SIMI VALLEY, Calif.—Prominent (some might say "legendary") adult director Cass Paley, who helmed 185 features under the name "Wesley Emerson," was a mainstay in adult for nearly two decades, being known for multiple volumes of such series as Deep Inside... for VCA Pictures and No Man's Land for Video Team, though he also directed for at least a dozen other companies, including Wicked Pictures, Odyssey Group, K-Beech Video and Jill Kelly Productions. But Paley, now disabled, hasn't directed since 2010, and he's currently facing eviction from his longtime residence—so he's started a GoFundMe campaign to be able to move into a new home.
"I am broke..living on social security and the help from friends has been very frustrating and so very out of character for me," Paley's GoFundMe campaign page reads. "My landlord gave us an eviction notice December 18 and i must be out February 18. i have to come up with first and last month rent or i am literally out on the streets. I need at least $4500.00 for moving in expenses and deposit fees and i am coming up very short. In addition, Marianne has been put on a forced hiatus from her painting job. Being in a wheelchair and a walker does not help. Sorry to drop this little bombshell, but i am desperate."
The "Marianne" referred to above is Golden Age adult actress Kelly Nichols, Paley's longtime companion, who's lived with him off and on for nearly 20 years, and who's his primary caregiver now. We visited Paley a few weeks ago, and while in reasonably good spirits, it was clear that he doesn't get around well. Besides needing his walker and wheelchair, Paley suffers from diabetes and liver disease, and must receive regular dialysis treatments.
Several of the donors to Paley's GoFundMe had supportive words for him.
"Cass is a Porn OG Director... Anyone who was around back in the day knows he was a great guy... Help out with whatever donation you can!!!" urged director Brad Armstrong.
"I adore you and, Nobody does it better than you. I hope this helps," wrote Nina Hartley.
But with just over two weeks left before Paley must vacate his current residence and move to a new one, and with only a little more than $1,000 needed to meet his goal, he's hopeful that the adult entertainment community will chip in to help him.
The Cass Paley "Eviction for Christmas" GoFundMe campaign page is here.
