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.

Legacy

Holmes's legacy has become more renowned and publicly acceptable. A documentary on his life (Wadd - the Life and Times of John C. Holmes) has achieved cult status among certain late-night college campus independent film houses, and some elements of the film Boogie Nights were loosely based on Holmes's life, including the Laurel Canyon "Wonderland" murders. That aspect of Holmes' life was presented in a biographical movie called Wonderland, starring Val Kilmer and released on October 17, 2003.

Related Topics:
Boogie Nights - Val Kilmer - October 17 - 2003

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Finally, since the majority of Holmes' loops have gone into public domain following the collapse of Caballero Control Corporation in 1990, there are efforts underway to locate all surviving 8mm loops starring Holmes and convert them to DVD for posterity. However, since the life expectancy of most 8mm films is very poor due to the nature of the film stock used at that time ? those familiar with the Zapruder film will understand the issue here ? it is believed that as much as 60-70% of Holmes' loops may already be lost forever.

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