This article originally ran in the December 2013 issue of AVN magazine.
She started as an exotic dancer at 19 years old. But A.J. Applegate says that even at “a very young age” she was interested in the adult industry. “I was always comfortable with my body, and being shy was never a problem for me.” Then Applegate got into nude and fetish modeling. After that, she says, “I knew it was then the right time to try and get into the adult industry.” Now she’s working steadily and building buzz with her budding career as a performer.
The Basics: Hometown: Massapequa, N.Y. | Age: 24 | Measurements: 34-26-38 | Hair: Blonde | Eyes: Blue
How were you growing up? Would your adult career be a shock to people?
One of my good friends actually texted me the other day. He said, "Do you remember saying you wanted to be a porn star in eighth grade? Now you are one!" [Laughs]. My friends weren't surprised at all. I think they all knew this was coming. Growing up, though, I didn't lose my virginity until I was almost a senior in high school. I was more like a closet freak.
Did you watch porn before getting into the biz? If so, what did you watch?
Yes, I watched a lot of porn growing up. I really looked up to Jenna Haze, Briana Banks, Sky Lopez and Jenna Jameson. I love watching g/g porn. That's what gets me off the most. I still watch porn to this day, but only old-school porn.
Did you have any jobs before porn?
I had a couple minimum wage jobs here and there during college. I took a break from school for a while, and started teaching dance. I also danced for a bunch of pro sports teams. After that, I joined a go-go dancing company in New York City. I still work for them when I'm home.
Tell us more about your dance background.
Dancing is a huge part of my life. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't dance anymore.
I can't go too in-depth about who I danced for, because that is something I would still love to go back to. I can say that I danced for two arena football teams, and a semi-pro basketball team. Also, I was the director/choreographer for a professional soccer dance team.
How experienced were you sexually before porn? Has performing revealed new fetishes you previously hadn't discovered?
I think before entering porn, I had already reached my sexual peak. [Laughs] I was used to a lot of fetishes from dancing at a club, too. I do love that porn has allowed me to fulfill my most desirable fantasies. The one act I never did in my personal life before porn was anal. I was always really scared it was going to hurt. Porn showed me the right way to go about it, and that it does feel good.
What are your favorite things about your job?
Well, obviously that I get to have sex with all these beautiful people, and get paid for it! [Laughs] I get to share all these amazing sexual experiences with my fans, and get recognized for my passion toward sex. I think everyone has a porn star deep down inside them. I'm grateful that I get to share that side of me with everyone.
What's the one main thing that civilians don't get about the industry? The biggest misconception?
Civilians just don't understand how I can have sex with all these people and not gain feelings for them. I won't deny, there are certain male performers that I have amazing chemistry with, but at the end of the day we're all there for the same reason—to make an awesome scene. Of course, I've become close with a lot of people that I have worked with. Just like any other job, you have to separate your professional from your personal life.
What turns you on the most?
If you're an amazing kisser you can definitely turn me on! I love when a guy/girl takes there time with me. I love foreplay with a little bit of tease. Oh my, I think I just made myself wet!
Are there any companies you want to work for or talent you want to work with?
The one company I wanted to work with so bad was Elegant Angel. I would still really love to shoot for Digital Playground, and Jenna Haze's company. One of my main goals is to get the cover of Hustler or Penthouse. I've worked with most of the guys, but there are a bunch of girls I'm still dying to work with. I really want to do a scene with Ashley Fires, Kayden Kross, Riley Reid and Riley Steele.
If someone just discovered you, what scenes would you tell them to watch?
I would definitely tell them to watch one of my anal scenes. If I had more g/g scenes I would want them to watch one of those too!
If you could change anything about the business, what would it be and why?
Honestly, I don't know what I would change. If I could shut down all these free sites I would! I guess I wouldn't mind if they made everyone get full panel testing either. Other then that, I do love the industry the way it is.
Do you think porn stars are unfairly stigmatized? Are you afraid of this after you're done performing?
I feel that people who are not open-minded judge us in an unfair manner. Though no matter what business you're in, you can never please everybody. I've always said what people can't understand scares them, and that's definitely true when it comes to this industry. I'm not really afraid of how people are going to judge me when I'm done shooting. I knew what I was getting myself into when I entered this business. I have a lot of things that I want to pursue when I'm done shooting. I'm not going to let judgmental people affect me.
What would you ultimately like to accomplish in this industry? Where do you see your career headed?
I want to get the most out of this experience that I can. I hope that I can shoot as long as possible. Maybe even MILF status. [Laughs] I would love to eventually get the opportunity to direct or have my own production company. No matter what I do after the industry, I'm hoping I can use my name as a marketing tool and not have it be something negative.
What do you enjoy doing on your time off?
Of course, I'm always dancing or working out when I have off. I recently got into fitness, so I'm going back to school to get my personal training certification. When I'm home I make time for my friends and family, because they keep me sane. I also have the best dog in the world, so he gets most of my time.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the industry?
The best advice I could give to someone is be yourself. Don't let what other people are doing in their career affect what you want to accomplish. If you don't feel comfortable with doing something speak up, and don't let anyone take advantage of you. Make sure you're entering the industry for the right reasons, that way you'll get the most out of this experience that you possibly can!
Pictured above: A.J. Applegate in Wet Asses 2 (Jules Jordan Video).
