a new picture every week and every week a new spread; the later is a monthly calendar with mind-boggling pictures from famed photographers including Bob Mizer (Athletic Model Guild), David Hurles (Old Reliable) and Chuck. And yes, that’s our own Chad Hunt on the cover. For more information, visit taschen.com.

News: Porn Star Shane Risk Found Dead

PHOTO BY VINCENT LAMBERT

VincentLambert.com is sorry to report that porn star Shane Risk has committed suicide. His onetime agent Jason Sechrest announced on his site that the former model and singer-songwriter was found dead in his home in West Hollywood this week. He had hung himself. Risk was 25.

The diminutive star appeared in Channel 1 Releasing’s award-winning kink epic Taken: To the Lowest Level for director Chi Chi LaRue last year. He was originally from Maryland and moved to Los Angeles from Arizona to work in the industry. Risk was named to Cybersocket magazine’s list of the top-50 porn stars of 2009, but he soon soured on the business and decided to pursue his music career. He had dropped off the porn radar—until now. We had an opportunity to meet him at an event in West Hollywood around the time of Taken’s release. He was tiny (5-foot-4) and adorable. The type of guy you just wanted to put in your back pocket. RIP, Shane.

Short Takes: Big Brother Star to Make Gay Porn Debut…and More

A former Big Brother houseguest is about to reveal even more of himself! Reality star Steven Daigle, who appeared in the 10th edition of the popular CBS series, has filmed his first gay porn movie for director Chi Chi LaRue and Channel 1 Releasing. (See what happens when Rob Romoni is your roommate?!) Steven Daigle: XXXPOSED features the former rodeo cowboy in a film that blurs the lines of fantasy and reality, and combines amateur-style footage with pro. It also stars Jeremy Bilding, Jimmy Durano and Josh Griffin (who share scenes with Daigle), plus Johnny Hazzard, Paul Wagner, Brandon Lewis and Slade. “I didn’t expect my life to take this path, but when I was presented with the opportunity, I dove in head first…literally,” Daigle told TMZ, which broke the story to the mainstream press. Texas native Daigle also did a photo shoot last week to appear on the May cover of Unzipped magazine. LaRue, who is almost as obsessed with Big Brother as we are, says that the movie is “unlike anything I’ve ever done or even seen. This is something both fans of amateur and fans of polished pornos will be able to fully enjoy.” Sounds great. Now when is Jeff Schroeder from Season 11 going to make the leap? For more information, visit C1R.com.…Bored and soggy L.A. Tweeters had a field day last week debating whether the GAYVN Awards would take place this year. In fact, there was so much conjecture that the chief of parent company AVN Media Network had to release a statement. According to CEO Darren Roberts, the 12th installment of the popular event will take place in 2010. “There is absolutely no possibility the awards will be canceled, and we must put an end to these outrageous rumors,” Roberts says. “We’ve been doing this event for a long, long time, and we will continue to recognize gay adult companies for their achievements.” However, he added that the awards would be delayed “due to economic factors.” While last year’s show was co-sponsored by NakedSword, this year, AVN hopes to offset expenses by finding a major U.S. and international network that would broadcast the show on TV. The company used a similar tactic recently for the AVN Awards on the straight side of the industry. Roberts said additional information would be made public as soon as it is available. So stay tuned, Tweeters and Twats.…We’re sorry to report that Active Duty model Randy (below) has passed away. Our blog buddy Dewayne in San Diego confirmed a report that the 22-year-old star died of asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The death is believed to be accidental. Randy appeared in numerous movies, including Pullin’ Rank 3, and is featured in the new Brent Corrigan film, Working Hard. Director Dink Flamingo posted a tribute video to the model on the Active Duty site. To view the tribute, click here. Sad way to start the week, guys.

Short Takes: Death of 2 Porn Stars…and More

Gay Porn Land is still reeling from the news last week of the passing of two young stars. First, porn star Dustin Michaels (top photo) died in a freak accident following a run-in with police in Bay County, Florida. The 23-year-old model, who worked for online studios such as BoundGods, CircleJerkBoys and On the Hunt and appeared in the film Cocks in Paradise for RVD Films, choked on a bag of marijuana after sheriff’s deputies Tasered him in an attempt to arrest him. In a bizarre twist, a camera crew was trailing the cops for a TruTV reality show and captured the unfortunate incident on video, which local Florida media and several Web sites picked up. Gino Colbert, who directed Michaels in Paradise, recalls that he was “quite handsome and tall. The lad showed up on time, was very professional and did a good scene.”…Later the same day, it was reported that porn star Todd Welch (second photo) passed away following a battle with a rare form of lymphoma. Welch, 29, has worked in the industry since 2007 and appeared in films such as Endless Crush for Falcon Studios and Welcome to Paradise and Auditions 18 for Lucas Entertainment. Both models will be missed by family, friends and fans.…In other less than happy news, Erik Rhodes is saying on his blog that he spent three days in the ICU unit of a hospital last week for an unnamed ailment. The Falcon exclusive, who stars in Pledgemaster: The Hazing, out this week, says it was for “reasons beyond my control.” He adds that he is out now, feeling “weak and really tired.” Rest up, stud.…On a much lighter note, Levi Johnston ain’t the only one making fun of Sarah Palin. Now superstar dragster RuPaul has done an amazingly spot-on spoof of the moron from Alaska and her best-selling (!) memoir, Going Rogue. Below you can see Ru “Going Vogue”—and it’s all in the name of some good old-fashioned self-promotion for the second season of her hit Logo series, RuPaul’s Drag Race. This “RuPalin” returns with new episodes starting February 1. Can’t wait! And speaking of spoofs, we also can’t wait to see Jet Set Men’s Getting Levi’s Johnson, featuring Mark Dalton and that star-studded cast, next year. More on that soon!…There are only a few days left, dear readers, for you to enter the annual VincentLambert.com calendar contest. This year, we have Raging Stallion Studio’s To the Last Man 12-incher, er, 12-monther, and it is already sold-out. But we have a copy, so this could be your last chance to snag one! Deadline is this Wednesday, December 23, at midnight. Click here for how to enter.

News: Porn Star Steve Pierce Passes Away

Popular porn model Steve Pierce is dead. Gayporntimes.com was the first to report that the 44-year-old star of films such as The Chosen, Stick It In!, Flesh & Blood and Glory Holes of LA, was found in Palm Springs on Sunday. The cause of death was not immediately known. Industry veteran Gino Colbert, who directed Pierce in the 1997 classic movie Johnny Hormone, told VincentLambert.com, “Steve was a professional and a real trooper, the type any director would welcome on a set, because he took the business seriously and cared about giving his best.” Pierce worked for numerous studios, including Raging Stallion, Falcon and Titan Media. He appeared in several leather, bondage and fetish films and in total made about 40 movies from 1995 to 2004. Recently he was focusing on his writing career, penning his first novel, a sci-fi thriller titled World Without Winter. Pierce is survived by his partner of 20 years, Thomas Miller. For more on the book and his porn work, visit www.StevePierce.com.

News: Screen Legend Jack Wrangler Dead

A porn legend is dead. Screen stud Jack Wrangler died today due to complications from lung disease. He was 62. Wrangler, who was recently the subject of the documentary Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon, which won a GAYVN Award last week for Best Alternative Release, appeared in more than 85 adult movies, including Kansas City Trucking Company, A Night at the Adonis and Heavy Equipment, both on the gay and straight side. He went on to have a successful career as an actor, writer, director and producer in the legit theater world, conceiving and co-producing the 1997 Broadway show Dream: The Johnny Mercer Musical. Wrangler is survived by his wife of 14 years, singer Margaret Whiting.

News: Porn Star Caleb Carter Found Dead

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News: Cole Ryder Dead at 36

Porn star Cole Ryder died this week. At first it was thought that the Rascal Video exclusive had passed away due to a staph infection, but the cause of death is now pending until the results of an autopsy are known. The hairy, ultra-masculine Ryder, who was 36, had been under contract to Rascal since 2006 and performed in nine movies, including When Bears Attack, Link: The Evolution, Rush and Black Meat White Heat. He appeared on the cover of Unzipped magazine, and his Cole Ryder Cock dildo was released through Channel 1.

Director Chi Chi LaRue made the following statement: “Cole Ryder was a beautiful person on the inside and the outside! He had such a great manly appeal and the heart of a gentle giant. Cole was always such a pleasure to work with, and I’m deeply saddened by his passing. I can only wish now that he is in peace, and he will always have a special place in my heart and the C1R Family.”

News: Director Jean-Daniel Cadinot Dead at 64

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News: Michael Lucas NOT Dead…

…but he sure makes a good-looking corpse. In a bizarre promotional stunt for the new movie Gigilo, now filming, a press release was sent out today announcing that the controversial director and president/CEO of Lucas Entertainment was found dead in his New York City apartment last night. The above photo was also included, supposedly of the “crime scene” released by “authorities.”

In an exclusive interview with VincentLambert.com, Lucas confirmed that the e-mail was indeed a hoax put out by his company and that he is very much alive. “Darling, I get murdered in my new movie,” he said. “It was just for promotion.” The Russian porn superstar seemed surprised that anyone would take the news seriously. “The picture has the Lucas logo on it!” When asked how shooting was going on the new production, Lucas said, “It is long and hard, but the movie will be fabulous.” Gigilo will be released later this year.

News: COLT Announces Death of Danny Roddick

COLT Studio Group announced today that Buckshot Man and star of its new release Brotherhood Danny Roddick died on September 13. The cause of death was not given. “We are devastated and saddened by this tragedy,” says president and creative director John Rutherford. “We have watched Danny grow up, and everyone here at COLT Studio Group extends our most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. He will be missed.”

Roddick joined COLT as a Buckshot exclusive in 2005. He gained a following with performances in Buckshot productions such as HARD Studies, Boot Black Blues, BIG RIG: Extended Cab Edition and Olympus’s HOSTILE. His current release is director Jerry Douglas’s Brotherhood. “The loss of anyone so young and talented and especially a sweet and fragile individual is heartbreaking,” says Douglas, “but for someone who was rapidly approaching the peak of his career, it is doubly painful.”

Roddick, who was a trophy boy at the Grabby Awards in Chicago this year, also recently appeared in director Dennis Bell’s AMG Brazil two-part movie AMAZONIA: Capture & Release. “I had the pleasure of working with Danny recently and will miss him greatly,” says Bell.

Director Kristofer Weston adds, “He was one of the most caring and sensitive people I’ve ever had the privilege of working with on set. A truly beautiful man inside and out, and I’m honored to have called him a friend.”