Joe Romero, RIP

There is some unfortunate news to report as Joe Romero, one of the most recognized faces (and bodies) from 1990s gay porn, has passed. According to GayVN and journalist JC Adams, the prolific pornstar, musician and performance artist who was born David Joseph Romero, passed on October 30 at his home in Manchester, New Hampshire. Romero was one of the first (if not the first) gay Latino pornstars and developed an incredible résumé of hundreds of films.

Although Romero starred in such memorable releases as "Married Cops Do" and Falcon's "Hot Pursuit", much of his later work veered toward leather, BDSM and fetish, with titles like "Daddy's Slave Induction," "Cops at Play," "Bareback Orgy" and the charming "Biker Pigs From Hell," before retiring from the industry in September 2006.

Despite the well-honed bad boy public persona, Romero was quite active in HIV/AIDS causes, animal welfare, and other charities. The actor also created a successful sideline as a rock musician and dubbed himself the "Shock Rock Pornstar." Romero's passing has caused shockwaves across the industry. "I am absolutely devastated. I cannot express the depth of my grief," says Blue Blake, who directed Romeo in the previously-mentioned "Married Cops Do."

According to JC Adams, Joe died due to complications from HIV, as reported by Romero's partner. "His body just couldn't handle everything."

· "RIP: Performer-Musician-Activist Joe Romero" (gayporntimes.com)
· "Joe Romero Passes Away" (avn.com)
· Joe Romero Videography (hisxpress.com)
· Joe Romero Gallery and Videography (alsgaypornstars.com)