Billy Dee

Billy Dee Porn Star Biography

Billy Dee was a trailblazing pioneer of American pornography. The first black man inducted into the XRCO Hall of Fame, he is often credited as the first major purveyor into interracial pornography.

Beginnings of Billy

Born in San Diego, California on September 25, 1951, Dee first entered the world of adult films in 1978, at the age of 27. When a mutual friend asked his girlfriend if she'd have any interest in making adult films, "...I said 'to heck with that can't you use both of us?," Billy said. "I just said, 'Honey, they want to pay us for something we do all the time. What have we got to lose?'" After some time spent making 8mm films (including his debut, "The Legend of Lady Blue"), he benefitted greatly from the industry turnover to video, and became one of the best known stars of the day.

Interracial Ambassador

Billy made his greatest impact on the industry as one of the forerunners in the "Interracial" genre. In the 1980's, interracial relationships were still relatively taboo, and their depiction in film (even ADULT films), even moreso. As Billy describes it, "A lot of the girls would not with black actors...but they considered me white even though I had an afro and a moustache." His mixed heritage helped him to sneak under the radar with both the producers as well as the stars. "I am mixed race; I have Irish in me, Mexican, black, so I got away with it by basically not looking black," he said. His mixed-heritage good looks and quick wit during shoots put him in demand which, over time, nurtured a greater acceptance of interracial pornography in general. As a testament to his contributions, in 2002 he was the first black man inducted into the XRCO Hall of Fame.

Life After Porn

After almost two decades as an adult film star and director, Dee received a new calling in life; he dropped out of the business in order to enroll at a bible college. His spirituality wasn't anything new; he claims to have often read the bible between scenes, to the snickers and teasing of his fellow castmates. Still, Billy Dee forged ahead on a new road. Though never shy about his history, he never returned to the industry. He currently resides in Bristol, United Kingdom.