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Jamie Gillis Biography

(Adult Film Actor)

Birthday: April 20, 1943 (Taurus)

Born In: New York, New York, United States

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Jamie Gillis was an American pornographic actor and director who appeared in over 470 films and also directed numerous adult movies. Described as the “most decadent” and “sexually the wildest guy” in the porn entertainment industry of his times, he appeared in many gay porn movies. Gillis was a pioneer in Gonzo, a popular pornographic style. Born as Jamey Ira Gurman, he was named after the Tyrone Power character in the 1942 flick ‘The Black Swan’. He later took the name Gillis from his girlfriend who he lived with during his early years. The actor graduated from Columbia University before entering the entertainment business. Inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame, he was undoubtedly an actor who revolutionized the porn industry. Gillis breathed his last on February 19, 2010 after suffering from melanoma. Although he remained active for a shorter duration of time as compared to his contemporaries, he managed to earn the status of one of the most potent and prolific porn actors.

Birthday: April 20, 1943 (Taurus)

Born In: New York, New York, United States

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Quick Facts

Also Known As: Jamey Ira Gurman

Died At Age: 66

Family:

siblings: Allan Gurman, Diane Lane, Judy Caiati, Phyllis Conley, Wayne Gurman

Partner: Zarela Martinez

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Died on: February 19, 2010

place of death: New York, New York, United States

Cause of Death: Melanoma

City: New York City

U.S. State: New Yorkers

More Facts

education: Columbia University

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You wanted to know

  • 1

    What were some notable films starring Jamie Gillis?

    Some notable films starring Jamie Gillis include "The Opening of Misty Beethoven," "The Violation of Claudia," and "Inside Seka."
  • 2

    Did Jamie Gillis have any other professions besides acting in adult films?

    Yes, Jamie Gillis was also a director and producer in the adult film industry.
  • 3

    How did Jamie Gillis contribute to the adult film industry?

    Jamie Gillis is credited with helping to elevate the quality and artistic value of adult films by bringing a more nuanced approach to his performances.
  • 4

    What was Jamie Gillis known for in his performances?

    Jamie Gillis was known for his intense and versatile acting style, often portraying complex and morally ambiguous characters in adult films.
  • 5

    How did Jamie Gillis impact the perception of adult film actors in mainstream media?

    Jamie Gillis helped challenge stereotypes about adult film actors by demonstrating his talent and professionalism, leading to greater recognition for performers in the industry.

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Career
Jamie Gillis initially acted in Off-Broadway plays. His onscreen career began after he answered an advertisement in the newspaper ‘The Village Voice’ for nude modeling.
He appeared in numerous porn films and also served as a director of many. In 1972, he appeared in the pornographic film ‘Deep Throat’ which was released during the Golden Age of Porn. He did a gay sex scene with actor Zebedy Colt in ‘The Story of Joanna’, a BDSM-themed film, in 1975. After this, he did the movies ‘Through the Looking Glass’, ‘WaterPower’ and ‘The Opening of Misty Beethoven’. Gillis then starred in ‘Barbara Broadcast’. Released in 1977, the adult erotic film was directed by Radley Metzger. That year, the actor also featured in another pornographic project titled ‘Obsessed’ which starred John Leslie, Constance Money, and Annette Haven as well.
In 1981, Gillis appeared in the Hollywood crime thriller ‘Nighthawks’ as the boss of actress Lindsay Wagner's character. After this, he began creating the influential ‘On the Prowl’ video series. Featuring a porn star who looks for guys to have sex with, the series was extremely popular. In the ensuing years, he appeared in a number of adult-themed films including ‘Playin' Dirty’, ‘Uncle Jamie's Double Trouble’, ‘Play My Flute’, 'Jamie Gillis and Africa' and ‘Bobby Sox’, to name a few.
Gillis served as the director of the flick ‘Devious Old Gillis’ in 1998. During 2004, he starred in ‘Luv Generation’ and ‘Potty Mouth’. A year later, he did ‘Die You Zombie Bastards!’, a zombie comedy flick directed by Caleb Emerson and starring Geoff Mosher, Tim Gerstmar and Pippi Zornoza. The film was about a serial killer who saves his cannibal wife from zombies.
Family & Personal Life
Jamie Gillis was born as Jamey Ira Gurman on April 20, 1943 in New York City, USA. He studied at Columbia University and graduated from there in 1970. His partner was New York City-based cookbook author and restaurateur, Zarela Martinez.
On February 19, 2010, the actor died from melanoma, a cancer which was diagnosed just a few months earlier. He was 66 at that time.
Facts About Jamie Gillis
Jamie Gillis, a versatile actor known for his work in adult films, also had a passion for painting and was a talented artist.
Gillis was a pioneering figure in the adult film industry, often credited with bringing a more sophisticated and artistic approach to his performances.
Outside of his acting career, Gillis was an avid reader and had a keen interest in literature and philosophy.
Gillis was known for his sharp wit and sense of humor, often keeping his colleagues and friends entertained with his quick one-liners and jokes.
Despite the controversial nature of his work, Gillis was respected by many of his peers for his professionalism and dedication to his craft.

See the events in life of Jamie Gillis in Chronological Order

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