A true legend of Porn

One of the most instantly recognizable names from the golden age of porn is Kay Parker. This very talented Brit made an immediate impact in the adult film world when she began her successful adult career back in the mid and late 1970’s. So what is the Kay Parker story?

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 when an older couple invited her to their family.

When she came to 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 and the idea of porn turned her off and she said no. After a while she changed her mind and eased into it by doing 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 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. From there 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 playing the domineering and mean stepmother.

But 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 of course was the film “Taboo” 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, really created a lot of buzz, controversy and popularity. One thing that everyone agreed on was the fact that Kay Parker was the only one who could have played that role and carried it the way she did. She would appear in the next two sequels as well.

While it was the film “Taboo” that really brought her to prominence, Kay  appeared in more than 120 films during her career and  always displayed some serious acting chops and a raw, mature sexuality that was very explosive. Among the films she appeared in were “Vista Valley PTA”, “The Dancers”, “Memphis Cathouse Blues”, Private Teacher” and “Matinee Idol” among them. Ms. Parker has said that she started her career in adult films as a way of exploration into her own sexuality.

She left adult films after 1984 mainly because of the AIDS scare along with other reasons. She would eventually come back to the industry 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 73, 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. Jill Nelson listed Kay in her book, “25 Legendary Women of Classic Erotic Cinema”. She is a member of both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame and also a member of the Legends of Erotica. She now a counselor and lecturer about the New Age metaphysical and very well respected in the field. She still occasionally makes appearances at awards shows and functions.

When there is talk about the very special women of porn’s past this classy Brit’s name is always at the top where it belongs. She gave this industry so very much during her time in front of the cameras. Classic performances and classic films along with awards, admiration and love all go hand and hand with this legendary star of adult films. Kay Parker was, and is, one of a kind and we are very fortunate to have had a woman of this stature grace the adult screens with so many memorable and unforgettable performances.

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