LOS ANGELES—After accumulating a distinguished body of work over three decades in the adult industry, Amber Lynn is now working to establish a multifaceted mainstream career. For Lynn, who’s known for her tireless work ethic, her recent foray into mainstream projects came from taking advantage of the many opportunities that have come her way—but also from her perseverance in seeking out new avenues for growth. As the bridge connecting porn and mainstream becomes shorter, Lynn stands out as an example that a porn background no longer hinders one from following mainstream pursuits.
“The year 2015 has been a very exciting time for me,” Lynn told AVN. “I have taken on several different mainstream roles and the momentum has created more and more desirability and marketability for me in the mainstream market. So it’s kind of been a snowball effect. [2016] will be another big year. 2015 had been a big year for me but now I’m going into more production on the mainstream projects that I’m working on. I’m very excited. I’ve been working really hard on landing these roles, preparing for these roles, getting coached for the roles that are coming up for me. None of the roles are of me playing a porn star but they’re definitely a big stretch from playing a porn star.”
Lynn’s projects cover both TV and film work, including roles in front of and behind the camera that will showcase her strengths as an actress and producer. Take It Back is a mob show Lynn describes as the next Sopranos, produced by Respect Productions in New York City and scheduled for release this year. Lynn plays the co-featured role of Carla Cash Benjamin, the right hand to crime boss Al Bonitelli, played by Lynn’s frequent collaborator Peter Gaudio. Wiseguys and Whackjobs, another mob-themed project, is an animated TV series directed by Danny Provenzano that stars Gaudio, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, Chuck Zito and Frank Adonis. Lynn plays Hardbody, a federal agent of questionable background who goes undercover to investigate and infiltrate mobsters. A producer on this project as well, Lynn said negotiations are underway to air the show on a cable network.
Additionally, Lynn will have a role in Provenzano’s latest film: a period piece about a fallen woman set in 1800s Venice. Titled She Danced for Kings and slated to begin filming in April, the movie also stars actress Sean Young. Provenzano said he was impressed with Lynn on a lot of levels. “First and foremost when I was auditioning her as a talent, she was amazing. She was able to break through that barrier and she really had great presence. So that was the first thing that got me interested in her. She’s a real talent when it comes to acting. Then I got deeper with her and I started getting involved in some production, and she really is brilliant. She’s got a great head on how to negotiate deals. I’m overwhelmed by her abilities. I’m quite impressed.”
Another prestigious project coming up is her work with playwright Richard Vetere on the upcoming horror film The Hipster Zombie Apocalypse. “He has created a special featured role for me in the project,” Lynn said. “So I’m really excited at the prospect of working with such a tremendous talent.”
“She’s a beautiful, beautiful soul,” said Gaudio, who along with Lynn just finished a fitness training, nutrition and anti-aging supplementation DVD that premiered on Wall Street Week on Fox. “She’s a trooper. She gets up early in the morning and she’s on set an hour before and she knows her lines. She’s completely professional. She’s the last one to leave the set, and does anything else she can do to make the project perfect. She’s an amazing woman, a true professional. I am honored, grateful and very proud to know her the way that I do.”
Despite her demanding schedule, Lynn continues to be involved in philanthropy work for the California Toy Run and Childhood Cancer Awareness. Her most recent philanthropic work was for Janie’s Fund, an organization championed by Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler that focuses on victims of abuse.
In addition, Lynn continues to host the weekly radio show Rock N’ Sexxxy Uncensored on LA Talk Radio, which mixes porn stars with celebrity guests. “In the beginning I was told there was no way I’d be able to get mainstream actors who wanted to be on with porn stars. That has not been the case. Everybody has a great time and they love the show. And they appreciate the expansive market they can promote it to.”
Another big project for Lynn in is her role as executive producer on the upcoming Vanessa del Rio biopic, as well as having a featured role in the film. “I am an absolute fan of my sister Vanessa del Rio,” Lynn said. “She had a lot of influence on me in my career. For me it is a labor of love and an honor to be able to work on the development of Vanessa’s project. Without the Vanessa del Rios, Sekas, the Marilyn Chambers and Georgina Spelvins, there wouldn’t have been a place for Amber Lynn or Ginger Lynn or whomever. The road was paved with the sweat of the women and men who came into the industry before us.”
Set in the golden age of porn in the 1970s, the film is not only about the rise of del Rio but also focuses on government attempts to shut down the industry. Thomas Mignone, the director of the upcoming biopic, said having Lynn on board really helps depict the industry in a realistic and positive light. “Having met her and seeing the work she is doing with groups like the Free Speech Coalition and the way she advocates the proper reflection and depiction of the industry, not only in the adult world but also in the mainstream world, just caused me to really have a strong respect for her. I really wanted to bring her on board the project because it helps ensure that there is a genuine authenticity to the project that I think is important to preserve.”
A biopic on Lynn's life, tentatively titled In Through The Out Door, will center on her life and times in the adult industry in the 1980s, when the video age exploded, through the ’90s. She also will tell her story in Call Me Miss Lynn, an autobiography that chronicles her entire life and her struggles with dependencies, including alcohol; it is slated for release in the spring or summer of 2016.
With all these projects that have come Lynn’s way, some because of her career in porn, Lynn is adamant that having done porn is in no way the hindrance that it once was. “When they say when you do porn you’ll never make it to mainstream again, I’m proving them wrong right now. Not only from behind the camera but in front of the camera. Porn doesn’t stop you from doing anything except the things you choose to limit yourself by it.”
Above, Amber Lynn at the red carpet premiere for the TV series Take It Back with Danny Provenzano (left) and Peter Gaudio (right). Photo courtesy Amber Lynn
