PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Steven J. LaPeikis, better known to fans of gay porn and science fiction novels as Steve Pierce, died March 12 in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 44.
Between 1995 and his retirement from the adult industry in 2004, Pierce appeared in nearly 40 movies for studios including All Worlds Video, Falcon Studios and HIS Video. He was especially noted for his performances in leather and fetish titles.
According to Hot House Entertainment president and founder Steven Scarborough, Pierce "made one of his earliest movies for Plain Wrapped Video in 1995: Doctor Good Glove. He was a considerate gentleman and a ferocious performer. He loved performing, and it was apparent in his films. He made a tremendous contribution to the gay fetish community."
In August 2007, Pierce realized what he called a lifelong dream when P.D. Publishing Inc. released his first novel, World Without Winter. The science fiction thriller, published under Pierce's stage name, follows a conflicted gay man's attempts to reconcile himself with his tortured past while at the same time trying to save the world from the potentially disastrous after-effects of global warming.
In addition to writing and performing, Pierce also was a master tailor, according to an obituary published March 17 in The Desert Sun.
Pierce is survived by his partner of nearly 21 years, Thomas Miller, whom he married in June 2008. In addition, he is survived by his mother, sister and brother, all of whom reside in Pierce's hometown of St. Claire Shores, Mich. Pierce was born there Aug. 18, 1964.
"Steven was a wonderful, considerate, kind and generous human being," Miller wrote in a published tribute. "He always thought of others before himself, and gave all he could to those in need. He loved to play Scrabble, read, go to the gym and travel. His favorite colors were purple, gray and red. He loved alternative music, eating exotic cuisines and just being in the moment.
"He took extraordinarily great care of me, played tricks on me, cooked wonderful meals and was my absolute best friend," Miller continued. "We shared a bond that was powerful. After 20 years together, it was as if we had just met. Our relationship remained fresh, full of optimism and hope for the future. I will miss him more than words can express."
