John Leslie, porn film actor and director, dies at 65

John Leslie, an award-winning adult film actor and director who appeared in more than 300 movies during porn's so-called Golden Age in the 1970s and '80s, has died. He was 65.

Leslie, whose real name was John Nuzzo, began acting in porn movies in the 1970s in San Francisco. He went on to become one of the first actors to successfully direct, which he did until his death Sunday of an apparent heart attack at his home in Mill Valley, Calif.

He appeared in such titles as "Cry for Cindy" and "Talk Dirty to Me," the 1980 film that solidified his status as one of porn's leading men.

Mark Kernes, senior editor of the adult film publication AVN, said Leslie was one of the first actors to cross over to directing.

"A lot of people really wanted to work with him because he took a lot of pride in his work, and paid attention to details," said Kernes, who confirmed Leslie's death.

Leslie is survived by his wife of 23 years, Kathleen.

-- Associated Press

Comments

[michael g]

"He took a lot of pride in his work and paid attention to details...". It's not "work" nor "art", it is simply filth. Not much of a legacy...

[Doyle Dean]

John was a very talented person, as an actor he was dedicated to his craft and with making sure that every scene looked real. John helped adult entertainment move into the main stream with his belief that sex was a relevant part of any story line, western, gangster, war movies and of course romantic comedy. He was a genius that had dedicated his life to his love of Art.

[John Squyres]

Took pride in his craft? What craft? He just made dirty movies.

[jjay]

I always like his crossed eyed, good looks.

[ILoveCA]

May God have mercy on his soul.

[Rita-of-Sunland]

R.I.P. John-- great performer, innovative XXX director. You'll be missed.

[Robert Eye]

"Filth"? I would suggest, say, war movies where people explode and die graphically is filth. Leslie was making love on film, hurting no one... but making a LOT of us jealous, speaking for myself anyway, considering some of his most spectaculr partners. And I would argue, the films could be quite educational. God bless John Leslie!

[Jim Mulroney]

For Michael G: I’d bet that YOUR legacy is every bit as unknown as the rest of your name. How would you like it if your friends and loved ones, immediately after your sudden death, had to read ugly comments from a rude, ideological creep who doesn’t have enough courage to give his full name? How much of every day do you spend spewing heartless clichéd remarks about people you know almost nothing about?

[Rick]

Leslie was the Brando of Blowbiz. Now he's timeless but he'll be missed.

[mike Hughes]

John Leslie often gave superb acting performances which was nothing short of Oscar-winning material. He was a master of his art, often convincing the audience that the love-making was real. He was a natural genius at his craft, not just in acting but in movie directing also. He was up there in my book, with past porn movie stars like John Holmes and Ginger Lynn. Rest in peace john.

[jjay]

Well, I guess an overload of sex isn't the best for a healthy heart. At least, he must have had a lot of fun while he was still alive.