An Early Porn Pioneer

She was born Linda Marie Mintzer in Williamsport, PA on Sept. 3, 1948. She was raised and went to grade and high school there. She came from a conservative family and in her high school yearbook photo has that “Laura Petrie” look. After graduating and staying around Williamsport for a while, Linda married a local photographer, who would go by the name of Jason Russell. Together they moved to New York City and in 1970 Linda enrolled as a student at New York University. Little did she know that things were about to change.

To supplement income while she was in school, they took on the “stage names” of Jason and Tina Russell and they began their film careers by appearing in “loops,” which were very short, plotless porn films shown in peepshows in New York’s Times Square. They also appeared in a number of “marriage manual” films during the early 1970s, and Tina did some nude modeling as well. They also engaged in doing “live sex shows” in Times Square theaters, but for the most part the sex was simulated. All of this got Tina notice and in the early 70’s she began doing full length porn features.

Jason worked with her in most of them as her sexual partner. However he was also carrying on an affair with porn actress Jean Jennings. Tina filed for, and got a divorce from Jason. Her real star status came in 1973 after her memoir, “Porn Star” was published and she talked about her great life in the New York adult industry. She appeared in close to 100 films in her career. They included “All About Sex”, “Birds and the Beads” “Dark Dreams”, “Bedroom Bedlam”, “Whistle Blowers”, “Untamed Desires” and a number of Blue Vanity scenes.

While Tina continued to work into 1981, alcohol had really taken a major toll on her after her divorce. Because of this Tina’s popularity among her co stars, directors, producers and the fans quickly took a nose dive. It was really a shame because Tina had the overall talent, sexually and as an actress to become a major star in the business. In May of 1981 Tina had gone to San Diego to visit her brother, and according to some, finally seek help. But on May 18, Tina Russel died of renal failure at the young age of 33. It was sad, but because of her alcohol problem and not getting the help she need, it was inevitable this very sexy, talented young lady’s life would come to a tragic end.

She was brought back to Montoursville, Pennsylvania, where the family had her buried under her birth name. In 1985 Tina Russell was posthumously enshrined in the XRCO Hall of Fame. She was a beautiful young lady who gave some very erotic, complete performances in her films, many which are one DVD now. If you have never seen Tina Russell, one of porn’s early bright lights, perform look for some of her films, you will not be disappointed.

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