Abigail Clayton Inducted 2008
Not just porn, but mainstream as well.
Beautiful adult film actress Abigail Clayton was born in New York City July 13, 1957. Very little is known about her growing up years or her family life. However, when it comes to her time in adult that is a much different story and there is a lot to tell about this star from porn’s golden age.
Abigail, just 5’ tall, was a youthful-looking brunette with small perky breasts, big eyes, a luscious body, auburn hair and a slight overbite that played very sexy. She was much more than just a female who did sex on screen. Abigail made her debut in 1976 in the film “Dixie” a coming of age themed film which received critical acclaim and made her a much wanted star. Not only was she sexually terrific, but it also became quite evident she either had top notch training as a serious actress, or was just a natural. She could deliver dialogue in a very convincing and believable way and got into the character she was portraying. Having this amount of talent helped with her immediate call to adult stardom.
Some of the great classics that Abigail Clayton starred in include “Sex World” in which she showed off her sexual skills with another woman in a smoldering scene with Leslie Bovee. One of her very best starring roles was in the porn classic “Seven Into Snowy” (one of my all time favorites) with the delectable Kay Parker. In addition Ms. Clayton graced the screen in other classics such as “Naked Afternoon”, “Desires Within Young Girls” and “Femmes De Sade” among them.
Because of her skills as an actress Ms. Clayton also appeared in a few mainstream movies under the name Gail Lawrence. She co starred alongside Gérard Depardieu in 1978’s “Bye Bye Monkey” and was especially memorable as a hapless model who gets brutally murdered by vicious psychotic Joe Spinelli in the 1980 cult favorite “Maniac”. In 1981 she also had a part as a nun in the Ryan O’ Neal comedy “So Fine”. So anytime you see the name Gail Lawrence in a mainstream film from back in the day you will know it was Ms. Clayton.
By the mid 80’s Abigail Clayton literally disappeared from adult view altogether leaving behind a reputation as one of the most sensual women to ever grace the adult screen. This very talented woman only did about 45 films during her time in porn, but in her brief adult career left behind some classic performances that will always be remembered and enjoyed.
Thankfully most all her films are now available on DVD. Ms. Clayton, who just turned 60 in June, was inducted into the XRCO Hall of Fame in 2008. How she has not yet been inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame is a mystery. I would hope that will be corrected one day as she most definitely deserves a place in that Hall.
While there is nothing available in regards as to where she is today, it is believed by some she may be living back on the east coast where she grew up. If you have not yet had the pleasure of seeing any of Abigail Clayton’s performances, be sure to check out the films we mentioned and others in her catalogue. You will be in for a treat from one of the true stars of porn’s early golden age.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
