John Holmes (actor)

John Curtis Estes (August 8, 1944 ? March 13, 1988) better known as John Holmes, John C. Holmes or Johnny Wadd (after the lead character in a series of related films), was a porn star of the 1970s and 1980s that included one gay film and a handful of gay loops. Holmes is best known for his large penis (generally estimated at between 12-15 inches), his involvement in the brutal Wonderland Murders in 1981, and his death from AIDS. He starred in a large number of loops and features and is one of the most famous male porn stars of all-time.

Drugs and "Wonderland Murders"

Holmes's drug addiction began to affect his ability to perform in porn, and producers' willingness to hire him, so he ventured into crime, selling drugs for gangs, possibly prostituting himself to both men and women, committing credit card fraud and petty theft. In 1976, he met a 16-year old girl, Dawn, who became his girlfriend, and after he fell on hard times he later prostituted her. In 1981, he was arrested for stealing a computer from a car.

Related Topics:
Drug addiction - Prostituting - Credit card - 1976 - 1981

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Holmes had developed a close friendship with drug dealer and nightclub owner Eddie Nash, who supplied Holmes with drugs he desired, principally cocaine. At the same time, Holmes was closely associated with the so-called Wonderland Gang, frequently selling drugs for them. After stealing from a couple of drug runs, Holmes found himself in trouble with the Wonderland Gang. Allegedly in exchange for his life, he told gang leaders in 1981 about Nash and a very large stash of drugs, money and jewelry Nash had, and helped to set up a robbery.

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After the robbery, Nash is believed to have suspected Holmes had a part in it, and after getting Holmes to confess to his participation, Nash allegedly exacted revenge against the Wonderland Gang. Four of the gang's members were later found killed in what is now known as the Wonderland Murders or "Four on the Floor" (police reference to the crime), or "Laurel Canyon Murders" by the local press. Holmes was incarcerated in connection with the murders, and spent six months in jail. He was acquitted of murder charges. He refused to tell authorities what he knew about the case, and spent some time in jail for contempt of court.

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Gebenini divorced him while he was in jail in 1982. Holmes returned to the porn industry on his release, and suddenly found himself for a brief period with more job offers than he could physically perform. However, he was no longer the premier male star, although still a major attraction, and the pay rates had gone down. His drug addiction continued as did the inconsistency of his ability to perform on set. At this time he appears to have become disillusioned with the porn industry.

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