Gay XXX Uniform and leather performer Troy Steele, who also worked as an AIDS activist years before he got into the adult industry, died Monday, Sept. 26, of an AIDS-related infection in a hospital in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 43 years old.
Steele, who's real name is Scott Saunders, was a tireless activist and liaison for Aid for AIDS, based in West Hollywood, Calif., which helps provide people with basic living needs who are suffering from HIV.
Steele helped bridge the gap between the gay adult community and the AIDS agencies that were hesitant to be associated with the adult industry in the mid-1990s. He won the Leo Ford AIDS Humanitarian Award at the Gay Erotic Video Awards in 1996.
After working so closely with the adult industry through the charities, he became a successful and prolific porn star himself, specializing in uniform and leather titles. He also represented many stars as an agent.
Paul Barresi, who directed Steele in 15 movies, said, "He pulled off acting roles that were pivotal to the plot of two of my most successful videos, Marine Code of Silence — in which he played a handsome, suave, cool-headed private investigator — and The Underboss — in which he brilliantly portrayed a Mafia soldier turned FBI informant. The majority of performers in the adult entertainment arena are not genuine actors. Scott Saunders truly was. A director is only as good as the performers and actors he directs. Scott was a wonderful performer and a perfectionist, who always gave one hundred percent." Barresi added, "Scott was my good friend. He will be sorely missed."
Noted for his outlandish costumes, piercings, tattoos, and bare-bottom pants, he also represented Erik York and many European models as Steele Productions. He appeared in Jet Set, Video 10, U.S. Male, and Oh Man!
Studios videos in titles such as Straight Guys/Straight Trade, Leather Training Center, Flyin' Solo, Fleet Home Cummin', Black Brigade, Leather Watch, and The Orgy Boys.
"I never cared much about the awards, they were always fun to go to, but I knew I wouldn't ever get nominated, and I didn't care. It was a big fun excuse for everyone to get together and be friendly to each other," Steele said. "Winning the Humanitarian Award is a highlight for me in my life, it brings together everything I've ever wanted to do and dreamed of doing."
When he fell ill a month ago, his family gathered with him at the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and his father was with him when he died, a close friend said.
"He was such a nice guy, one of the nicest ever in the adult industry," said longtime friend and GAYVN reviewer Jordon Sable.
A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 42695 Washington St., Palm Springs.
Photo courtesy of Mickey Skee.
