Actors With X-Rated Pasts You Never Knew About

As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for Hollywood gossip, I find it utterly intriguing to delve into the lives of some of our most beloved stars and uncover their less-than-stellar roles. Today, we’re talking about three actresses who have had a taste of the X-rated world, whether they intended to or not.

Every actor begins their journey at some point. It could be starring in a fast food chain advertisement on TV, performing in smaller venues like black box or community theater, or getting small roles on movie sets. Rarely do Hollywood stars emerge fully-prepared for the spotlight, already famous.

As a gamer, I sometimes find myself in situations where my past isn’t as squeaky clean as some might expect. I’ve had moments where I modeled for adult content or starred in softcore films during leaner times. It’s not something I’m ashamed of, but it’s not always easy to discuss openly due to societal norms and expectations.

In other words, it’s quite typical for aspiring stars to take smaller roles as stepping stones to major success, and many actors have done this in less-known projects with adult content ratings. For instance, David Duchovny gained fame from “The Red Shoe Diaries,” a softcore series, before landing the role in “The X-Files.” Similarly, actresses like Anna Nicole Smith, Pamela Anderson, Sasha Grey, and Jenna Jameson got their starts in adult films, some of which were given an X-rating. However, there are other actors with less well-known pasts in adult entertainment that you might not be aware of. Here’s a list of such actors.

Sylvester Stallone

In times of great need, extreme measures might be necessary, and that’s exactly what happened when Sylvester Stallone found himself homeless and famished, agreeing to star in “The Party at Kitty and Stud’s.” This film, a softcore production, took only two days to complete, but it eventually became problematic for him when his career took off a few years later. In essence, “The Party at Kitty and Stud’s” is a basic movie that portrays the tumultuous relationship between Kitty (Henrietta Holm) and Stud (Stallone), with their constant bickering forming the core of the storyline, culminating in an orgy they host filled with strangers.

As a film enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and fall of many aspiring actors, I can empathize with Sylvester Stallone’s struggles during the early stages of his career. When he was at the brink of desperation while shooting “The Party at Kitty and Stud’s,” little did he know that this very movie would eventually contribute to his rise to fame. It is fascinating to see how a humble beginning can pave the way for success, even if it means working for peanuts and fighting against all odds. The story of Stallone serves as an inspiration for those who are struggling in their careers and reminds us that perseverance and determination can indeed lead to greatness.

After undergoing recutting, the movie faced persistent rumors claiming that Sylvester Stallone performed real sex scenes on screen. However, these allegations were refuted when AVN Magazine found out that explicit scenes featuring other actors had been spliced into the film instead. Despite Sylvester Stallone’s discomfort, the movie has since been released on DVD and its international distribution rights were auctioned off on eBay, leading to a surprising afterlife for the film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his confidence regarding his physique (given his background as a prominent figure in bodybuilding), also ventured into modeling for a publication that wasn’t hesitant to exploit its models’ physical attributes to boost sales.

1977 saw a feature about Arnold Schwarzenegger titled “Musclebound for Glory” in the entertainment magazine After Dark. Although not initially intended as a publication catering to the LGBTQ+ community, After Dark’s readership was predominantly male and gay-identified. Over time, the publisher embraced this audience’s preferences. The magazine occasionally showcased cisgender men in nude pictorials, often partially concealed. Notably, Schwarzenegger is depicted fully naked in this article, with brief glimpses of his genitalia visible on two occasions.

In essence, the photograph reveals roughly the same amount of Arnold Schwarzenegger as a nude scene from “The Terminator” would have years later, contributing to its relative obscurity in his overall legacy. Additionally, during the same period, he faced an unpleasant incident involving his bodybuilding poses being unauthorizedly inserted into an adult film. The director had deceptively claimed it was for a documentary, but instead, Schwarzenegger ended up in an X-rated movie. This situation understandably upset Arnold Schwarzenegger, as reported by Barbara Outland Baker in an interview published by the San Francisco Gate.

Simon Rex

Actor Simon Rex gained prominence as an MTV VJ and is recognized for his roles in comedies like “Scary Movie 3,” however, his journey into the entertainment world was unconventional – he initially ventured into adult films, including “Young, Hard, and Solo #2.” During this period, Rex was trying to financially support his girlfriend and her child. His girlfriend, a former Penthouse model who was already established in the industry, facilitated connections with directors, and Rex filmed several movies. These movies remained obscure until MTV approached him, after which some tabloids drew attention to them.

In the independent film “Red Rocket,” Rex managed to gain significant acclaim while still maintaining his connection to comedy. He’s been candid about his time in the adult industry, expressing a mix of feelings. As he shared with The Guardian, “At that point, I was so young and naive that I found it appealing. At 18, you don’t always make the best choices.” Previously, when asked about these films by an Uproxx critic, he stated, “Let’s focus on this movie instead, as it’s been three decades since then. We could discuss the Exxon Valdez disaster or the Iran-Contra affair, but I prefer to move forward.” Given his bright future, it’s no surprise that he wants to keep looking ahead rather than dwelling on the past.

James Hong

Among all the actors featured on this list, perhaps the most unexpected name is that of the legendary James Hong, who continues to act at the ripe age of 95. However, it’s true that he has acted in an adult film. Yet, his role in the movie did not include any sexual scenes. He portrayed Y.C. Chan in the hardcore film “China Girl.” For this role, he was credited as James Young.

In this storyline, Hong heads a group aiming to control the globe through sexual supremacy, intending to accomplish this goal using a unique concoction. To further their objective, they capture and torment biochemist Teresa Hardgrave (Annette Haven), coercing her to reveal details about a secret U.S. government formula that allows users to remember everything perfectly. Meanwhile, Agent David Chase (Tom Douglass) embarks on a mission to find Hardgrave; will he rescue her before the serum pushes her over the edge into complete insanity?

Although Hong hasn’t openly talked about the film, given his extensive filmography spanning from “Flower Drum Song” to “Chinatown” and “Big Trouble in Little China,” it’s not shocking that this particular movie might not be a favorite topic for him or his interviewers. However, it remains an intriguing artifact in his illustrious career.

Helen Mirren

In this scenario, you initially agreed to work on a project that seemed sophisticated, artistic, and impressive. However, you ended up starring in a movie which Roger Ebert criticized as lacking artistic value, not suitable for cinema, and failing to meet the standards of pornography.

The movie under discussion is “Caligula,” released in 1979, which boasts performances by well-known actors like Malcolm McDowell, Peter O’Toole, John Gielgud, and Dame Helen Mirren. In this film, Mirren portrays Caligula’s wife, Caesonia. The production of the movie was marked by conflicts between producer Bob Guccione and director Tinto Brass, who disagreed over Guccione filming and incorporating explicit scenes into the movie after the main cast and crew had left set. Despite this, Brass continued to be credited as the principal photographer. This behind-the-scenes drama adds an extra layer of scandal to the portrayal of Caligula’s life, which was already notorious for its licentiousness. The film features unsimulated sex scenes involving Penthouse Pets and other actors who were not well-known at the time. Upon release, it proved profitable before being distributed on VHS. Although Mirren does not participate in any of the explicit scenes (it’s said that some of the main actors were unaware these scenes existed until the movie premiered), she does appear nude in the film. Her character also engages in a tamer version of a threesome with Caligula and his true love, Drusilla (Teresa Ann Savoy).

Actress Dame Mirren, known for her bold approach to screen nudity and sexual content, has kept a lighthearted attitude towards the film. She humorously remarked to People (through Vanity Fair), “Everyone was bare in that movie. It felt like going to a nudist colony every day. You’d feel self-conscious if you were dressed in that film.” What a jovial spirit!

Cameron Diaz

Many actors got their start as models, but Cameron Diaz participated in a photo shoot early in her career that she later regretted. Specifically, in 1992, John Rutter took photos of her in an explicit scenario involving leather boots, nudity, and another model on a leash. Some of these images were published in a foreign magazine, but the topless shots and footage from the photoshoot were largely forgotten until she gained fame.

In 2003, Rutter approached Diaz with an offer: he proposed they sell the items for $3.5 million, giving her a two-day timeframe to decide. He added that he was offering her the first opportunity to buy them before seeking other buyers. However, Diaz alleged that Rutter hinted at potential buyers who were ready to use the items in a smear campaign against her, involving billboards and magazine features timed for release near the premiere of “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.” She felt this was a veiled threat after he declined to reveal the other party, reported him to the police, and filed a lawsuit. In response, Rutter filed a counterclaim, accusing her of fraud and breach of contract.

In 2005, a two-week trial took place where Rutter asserted it was all a regrettable misinterpretation. Despite acknowledging that someone falsified her signature on a release form he presented to her, Rutter maintained his innocence. The judge found this unconvincing and sentenced him to three and a half years in prison for forgery, attempted grand theft, and perjury. To add to his troubles, Diaz received an undisclosed sum of money from Rutter through a civil lawsuit in 2006. Furthermore, the judge rejected Rutter’s countersuit, which is why you should think twice before crossing paths with someone as formidable as an angel.

2024-08-05 04:00