LOS ANGELES—Reb Sawitz, who founded Pretty Girl International—the only rival adult talent agency during porn's Golden Age to Jim South's World Modeling—died Sunday morning at his L.A.-adjacent home after succumbing to a short battle with cancer. He was 75.
Legendary performers who got their start with Pretty Girl International include Amber Lynn, Alana Evans, Alexandra Silk, John Strong, Brandon Iron, Annabelle Chong, Teri Weigel, Nikki Dial and more. The late William Margold worked at the agency for some time as well.
Said by some to have been the inspiration for Burt Reynolds' Jack Horner character in the landmark 1997 porn drama, Boogie Nights, Sawitz also did some work as a background actor (albeit mostly uncredited) in the 1960s and early '70s, including appearances in Elvis Presley vehicle Viva Las Vegas and softcore cult classic Flesh Gordon. In addition, he was listed as a producer on the Cash Markman-directed XXX spoofs Caught From Behind 26: L.A.D.P. and L.A.D.P.: Life Between the Sheets. He was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame in 2001.
In March of 1987, Sawitz was arrested at his North Hollywood office on pandering charges as part of a sting operation following the scandal that erupted the year prior when it was discovered that Traci Lords had done the majority of her work in adult before turning 18. Sawitz's arrest was in connection with a 16-year-old girl's appearance in an adult movie, and he told the LA Times after the arrest that he believed the girl in question was not a minor and that he had been "set up" by her mother.
Sawitz's son Shane told AVN that his father donated much of his time and money in his later years to baseball organizations for kids. He also noted that his father wanted badly to attend Jim South's recent 80th birthday party but was unable to due to his health. "While the two may have been rival agents, there was a mutual respect," Shane said.
The younger Sawitz offered the following statement, as well, on behalf of the family: "We are blessed to know our Dad touched so many lives. It was important to my parents to help everyone that came to them, and they helped just as many people into the industry, as they kept away, recognizing those who needed support instead. We're taking the time for ourselves and we thank you all for the support."
Alana Evans related to AVN that Sawitz and his wife Gerri, who passed away in 2015, were known for taking many struggling "fresh off the bus" starlets into their home but maintained a "three-day rule" stipulating that they would have a place to stay until they could get on their feet, but within three days were mandated to call their parents and let them know where they were and what they were doing.
Director Luc Wylder, on behalf of himself and wife Alexandra Silk, commented, "We are deeply saddened, yet honored to have known Reb. His company Pretty Girl International was one of two adult modeling agencies in the late '80s. Reb and his dearly departed wife Gerry were like family for many of us. They opened their hearts and their homes by providing love and a supportive environment for countless newcomers. Alexandra Silk and I extend our deepest condolences to all whose lives he touched. May Reb's memory be a blessing to us all."
Evans added that she and others are working on putting together an industry memorial for Sawitz and will announce details once they're arranged.
Photo of Reb Sawitz courtesy of Shane Sawitz
