Famous Celebrities in Adult Films – You Won’t Believe #6 & #9!
A Hollywood Walk of Fame star behind a red velvet rope, representing Famous Celebrities in Adult Films and their hidden Hollywood past.
Hollywood is full of surprises, and some of the biggest stars have had roles they'd rather forget. Whether it was early career struggles, financial desperation, or artistic choices, these famous celebrities in adult films shocked fans with their unexpected appearances. Some went on to become legends, while others faded into obscurity. Let’s take a look at 9 well-known figures who starred in adult films before—or during—their time in the spotlight.
#1 Marlon Brando
Last Tango in Paris (1972), the controversial film starring Marlon Brando, is now available to Watch on Prime—one of the most debated performances by a Famous Celebrity in Adult Films. Click Photo
Marlon Brando is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in film history, known for his powerful performances in classics like A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), On the Waterfront (1954), and The Godfather (1972). However, few people realize that this Hollywood legend was also at the center of one of the most controversial films of all time.
In 1972, Brando starred in Last Tango in Paris, a film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. While not an outright adult film, it contained explicit sexual content that pushed the boundaries of mainstream cinema. The most infamous scene, often referred to as the "butter scene," involved Brando’s character using butter as a lubricant during an intense and unsimulated moment with co-star Maria Schneider. The film received an X rating in the United States, and its graphic nature sparked widespread outrage, with critics and audiences debating whether it was a work of art or an exploitation of its actors.
The controversy surrounding Last Tango in Paris only grew over the years. Maria Schneider later revealed that she had not been fully informed about the details of the infamous scene beforehand, leading to a firestorm of accusations against both Bertolucci and Brando. The film was banned in several countries, and even in the U.S., it remained one of the most talked-about X-rated films ever released by a major studio.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its notoriety, Last Tango in Paris became a major box office success, cementing Brando’s reputation as an actor willing to take risks. However, his involvement in the film added a controversial footnote to his legendary career, one that still sparks debate today.
Brando’s legacy includes some of the most iconic roles in film history, from Vito Corleone in The Godfather to Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now (1979). Yet, his role in Last Tango in Paris ensures that he remains one of the most talked-about figures when discussing famous celebrities in adult films. Whether seen as artistic expression or scandalous provocation, Brando’s work in the film industry proves that no topic was off-limits for him.
#2 Cameron Mitchell
The original movie poster for Dixie Ray Hollywood Star (1983), the X-rated noir film featuring Cameron Mitchell, one of the Famous Celebrities in Adult Films who transitioned from mainstream cinema to adult roles.
Cameron Mitchell was a prolific actor whose career spanned over four decades, appearing in more than 230 films and television shows. Best known for his roles in classic Hollywood films and TV Westerns, Mitchell worked alongside some of the biggest stars of his time, including Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Gary Cooper. He starred in Howard Hawks' How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) with Monroe and Lauren Bacall, proving his ability to shine alongside Hollywood royalty.
Mitchell also made a name for himself in the Western genre, appearing in John Ford’s Western Union (1941) and starring as Buck Cannon in the long-running TV series The High Chaparral (1967–1971). He shared the screen with John Wayne in El Dorado (1966) and Clark Gable in The Tall Men (1955), securing his reputation as a reliable leading man.
However, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, Mitchell’s career had taken a downturn. Like many actors struggling with financial difficulties, he took on roles in lower-budget productions. One of the most surprising turns in his career came in 1983 when he starred in Dixie Ray Hollywood Star, an adult film directed by Anthony Spinelli, a well-known name in the X-rated industry. This wasn’t a brief cameo—Mitchell played a central character in the film, marking a shocking shift from mainstream cinema to explicit content.
Dixie Ray Hollywood Star was an ambitious attempt to blend film noir with adult entertainment. The movie featured classic crime drama elements, with Mitchell portraying a hard-boiled detective caught in a scandalous plot. Also starring adult film icons like Lisa De Leeuw, Juliet Anderson, and Veronica Hart, the film stood out for its attempt to merge legitimate storytelling with explicit content.
Unlike some famous celebrities in adult films who later distanced themselves from their explicit roles, Mitchell continued working in B-movies and low-budget exploitation films for the rest of his career. He appeared in cult horror flicks like The Toolbox Murders (1978) and Deadly Prey (1987), never quite reclaiming the Hollywood status he once had.
Despite his unexpected foray into adult cinema, Cameron Mitchell remains best remembered for his roles in classic films and TV series. His work alongside Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, and Clark Gable ensures that his name will always be associated with the golden age of Hollywood—even if his career took an unexpected detour into X-rated territory.
#3 Art Garfunkel
Bad Timing Click Photo to Buy!!!
Best known as one-half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel rose to fame in the 1960s with classic hits like Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Sound of Silence, and Mrs. Robinson. Alongside Paul Simon, Garfunkel helped define folk-rock, creating some of the most memorable music of the era. However, his career wasn’t limited to music—he also pursued acting, which led to one of the most controversial films of his career.
In 1980, Garfunkel starred in the psychological drama Bad Timing, directed by Nicolas Roeg. The film, co-starring Theresa Russell, Harvey Keitel, and Denholm Elliott, was a disturbing exploration of obsession, passion, and psychological manipulation. Garfunkel played a psychiatrist in a toxic and destructive relationship with Russell’s character, leading to scenes of intense emotional and sexual content. The film was so provocative that its distributor, the Rank Organisation, called it "a sick film made by sick people for sick people." It was given an X rating in the United States and was even banned in some countries.
While Bad Timing wasn't an outright adult film, its graphic nature and unsettling themes placed it in the same realm as other films that blurred the line between art and explicit content. The movie’s deeply disturbing subject matter, combined with Garfunkel’s unexpected role, shocked audiences who knew him primarily as a gentle-voiced musician.
Though he never officially starred in an adult film, rumors have persisted over the years that Garfunkel was involved in a lost explicit film. Unlike other famous celebrities in adult films, no concrete evidence has surfaced, but the speculation has kept his name in discussions about controversial Hollywood moments.
Despite his detour into provocative cinema, Garfunkel’s music career remained strong. After Simon & Garfunkel disbanded, he released solo albums, including Angel Clare (1973) and Breakaway (1975), both of which produced hit singles. He also reunited with Paul Simon multiple times, most famously for their 1981 Concert in Central Park, which drew over 500,000 people, one of the largest live music events ever recorded.
Whether through his hauntingly beautiful music or his unsettling film roles, Art Garfunkel left an undeniable mark on both industries. His work in Bad Timing remains one of the most controversial performances by a musician-turned-actor, cementing his place in discussions about famous celebrities in adult films, even if his involvement was more about psychological drama than outright explicit content.
Enjoyed this article? Be sure to check out Famous Celebrities in Prison for more shocking Hollywood stories!
#4 Aldo Ray
The original movie poster for Sweet Savage (1978), the X-rated Western featuring Aldo Ray, one of the Famous Celebrities in Adult Films who took an unexpected turn in his career.
Aldo Ray was a rugged, gravel-voiced actor best known for his tough-guy roles in 1950s and 1960s war films and Westerns. He starred alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest icons, including John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, and Spencer Tracy, carving out a niche as a no-nonsense, all-American hero. His career highlights include starring in Battle Cry (1955), The Naked and the Dead (1958), and the John Wayne-led war epic The Green Berets (1968).
However, by the 1970s, Ray’s career was in decline. Struggling with financial problems and alcoholism, he took on lower-budget roles, including a shocking appearance in the 1978 X-rated Western Sweet Savage. Directed by Ann Perry, one of the few female directors in the adult film industry, the movie was a rare attempt to blend explicit content with traditional Western storytelling. Ray played a supporting role, appearing fully clothed while interacting with the film’s leads.
Unlike some famous celebrities in adult films, Aldo Ray didn’t perform in explicit scenes himself, but his involvement in an X-rated production stunned fans who had once seen him as a Hollywood action hero. While some struggling actors took roles in adult films as a last resort, Ray’s participation seemed more about necessity than choice—an unfortunate reality for many aging stars of his era.
After Sweet Savage, Ray continued to work in B-movies, low-budget thrillers, and exploitation films, often playing hardened criminals or grizzled war veterans. His later films included The Glove (1979) and Don’t Go Near the Park (1979), a bizarre horror film that has since become a cult classic.
Despite the downturn in his career, Aldo Ray’s legacy remains tied to his work in classic Hollywood war films and his collaborations with John Wayne. His unexpected role in an adult Western remains a strange but unforgettable footnote in his otherwise macho filmography, ensuring his place among the most surprising famous celebrities in adult films.
#5 Barbara Streisand (Rumored)
Barbara Streisand is one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time, with a career spanning music, film, and theater. She rose to fame in the 1960s with her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, becoming an icon with albums like The Barbra Streisand Album (1963) and hit songs such as People and Evergreen. She later transitioned into acting, winning an Academy Award for her performance in Funny Girl (1968) and starring in major films like A Star Is Born (1976) and The Way We Were (1973).
However, despite her pristine reputation in Hollywood, Streisand has been the subject of long-standing rumors that she appeared in an adult film before her rise to fame. The alleged film has never surfaced, and no concrete evidence exists to support the claim, but the rumor has persisted for decades. Some sources suggest that early nude modeling photos of Streisand have been mistaken for an actual adult film appearance, further fueling speculation.
Unlike some famous celebrities in adult films, Streisand has never publicly addressed or acknowledged these rumors, leaving them as part of Hollywood’s many unsolved mysteries. Given her commanding presence in the entertainment industry, it’s highly unlikely that such a film exists—if it did, it would have surfaced long ago.
Streisand’s career has remained unshaken by these whispers, as she continued to dominate both the music and film industries for decades. She became the first woman to direct, produce, write, and star in a major studio film with Yentl (1983), proving her status as a trailblazer. Even today, she remains a force in Hollywood, with record-breaking albums, sold-out tours, and a legacy that few can rival.
While the rumors of an adult film remain just that—rumors—Streisand’s undeniable impact on entertainment ensures that she will be remembered for far more than gossip. Whether true or not, her name still gets mentioned in discussions about famous celebrities in adult films, proving that Hollywood loves a scandal—even one that may have never existed.
#6 Sylvester Stallone
Before becoming a Hollywood legend, Sylvester Stallone took on a role in The Italian Stallion (1970), originally titled The Party at Kitty and Stud’s. This early film remains a surprising entry in his career, placing him among the most Famous Celebrities in Adult Films. Watch the trailer to see the unexpected start of Stallone’s journey to stardom.
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars, Sylvester Stallone struggled to make ends meet. Long before his breakthrough role in Rocky (1976), he was just another struggling actor in New York, taking any job he could to survive. In 1970, desperate for money, Stallone took a role in a softcore adult film titled The Party at Kitty and Stud’s. The film was later rebranded as The Italian Stallion to capitalize on Stallone’s later fame.
Unlike some famous celebrities in adult films, Stallone has never shied away from acknowledging his involvement in the project. In interviews, he has openly stated that he was broke and living in a bus station at the time, and the $200 he was paid for the role was the only way he could afford food. The film itself was more of an exploitation flick than outright adult cinema, but it featured enough risqué content to get it labeled as an adult movie.
Stallone’s luck changed in 1975 when he wrote the script for Rocky and refused to sell it unless he was cast as the lead. The gamble paid off—Rocky became a massive hit, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and launching one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood history. Stallone became a household name, going on to star in blockbuster action films like First Blood (1982), Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), and Demolition Man (1993).
Despite his past in The Italian Stallion, Stallone’s career never suffered from the revelation. Unlike other actors who tried to bury their past, he embraced it, often joking about it in interviews. He even once said that if he hadn’t landed Rocky, he would have been stuck doing films like The Party at Kitty and Stud’s for the rest of his career.
Today, Stallone is one of the most recognizable action stars of all time. With multiple sequels in both the Rocky and Rambo franchises, as well as his work in The Expendables series, he has cemented his legacy as a true Hollywood icon. While his early foray into adult cinema remains a curiosity in his filmography, it has done little to tarnish his reputation. Instead, it serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars sometimes have to start at the bottom—literally.
Before achieving fame with Rocky, Sylvester Stallone starred in a 1970 film titled The Party at Kitty and Stud's. More information about this early role can be found on the film's Wikipedia page.
#7 David Duchovny
Red Shoe Diaries Click Photo to Get Your Copy Today!!!
Before becoming a household name as FBI Agent Fox Mulder in the hit TV series The X-Files (1993–2018), David Duchovny had a very different type of role—one that leaned heavily into adult themes. Long before he was chasing aliens alongside Gillian Anderson (who played Agent Dana Scully), Duchovny starred in the erotic television series Red Shoe Diaries, a show known for its steamy, softcore stories.
Red Shoe Diaries premiered in 1992 and ran for five seasons, featuring Duchovny as the host and narrator, reading letters from women detailing their intimate and often provocative experiences. The series blurred the lines between mainstream drama and adult entertainment, making it one of the most notable softcore TV shows of the era. Unlike other famous celebrities in adult films who performed in explicit content, Duchovny’s involvement was more about storytelling, though the show was still far from family-friendly.
Interestingly, Red Shoe Diaries helped prepare Duchovny for his future in mainstream television, as his role showcased his ability to deliver emotionally charged performances. Just one year later, he landed the role of Fox Mulder on The X-Files, which would turn him into a pop culture icon. The series became one of the most influential sci-fi dramas of all time, winning multiple Golden Globes and Emmy Awards while cementing Duchovny’s legacy in television history.
Despite his early career detour into erotic television, Duchovny continued to embrace roles that explored adult themes. His starring role in the hit series Californication (2007–2014) had him playing Hank Moody, a sex-obsessed, washed-up writer navigating a self-destructive lifestyle in Los Angeles. The show was critically acclaimed and won a Golden Globe for Best Actor, further proving that Duchovny had no issue leaning into risqué material.
Unlike some famous celebrities in adult films who later tried to distance themselves from their explicit pasts, Duchovny never had to. His work in Red Shoe Diaries was more suggestive than graphic, and his career only continued to grow. Today, he remains an active actor, starring in films, writing novels, and even pursuing a music career. Whether investigating extraterrestrial conspiracies or delivering steamy monologues, Duchovny has proven that he can balance both the mainstream and the provocative with ease.
#8 Marilyn Chambers
The original movie poster for Behind the Green Door (1972), the groundbreaking adult film starring Marilyn Chambers—one of the most famous Famous Celebrities in Adult Films. Available now on Amazon. Click Photo to Buy!!!
Marilyn Chambers was one of the few adult film stars who successfully crossed into mainstream entertainment, making her one of the most recognized names in the industry. Unlike many performers who remained in the world of X-rated films, Chambers had a career that blurred the lines between adult cinema, Hollywood, and even music.
Before entering the film industry, Chambers had aspirations of becoming a mainstream actress and model. She landed small roles in films like Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and even modeled for Ivory Snow detergent, appearing on the box as the wholesome, fresh-faced young mother. This connection would later add to the shock factor when she starred in the groundbreaking adult film Behind the Green Door (1972).
Chambers was paid $2,500 plus 1% of the gross earnings for her role in Behind the Green Door, which went on to become one of the most famous and financially successful adult films of all time. The film was produced by the Mitchell Brothers, who were known for pushing the boundaries of adult cinema. What made Behind the Green Door unique was its artistic approach, featuring avant-garde cinematography and a lack of traditional dialogue. The film’s success helped Chambers rise to stardom, making her one of the few famous celebrities in adult films to achieve mainstream recognition.
Her mainstream ambitions didn’t end there. In 1977, she starred in David Cronenberg’s horror- Rabid, proving her versatility as an actress. The film, which explored themes of body horror and medical experimentation, became a cult classic. Chambers’ performance was praised by critics, showing that she was more than just a performer in adult films—she had real acting talent.
Beyond acting, Chambers also ventured into music. In the 1980s, she released a disco single titled Benihana and later recorded country songs, proving that she wasn’t afraid to explore different entertainment avenues.
Her impact on pop culture was recognized even outside of adult cinema. In 2000, starred in the film , which told the story of the and the making of Behind the Green Door. The film highlighted Chambers’ role in reshaping the industry, showcasing her as more than just a performer but as a pop culture phenomenon.
Unlike many others in the industry, Chambers never distanced herself from her past, but she also worked hard to show that she was capable of much more. While she is forever associated with Behind the Green Door, her contributions to horror films, music, and pop culture ensure that she will always be remembered as a multi-talented entertainer. Even among famous celebrities in adult films, Marilyn Chambers stands out as someone who broke barriers and left an undeniable mark on entertainment history.
Marilyn Chambers' performance in Behind the Green Door (1972) was groundbreaking, marking a significant moment in adult cinema history. For more details on her career and impact, visit her Wikipedia page.
#9 Viva (Warhol Superstar)
The Blue Movie (1969) poster, now available as an 8x12-inch metal tin sign on Amazon, featuring Andy Warhol’s controversial film starring Viva—one of the most unexpected Famous Celebrities in Adult Films. Click Photo to Buy!!!
Viva, one of the most famous Andy Warhol Superstars, was at the center of the 1960s New York avant-garde art scene. Born Janet Susan Mary Hoffmann, she was handpicked by Warhol to be part of his entourage of experimental artists, actors, and counterculture figures. Unlike traditional Hollywood celebrities, Viva was known for her raw, unfiltered performances and willingness to push artistic boundaries.
Her filmography includes several Warhol-directed projects that blurred the line between mainstream and underground cinema, including Lonesome Cowboys (1968) and Blue Movie (1969), the latter of which was one of the first feature-length films to depict unsimulated sex. However, her most notorious film appearance was in Warhol’s experimental adult film Fuck (1968), which was exactly what its title implied—a completely unscripted, explicit portrayal of sexual activity.
Warhol himself once described his vision for the film, stating, "I'd always wanted to do a movie that was pure f***ing, nothing else, the way Eat had been just eating and Sleep had been just sleeping." The film, featuring Viva and actor Louis Waldon, was shot in an apartment in Greenwich Village and became one of Warhol’s most controversial projects. While it was never given a wide release, it remains a rare and infamous piece of underground cinema history.
Unlike some famous celebrities in adult films who later distanced themselves from their work, Viva fully embraced her counterculture status. She continued to act in experimental films and even transitioned into mainstream Hollywood, appearing in Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam (1972) and Agnes Varda’s Lions Love (1969). She was also a writer, publishing the semi-autobiographical novel Superstar in 1970, which detailed her life in Warhol’s Factory scene.
Despite her controversial film roles, Viva was never just an actress—she was a performance artist, a muse, and a cultural icon. She challenged the conventions of traditional celebrity status and remained a true representative of Warhol’s experimental vision. Among famous celebrities in adult films, she stands out not for scandal, but for her unwavering dedication to artistic freedom.
The Hidden Side of Hollywood
Whether out of desperation, ambition, or artistic exploration, these famous celebrities in adult films left behind some unexpected legacies. While some of these films have been forgotten, others continue to resurface, reminding the world that Hollywood careers can take unexpected turns.
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.