Porn Pioneer John Leslie Dead At 65

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  — John Leslie, who appeared in more than 300 adult films in the 1970s-80s before moving on to directing, has died in Northern California.

Leslie, whose real name was John Nuzzo, won pornography industry awards as both an actor and director. He appeared in such titles as "Cry for Cindy" and "Talk Dirty to Me," the 1980 film that solidified his status as porn's leading man.

Mark Kernes, senior editor of the adult film publication AVN, says Nuzzo was a talented director with an artistic eye for detail. Nuzzo was inducted into the Legends of Erotica Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, as well as AVN's Hall of Fame.

Friends say Nuzzo died Sunday of an apparent heart attack at his Mill Valley home at the age of 65.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Kathleen.

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