LOS ANGELES—Grooby’s beloved longtime graphic designer and Jack-of-all-trades, Danny, also affectionately known as Sparky Snakeden, has passed away.
He lost his battle with cancer late last week, but was surrounded by his husband and family. He was 38 years old.
“I don’t have the words to accurately summarize the pain I feel from Danny’s passing,” said Grooby’s Marketing and Editorial Director Kristel Penn. “It is a huge loss, not only for his husband and his family, but to his extended family in the adult industry who will miss his sunshine-y presence both online and especially at the TEAs. People knew us as PB and J, because you’d always find us together, and his absence is a cavern I will always carry with me. I feel comfort, however, in the privilege of being his friend and Grooby partner-in-crime for the last 10 years.”
Danny had been with the company since 2010 and was a loyal and visible ally in the trans adult community.
“We're all deeply saddened by Danny's passing,” said Grooby owner Steven Grooby. “He was an integral part of Grooby for many years and his enthusiasm and creativity show in a lot of what we do. Many people will know him from the TEAs as he worked the red carpet and backstage, but he was also behind the scenes designing box covers, video promos, social networking, and more.
Danny was the first person to start using the term ‘Grooby Girls’ after many of the models he was working with referenced themselves as such,” Grooby added. “In the last few years, he'd really found his groove both at work and with his new husband, so the tragedy of seeing someone die so young feels further compounded. He will be missed greatly his legacy will continue through the company, and through what he helped create. My love goes to his husband and family.”
Danny was hired by Grooby in 2010 in a few different capacities, then took other ventures back east. He returned to Los Angeles in 2014 as Grooby’s graphic designer, marketing assistant and hardworking Joe Friday. Many of Grooby’s DVDs, including their long-list of award-winning titles were designed by him.
Danny’s signature bright, fun-loving style can also be found in many of the TEA promos and nomination videos, where he, Dev Grooby and Kristel Penn worked together on handling the graphics and marketing for the popular event.
He was also the host of Grooby’s popular T-Time with Sparky Snakeden YouTube series where he interviewed the industry’s popular TS stars at the company’s Burbank office.
Danny’s family asks for privacy at this time. An online memorial will be posted at Grooby.com and friends are encouraged to share photos and memories of Danny.
