LOS ANGELES—Longtime industry photographer/videographer Frank Thomas died April 6 following a years-long bout with liver cancer, AVN has confirmed. He was 69.
Thomas’ sister Maureen Frank relayed the details of Thomas' passing to AVN, adding that he had kept his medical issues private while maintaining a positive attitude even as his health declined. She said that Thomas had been diagnosed five years ago, approximately. Seven months ago, he left Los Angeles to relocate to San Diego, in order to be close to her and other family. He was in hospice care for one day before he passed away, Frank reported.
Frank said that since they were only 18 months apart (or “Irish twins,” she joked), she and Thomas were very close and that, over the years, she had attended several industry red carpets and Hollywood events. However, Frank added that her brother was always protective and wouldn’t allow her into the events.
“Frank Thomas spent 20 years in the industry he truly loved,” she commented. “The people he worked with became like family. Frank had so much fun at all the events. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten.”
A funeral service for Thomas was held on April 18, in San Diego, California, where he was interred at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
A constant presence at adult industry events for two decades, Thomas would often be found in the scrum of photographers on gala red carpets and event step-and-repeats. Low key and unassuming, his casual style fit in with the ranks of the “porn paparazzi.”
Thomas was also a content creator for his own label, Wild Wild West Entertainment, producing IBangedTheCameraMan.com. Like many freelance industry journalists and creators, little was known about his personal background. Thomas’ friend and veteran industry photographer Dominic Acerra, of EMMReport, said that before Thomas embarked on an adult career, he had been a legal videographer, recording depositions for the courts.
Recalled Acerra, "We were roommates in Reseda for 15 years. Frank forged his own path. While some people are content being alive, Frank chose to live, he didn't care what other people thought, didn't let perceptions of what certain people in certain industries were supposed to look like, act like—some people have dreams, Frank lived his.
“In the adult industry that has no adults in it, many, many people didn't like or agree with the way he did certain things, which he used to laugh about,” Acerra continued. “Politics be damned, perceptions are for people content with playing the game and upset when they don't get what they feel they deserved. While they were busy waiting or imagining what they wanted their life to be like, he was busy living it. Wasn't always perfect, sometimes not too pretty, but it was a hell of a ride.
“Ask anyone about Frank, you'll get a different response,” he added, “That is a life well lived.”
“Frank was always a part of our red carpet and gala party crew,” said Tony “Batman” Pucillo, former industry radio personality and event emcee. “His easy going personality made it easy for him to navigate Hollywood with ease most of the time.
“My most prominent memory of us together was at the Playboy Mansion when we were there to cover the event for the Howard Stern Show. (Gary [Garver] was sick so I was filling in.) Anyway, once we got inside they asked us not to film anymore. Without hesitation, Frank called someone and fixed it ... the rest of the night we were treated like royalty.
“For all of us together, we’d have a six to eight-person crew sometimes ... after-party breakfast was the best. I enjoyed being Frank’s host because he was always attentive and professional and that made me feel more at ease, which allowed me to open up on the mic and allow more of my personality to come out. He was good like that, making others' jobs easier,” Pucillo reminisced.
“It seems I met Frank 25 years ago and he did some work for our All Media Play company back in the early days of my directing career. He was a fixture at all of the industry events and attended just about all of our big Heaven & Hell Halloween parties,” offered AVN Hall of Fame director Will Ryder.
“It’s sad to hear his long illness finally caught up to him. None of us are on this planet forever so this is a reminder to enjoy life, work hard and have great friends,” Ryder added.
“I remember him always sitting at the Dunkin Donuts table, watching stars walk by during AEE, at The Virgin [Hotel],” remarked XRCO co-founder Dirty Bob.
Longtime adult personality and host of podcast “Inside the Industry” James Bartholet said, “I've worked with Frank before on my programs and for red carpet events. Always appreciated his hard work and dedication. He will be missed.”
On Thomas’ Facebook page, on May 4, former performer Tommy Lawrence commented, “Woke to the sad news of Frank Thomas‘ passing… what a great guy and a good friend… spent years seeing him at industry events doing photography for the red carpet… also hanging out at the old Burbank ca PSK [Pornstar Karaoke], so many great memories. R.I.P Frank you will be missed.”
Performer Isiah Maxwell posted, “RIP Frank Thomas. Met when I first started in the industry. A very big supporter of me during my intern days, covered my events and was the nicest. Thank you for your kindness. You will be missed.”
Immoral Entertainment’s “Porno” Dan Leal commented, “Damn. Frank used to come to all parties I threw for AEBN when I first moved to L.A.”
Producer/director Ray Dark wrote, “My condolences to Frank’s family. He was always such a cool, friendly dude. I enjoyed our talks at parties and shows over the years. We had been messaging recently, so this hits hard. Rest easy, Frank. Really gonna miss running into you, my friend. You brought the good energy every time.”
Thomas is survived by his sister, niece Karen Mertz, and other family members and friends.
