November 2, 2011 | The Biz

Searching for the perfect porn star

Not all porn stars are created equal. Luckily JC Adams, editor of Gay Porn Times and scholar of all things queer and naughty, has created the coffee table book Gay Porn Heroes, highlighting the top 100 male performers from the past 4 decades. 

"I was profiled in Bruno Gmunder's Porn: From Andy Warhol to X-Tube, published in 2010," Adams told BananaGuide. "That book did very well and they wanted to produce another one in a similar vein. They liked the perspective on the industry that I offered in the previous book and asked me to pitch some ideas. I'm an amateur historian, so I jumped at the chance."

Adams divided the Top 100 stars into categories, including The Bodybuilders, The Macho Men, The Boys Next Door, The Superhung Studs and The European Fantasy. 

"There are 10 categories in all," he explained. "I tried to pick men who are iconic in some way, not just popular. I looked for porn stars who are truly stars and are remembered and admired beyond their physical assets. It was a painful process winnowing it down to 100, let me tell you!"

Bobby Blake © Catalina Video/Channel 1 Releasing

Asked if there were any stand-out performers of the 100, Adams said: 'Well, they all stand out to me in one way or another. But I think Jack Wrangler is pretty amazing. He starred in both gay and straight porn, he marketed himself through branded products and touring, and he was a fantastic actor, in and out of his clothes. And this was back in the '70s! He also went on to a happy life and creative career in the theatre scene. He defies all of the negative stereotypes that the media perpetuates about porn actors. 

Kevin Williams © Falcon Studios

"Then there are modern-day guys like Francois Sagat (my number-one pick), Michael Lucas, Pierre Fitch and Brent Everett, who are building thriving careers for themselves outside of porn and breaking the glass ceiling, so to speak, for erotic actors."

Adams acknolwedged porn actors have changed somewhat over the years.

"This year, 2011, is four decades since the release of Boys in the Sand starring Casey Donovan. His look, lean and blond, will always be popular. But hairy guys were the thing four decades ago, think Al Parker and Fred Halsted.

Ken Ryker © Falcon Studios

"In the '80s and '90s, the Bel Ami and "Falcon car wash" look dominated and it's essentially been that way ever since. That meterosexual look has bled into mainstream advertising and popular culture to the point that straight men are now expected to maintain that buffed, plucked and polished "car wash" aesthetic. It's incredible to see the influence gay porn has had on the culture at large in that way."

Brent Corrigan © Jet Set Men

Think your favorite made the list? You can purchase the book through Amazon.