The adult industry has just lost another of it’s stars, icons and legend from the Golden Age of porn. The incredible Brit, Kay Parker, passed away from complications with cancer at her home in Chatsworth, California on October 14, 2022. She was 78 years old.
Kay Parker – Inducted 1990
A True Legend in Porn
Kay Parker was born on August 28, 1944 in Birmingham, England right at the height of WW II. She grew up in Malta & Kent. Her father was an officer in the British Royal Navy. She spent her teen years in Germany, when she was 21 years old she moved to United States at the invitation of an older couple who wanted her to be part of their family.
Once in the states she worked a variety of jobs including being a waitress and at a head shop. She also did some acting in minor roles and had absolutely no thoughts of the adult industry, but a chance meeting with John Leslie would eventually change that. He had suggested she should appear in one of his films but the idea of porn turned her off and she said no. After a while she changed her mind and eased into it by doing several small non sex roles in the beginning.
By this time Kay was 33 years old and in 1977 she would make her hardcore debut in Anthony Spinelli’s “Sex World” which has gone on to become a porn classic. Her very first sex scene was with Joey Silvera and from that point on Kay Parker would continue to amaze and enthrall both cast members and fans with her all out sexuality, acting talents and that classy, elegant British look. Ms. Parker would next star in a film that would also become a classic, “7 into Snowy” a Mitchell Brothers production that was a takeoff on Snow White with Kay perfectly playing the domineering and mean stepmother.
As good as she was in those films, it was a film in 1980 that would forever seal Kay Parker’s place in porn as one of the great legends of the industry. That was “Taboo”, a film with an incest theme, something unheard of back then. Mike Ranger played her son in the film and after the movie was completed these two would carry on a real life affair for a time. This film, because of the subject matter, would create a lot of publicity, both good and bad, controversy and popularity. One area that everyone agreed on was the fact that Kay Parker was the only one who could have played that role and carry it the way she did. She would appear in the next two sequels as well.
While it was “Taboo” that really brought her to prominence, Kay appeared in more than 120 films during her career and always displayed top notch, serious acting chops and a raw, mature sexuality that was very explosive. Among other films she appeared in were “Vista Valley PTA”, “The Dancers”, “Memphis Cathouse Blues”, Private Teacher” and “Matinee Idol” to name a few. Ms. Parker has said she actually started her career in adult films as a way of exploration into her own sexuality, something several females in the industry have said as well..
She left adult films after 1984 mainly due to the AIDS scare along with other personal reasons. She eventually would return to the industry, only this time behind the scenes working for Caballero Video in their public relations department. She was also very much into the spiritual and went into intense spiritual study in late 1980s which led her to the path of meditation and spirituality. Since that time she has been a spiritual mentor.
Today, at age 77, Ms. Parker still has that look of elegance and class. She wrote her biography, “Taboo: Sacred, Don’t Touch” and discusses her childhood, life as an adult, spiritual experiences and getting into metaphysics. It is a very interesting and honest read. Jill Nelson listed Kay in her book, “25 Legendary Women of Classic Erotic Cinema”. She is a well respected and worthy member of both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame as well as the Legends of Erotica. She has been a counselor and lecturer about the New Age metaphysical and is well respected in the field
When there is a discussion regarding the women of porn’s past this classy lady’s name is always at the top of the list where it belongs. She gave the adult industry so much during her time in front of the cameras. There were classic performances and classic films along with awards, admiration and love that all go hand and hand with this legendary star. Kay Parker was, and is, one of a kind and we are very fortunate to have had a woman of her stature grace the adult screens with so many memorable and unforgettable performances. Now, as she meets and sings with the angels we will always remember this remarkable lady and all that she gave not only the industry, but the world. R.I.P. lovely lady.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
