She was born January 1, 1959 in California and grew up as the typical blonde, blue eyed “California girl”. To many people who follow porn, Lysa Thatcher may not be a household name from porn’s golden age, but she made a major contribution to the industry during the 70′s and early 80′s. She was considered the undisputed queen of young girls in porn. With a pretty face, the natural blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes and terrific body she didn’t look a day past the age of a high schooler. It was that young, innocent, girl next door appearance that would serve her very well during her time in the industry.
She had a youthful vision of innocent sexual curiosity about her that played very well and she knew just how to project that. It also was a big advantage that Lysa possessed some very good, natural acting chops and landed a number of young girl, Lolita type roles she could pull off in a very realistic and convincing way. She had a way of being compliant and letting her older male partners take the lead in her scenes. However, once the scene got going Ms. Thatcher really turned it on and displayed some wild sexual talents giving her scenes a sexual realism that the viewer could feel.
As for the films she appeared in there was “Coed Fever”, “Budding Blondes”, “Summer School”, “High School Memories”, titles that showed just what Lysa Thatcher was perfect for. While she only did about 70 films during her time in porn, she definitely lit up the screen with her youthful looks, acting skills and amazing sexual talents. Looking back, those who remember her and worked with her consider Lysa’s very best all around performance coming in the 1981 film “Neon Nights,” with Veronica Hart, Kandi Barbour, Eric Edwards and Jamie Gillis, a true classic of the golden age with a standout cast of performers who all could act. She played the part of a young girl with a vivid fantasy life who has a disappointing affair with her mother’s boyfriend. The entire film was done with a mainstream skill that really makes the film click. She also appeared in a couple of Swedish Erotica films and “The Erotic World of Seka” portraying Seka’s little sister.
She left the business in 1986, and never returned seemingly disappearing into thin air. Today at 65, Lysa Thatcher’s whereabouts, whether she is alive or dead and what she might be doing are unknown as I have not found anything in my researching. While she was not the big major “superstar” in porn, she left behind some memorable performances that can now be seen on remastered DVD’s. Be sure to check out one of porn’s most underrated performers who gave it her all in every way, Lysa Thatcher.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
