Charlie Pattinson’s porn star past couldn’t be more different to the life we know and love from the present day. This was a time when porn stars didn’t have to pretend to be someone they’re not while filming, their only concern was pleasing the director and the camera.
Pattinson was born in Kent in 1975. At the age of 15, he landed his first role as a tree groomer in a forest movie. Two years later, he played a small role in a movie called Sex Drive. By the age of 18, he had appeared in over 40 films and gained a reputation as a rising star. He also attended various acting courses, where he developed his craft.
However, fame came at a price. During this time, Pattinson began to struggle with his mental health. He spoke about his time in the industry during an interview with Men’s Health:
“It was a pretty chaotic time. I was doing seven days a week, non-stop, filming at the weekends. I wouldn’t say it was all bad though. I was getting paid well and getting to travel the world and meet people. But there were also lots of crazy parties, lots of drinking, lots of drugs. It really was like being in a bubble. And it didn’t help that there were lots of rumors about me floating around. Everyone wanted to know what was going on, but no one was allowed to ask. It became this weird status quo.
“That’s why I decided to leave the industry when I did. I wanted to prove to myself that I could still be successful without all of that chaos. I worked my way through the ranks, slowly building up my own agency and managing my own clients. I started my own production company and began to produce my own adult films. Nowadays, I work much fewer hours and enjoy a much more relaxed lifestyle. I make more money and I don’t have as much to do. I have a small child and a wife I love dearly. It’s all very different to what I used to do.”
And while Pattinson may have moved on from the industry, his former colleagues haven’t. Many porn stars shared their thoughts on Twitter about the late actor and whether his time in the industry was beneficial or harmful.
Was It Worth It?
Samantha Raine, also known as Samantha Jade, had this to say on Twitter:
“Charlie was one of the kindest and most giving people I’ve ever known. He treated everyone the same no matter the race, religion or gender. Even when he was struggling with his mental health, he never showed signs of racism, homophobia, or hatred. He was one of the most thoughtful and considerate people I’ve ever known. I’m so, so devastated. I love him so much and will miss him terribly. He changed my life in more ways than one. God bless him and keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Nika North, a British porn star who’s worked with many well-known directors, had this to say on Twitter:
“I met Charlie at a time when I was at the very beginning of my career. He saw something in me that I didn’t even know I had and helped me to realize my full potential. Without Charlie, I wouldn’t be where I am today – a successful director and producer. I owe him a lot.”
Peter North, Nika’s husband and the founder of Blue Box Films, added:
“I started working with Nika when she was just nineteen. She had been in the industry for a few years but wasn’t making much progress. She was one of the sweetest and most modest people I’ve ever met. She was completely unassuming and didn’t think she was worthy of all this attention. She was a joy to work with and has become one of the most successful young directors in the business. Without a doubt, Charlie Pattinson was a huge part of the reason behind her success. He introduced her to the industry and saw something in her that no one else did. He believed in her and gave her the confidence to believe in herself. I miss him dearly and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.”
What Now?
With so much talk of mental health in the industry, many are wondering how Pattinson’s death will affect the adult entertainment world. According to Alisha Madorski, MD, a psychiatrist who works with the industry:
“The adult entertainment world is a big world, with lots of different types of people. We don’t know what the long-term mental health effects of working in this industry will be. But, based on what we know now, I’d say it’s likely to be very harmful. There’s a lot of stress, a lot of pressure, and a lot of loneliness. Being on set can also be very isolating, especially for young people.”
Madorski also mentioned that people in the industry are not always comfortable with their sexuality, which can cause issues down the line. She continued:
“There’s also a history of trauma, sexual assault, and abuse in this industry. People aren’t always comfortable being open about these things, but it’s important to have these conversations. Is this something that has always interested you? Are you comfortable talking about your mental health and how you’re feeling? These are all important things to consider, especially if you’re going into the industry or continuing in the industry as a job.”
Pattinson is survived by his wife, Kelly, and their son, Charlie Pattinson Jr. His former partners and colleagues will miss him dearly as well. While he may no longer be in the industry, his legacy lives on through his family and friends.