Adams was the brother of Amber Lynn, who got him into the adult business in the '80s after she had established herself as a performer. They kept their family relationship a secret until they were forced to reveal it to avoid doing a scene together.
Adams had trouble with drugs and alcohol, which he freely admitted, and suffered several heart attacks in the late '90s.
Adams was a triple-threat: actor, sex performer and director. He is credited on the Internet Adult Film Database with performances in 681 titles (including comps) and directing 80 titles, including several volumes of "Babewatch" and the action-adventure "Operation: Centerfold." He was nominated several times for adult awards and was inducted into the XRCO and AVN Halls of Fame.
"He was a standup guy, very straight forward and a kind of hero here at VCX," said David Sutton, president of classic-film distributor VCX. "Especially among our younger editors who watched the man at work with some of the top talent of the day. We'll miss him."
Adams is survived by his sister Amber Lynn and a daughter. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
