Porn star Marilyn Chambers found dead in L.A. County home

Marilyn Chambers, a former Ivory Snow detergent model who became a porn star, died Sunday at her Canyon Country home. She was 56.

Chambers, whose real name is Marilyn Ann Taylor, was found unresponsive at 8:51 p.m. at her residence it the 16000 block of Vasquez Canyon, said Los Angeles County coroner's spokesman Ed Winter. The cause of death is under investigation but foul play was not suspected and an autopsy is pending.

Chambers became a pop culture phenomenon when she gave up work as a model advertising Ivory Snow laundry detergent to star in the X-rated "Behind the Green Door" in 1972.

The movie also sparked a buying frenzy on boxes of Ivory Snow soap, then graced by Chambers' angelically complexioned face.

-- Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Marilyn Chambers, left, with Tracy Hutson, the actress who portrayed her in the Showtime film "Rated X," at a screening of the film in 2000. Credit: Associated Press

More photos: Marilyn Chambers | 1952-2009

Times obituary: Marilyn Chambers dies at 56; '70s porn star and Ivory Snow model

Comments

[Jim]

Marilyn lived near us in Westport, Ct and went to school with, and was a cheerleader with my sister at Staples HS. She worked in downtown Westport at a clothing boutiques called, Buffalo, and was a cool person to know. Her brother, Martin, was the leader of the band, the Remains, which made history by playing in front of the Beatles at Shea Stadium. She was a sweet friend who was always nice to me growing up as the younger brother.... I am sorry for her daughter's loss...

[Rex]

It's always interesting to read what people say Christians should be doing when 90% of the time, they don't know the first thing about living the life; they only feel deep down inside that they themselves are lost and without Jesus's saving grace. Always "judging" is totally misunderstood by the screamers. Jesus Christ also commanded his true believers to "take up their cross" daily for Him. Certainly, Jesus wanted Christians to warn the lost. The lost, however, never want to be warned.....you know who you are......

[Amy]

>

Speaking only for myself, of course, I had never heard of her and only clicked on the link to see why this story had generated so many comments in response.

I'm not a fan of porn in general, not because I find it "evil" or any such nonsense, but because very little of it is actually erotic, from my perspective, and often depicts women as objects of degradation.

But the most degrading porno flick in the world could not possibly offend me as much as the comments of those who delight in the death of another human being and condemn her soul to eternal damnation simply because they disagree with her profession and lifestyle. I admit I'm not a fan of bible-thumpers - and think organized religion poses a far greater danger to society than the adult film industry - but I would never wish for them to burn in the hell they're always blathering on about.

We have heard from several people here who actually knew Ms. Chambers, and all depict a caring, generous friend. I believe anyone who thinks her "sinful" occupation outweighs her good character should take a long look at themselves. But, in my experience, far too many so-called Christians are too busy pronouncing judgment on those with whom they disagree to examine their own lives. How such behavior renders one deserving of "heaven" is beyond me.

[Mike Mulready]

I am very sadden by the death of this dear sweet lady. Though I never had the chance to meet her , I did see interviews with her and she seem very sweet.

She will be missed . Rest in peace Ms Chambers. You will never be forgotten

Mike

[roger]

Marcus,I think you are a idiot.

[Larian LeQuella]

First of all, aren't religious nutcases funny and frightening at the same time? /sigh Just an excuse to spread their bigotry and hate...

Celebrate her life! I would like to thank her for trying to get this repressed and frustrated society to losen up a little and actually enjoy something that is fun...

[George Vreeland Hill]

Her memory will be of good.
She was a good person.

George Vreeland Hill

[Marcus]

Marilyn Chambers was not a good person. She was a wicked and immoral woman who ruin many lives through sexual addiction and bondage.

She was unrepentant to the end. And because of her unrepentance, did not see heaven, but experienced judgment.

Had she repented, she would have been saved from eternal torment.

No one here "delights" in the death of the wicked. But fact still remains: a spade is a spade.

[PJ]

Marilyn Chambers exalted in an industry that has enslaved millions through sexual addiction. It has damaged relations between men and women. God hates it.

[Andy in Chicago]

Marcus:

How would you know if Marilyn Chambers was a good person or not? Were you her spiritual adviser? How do you know if she was unrepentant to the end? And just for the sake of argument, let's just say what she did as a career was "sinful" but she DID seek God's forgiveness at the end. Then she would be at God's side at this very moment.

I love religious people who act so holier than though. They're usually the ones who have the most skeletons in their closets. I wonder what's in your closet Marcus? I have a feeling there's some very wicked things in there and if you don't confess and ask for God's forgiveness, when you die you will be burning in a lake of fire, begging Marilyn for a drink to quench your thirst while she nestles in the bosom of Christ.

I feel pity for people like you.

[George Vreeland Hill]

The person who goes by the name of Marcus is a complete idiot.
He writes of Marilyn being wicked and having eternal torment.
That is not up to him to decide.
God will judge.
Not Marcus.
It says in the Bible not to judge others.
Yet, so-called religious people do just that.
They will tell us who is going to hell and who is not.
People like Marcus are an insult to God and his word.
He does not even know what Marilyn was thinking in the end or of her relationship with God.
So Marcus is an idiot who thinks he knows all when in fact he knows nothing.
As for me, I believe that we should look for the good in people.
It makes the world a better place.
I think Marilyn would agree.
If Marcus read the Bible, he would agree as well.

George Vreeland Hill

[Marcus]

>>George Vreeland Hill said: He writes of Marilyn being wicked and having eternal torment. That is not up to him to decide. God will judge. Not Marcus.

Making an assessment is not "deciding" anything. I can't and have no power to caste anyone into Heaven or Hell. But God does.

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Math 10:28)

>>Andy Said: How would you know if Marilyn Chambers was a good person or not?

Starring in and producing pornography is evil. Participating in evil things makes oneself "evil". In the same way an unrepentant murderer who is a murdering people is evil.

So you can know whether a person is good or not by the fruit they produce. A tree can only produce fruit of its kind. Your fruit are your works.

"Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."

"Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." (Matthew 7:16-19)

As early as 2005, this woman received the "FOXE" award for her lifetime porn career. I dunno - that doesn’t sound like someone who is repentant to me. Does it??!!

[Unkle Al]

To Sarah Stern: Boy, are you behind the times. Mary Magdalene was 'cleared' of being a prostitute decades ago.

[Brandi M.]

George Vreeland Hill is right.
Read both and you will see why.

[Amy]

"But fact still remains: a spade is a spade."

And a nut is a nut.

[Steve Zambrano Jr]

A friend of mine who lives in Canyon Country called me to to see how I was. I was sharing my memories of Marilyn with her when she told me she knew her through the animal rescue that she worked at. She told me that they didn't know anything about Marilyn but that Marilyn use to foster dogs and cats while they tried to place them in homes. She is very sad that she passed because she says, " In this economy it's hard to find people who will do that. We lost someone who really helped us out. She was on our list of people to call." It's a small world.

[robert]

didnt Jesus say judge not unless you be judged and he who is without sin cast the first stone? i know he did and to sit there and judge some poor soul is just plain ugly, you do not and did not know her relationship with the Lord so how in the owrld ccan you say what you said?

[sumwunhuis]

Isn't it interesting how some narrow minded bible thumper on the internet will always get a plethora of replies? It's like barking back at an enraged dog. Would we all give some UFO enthusiast for example the same credibility that someone like Markass gets just because he knows how to push other people's buttons? On the subject of pornography, I wish it would go away. If it wasn't such a profitable industry you wouldn't have these young girls heading out to Chatsworth or wherever to sell their "souls" for a lifestyle and "cool" friends. They are ignorant, confused and easily manipulated children with visions of fame dancing in their pathetic heads. The people who control the business of "Adult Entertainment" (there's a euphemism suitable for the times) are heartless, aquisitive, and coldly opportunistic. Of course, their excuse and ability to look at themselves in the mirror is ALWAYS "We don't force them to do it. They're 18 and adults." I've met these people. They are nothing but drug dealers and the drug here is emotionless sex.

[eddie dzial]

marilyn chambers was one of the first stars i remember being very popular in the late 70's early 80's... r.i.p.

[Jason Walton]

Marilyn,
I'm so sorry you have passed. We should celebrate the person and not condemn her. Ours is not to judge. Your death came to as such a surprise and a tragic loss. I saw you first in "Rabid" by David Cronenberg and then sought your other works. I will mourn you and miss you.
God Blesses Your Soul.
Jason Walton

[willy]

It is sad how she died in her trailer. I read once she was so in bondage that she had to ask her husband for permission to go to the bathroom.

Her movie 'Behind the green door' is about a young woman who was abducted and raped in a room full of perverts watching.

What she wanted she never got that is respect as a mainstream actress. I think she was a beautiful woman who lived a very sad life and died all alone in her trailer.

[mike]

Marilyn was sweet and wonderful lady. Everyone who knew her loved her and will miss her. I would say one thing to Marcus is that it is people like him that spread hate and evil in the world. There should be a lot more Marilyn's and and lot less Marcuses and the world would be a much better place.

[Parody]

Please don't judge all Christians by the comments of a few idiots who call themselves Christian's but actually worship Satan by their actions of condeming others. Real Christians do not judge others.

[Marcus]

Sure - idiot Christians like me who actually read the Bible. And who can discern the difference between "judging" and simply making a judgment call.

And why is it that the only versus some people know is the "don't judge" verse??!! What about the other versus: verses on Hell, eternal damnation, sins and death?

Here. Here is another verse about judgment that you should start quoting: "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24)". See? He is saying we can judge! And how can you "judge" without being able to discern good from evil; right from wrong; darkness from light; sin and death - unless you know what these things are, how can you judge accordingly?

Porn is evil! People who star in Porn; produce porn and so on are doing evil. And no evil thing will go to Heaven, lest you repent. Don't be deceived as Marilyn was!! Only the clean and pure will enter Heaven.

[Aaron Simpson]

A star has fallen and her flame burns in more...Rest In Peace