As our last in the series for 2016, who better to put a wrap on the year than a true icon and pioneer in the adult industry

She was Truly an Adult Industry Pioneer!

This future star was born Gail Klinetski on August 28, 1940. She was raised in the Bronx, went to school in New York, got her college degree and became a successful Wall Street stocks and bonds company rep. She also spent time working in PR for Elektra Records and also put in time working for Johnny Carson’s publicist prior to entering into the world of porn. Of course we are talking about a great legend of porn’s golden age, Gloria Leonard, one of the most popular names back in the 1970’s, ‘80’s and still today. Though she was successful in her various PR roles a chance meeting with a friend in the booming adult film business in New York changed everything. She gave up her corporate career and decided to get into the growing world of porn in New York.

Gloria was tall (5’ 10”), and with a 40-33-37 knockout of a figure, brown hair and eyes that had a sensual, seductive look, she was a natural in front of the camera. She made her hardcore debut in the 1976 film “Sex Maniac”, but it was in “The Opening of Misty Beethoven” that really jump started her career. During her time in front of the camera Ms. Leonard did about 70 films that included “The Trouble With Young Stuff”, “Fortune Smiles”, “All About Gloria Leonard” , “Intimate Desires”, “Heat Wave” among them until she left films in 1984.

Her very seductive look, a seemingly non stop sexual appetite and the fact that she was a natural as an actress made her a very popular performer. Gloria wasn’t content to just be in front of the camera and was one of the first females to go behind the camera and direct. In 1981 Gloria married well known porn producer Bobby Hollander and they remained married until 1990 when they divorced.

After she left the industry as far as films, Ms. Leonard became the publisher of the very popular men’s magazine, High Society. She basically oversaw every facet of the popular magazine and held the publisher position for 14 years. She also brought many innovations for men’s magazines. One that she created was the genre of “Celebrity Skin”, along with pioneering the phone sex industry. It was Ms. Leonard who took her fight for this innovation all the way to the Supreme Court and won. That ruling and this new business created by Ms. Leonard would open up another financially lucrative door for adult entertainment.

In 1993 Ms. Leonard moved to Hawaii to settle down with her daughter, who ran a very successful art gallery there. In 1997 she returned to California and went to work for the Private Media group for a time. She was also became president of the Free Speech Coalition and stayed active in many First Amendment battles appearing on many TV talk shows to fight for the causes she strongly believed in.

She was living a good life in Hawaii. Then on January 31, 2014 she suffered a massive stroke and was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. As a result of the stroke, Gloria suffered extensive brain damage, and on February 3, 2014, at the age of 73, Gloria Leonard died after having her life-support systems disconnected.

Gloria Leonard was an award winning actress and is a worthy member of both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame. She was truly one of porn’s early female pioneers in many areas besides films. Her fan website www.glorialeonard.com  is one of the most popular today for both new and old fans alike. Through today’s technology, most of her great films from the 70′s and 80′s are available on DVD.

When best known names from the early golden age of porn are mentioned, Gloria Leonard’s name will always be one that is quickly remembered and mentioned. She is the “grand dame” of porn. When you see some of this exquisite lady’s performances you will understand why she is still a very popular figure in adult to this day.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN