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

[Kelly]

I was surprised when I saw her in Texas Chainsaw Massacre. She wanted to act in mainstream but her bills needed to be paid and porn was just beginning to be accepted as entertainment. At least she got paid.

[mike]

LOOK, BECAUSE OF PEOPLE'S LUST AND DESIRE FOR PORN THE SKINTRADE~SLAVE INDUSTRY IS THRIVING!!! SEX IS A POWERFUL & BEAUTIFUL GIFT THAT NOT ONLY BRINGS FORTH LIFE, BUT ALSO BONDS HEARTS & MINDS FOREVER!!! THESE DAYS IT'S NOT MUCH MORE THAN A DRUG THAT DESTROYS LIVES, CREATES PERVERSE FANTASIES AND A WHOLE ASSORTMENT OF SEXCRIMES. IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID THE POWERFUL IMAGERY THEY PLASTER THROUGH-OUT SOCIETY. NOW THAT MY HEART IS CHANGED BY JESUS I CAN SEE & KNOW MY WIFE'S TRUE BEAUTY AND THE LOVE WE EXPRESS IN OUR LOVEMAKING! JUST AS METH RUINS LIVES, PORN RUINS OUR RELATIONSHIPS!!!

[ferenc]

most of these commentators sound like they should be behind the green door. whatever that is.

[Alışveriş]

Hmmm Ex-Porn star?
Had she been going to church lately?

[stuart]

let it be known that it's such a wonderful thing that you people with such mean and vile spirits have absolutely no say so, to whom god will receive with open arms.

[Henry]

I am the first to admit that I am no better than anyone here, including Ms. Chambers. I fact by the writings of those who knew her it sounds like she was nice person.

I regret your loss. But I feel inclined to comment. I am a Christian believer who has admitted his sins and now trusts in Christ for redemption. I am also somebody who does read the bible.

I believe what Marcus is protesting about is the fact that many here are mentioning heaven and angels and God, while at the same time talking about the porn industry as if they both can be coexist. Jesus did hang out with the outcast, but He did to save their souls not to excuse or ignore their lifestyle.

Don't fool yourself. If you loved Ms. Chambers, repent of your sin today and reach out with the truth to all the other Marilyn's in this industry of darkness.

God is not mocked. Let the passing of your friend serve as a reminder that none of us are promised tomorrow. Every knee will bow one day, I pray that yours doesn’t after you pass.

[Joe Shea]

"Angelically complexioned" - how do we know what angels look like? Porn stars shall guide us. It was a beautiful, beautiful face.

[Dan James]

Every time I listen to the Seals barking at the sea shore I'm reminded fondly of Marilyn. Marilyn didn't need 1080i or multimedia anything to hold an audience spellbound. Bad, grainy VHS tapes were this Diva's Carnegie Hall...and she could...um...um... really sing!!

[Sly Stone]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, I wonder if President Obama will release a statement concerning Mrs. Chambers death . . . .