'Original Porn Star' George McDonald Passes at 70

'Original Porn Star' George McDonald Passes at 70

LOS ANGELES — Pioneering adult performer George McDonald has passed at age 70.

Known for his role in 1972’s breakthrough title, “Behind the Green Door,” McDonald has been called “the first male star of the adult film industry.”

Ashley West recorded his memories of the star in a new introduction to a 99-minute interview with McDonald and noted that when he started The Rialto Report, George McDonald was one of the first people he wanted to include because McDonald was “an adult film star at a time when there were no adult film stars.”

“This was an era of shame and secrecy when no one used their real name, and most people didn’t use any name. But for a time, his name was everywhere — he once counted nine theaters showing his films in San Francisco at the same time,” West said. “He started in the era of short, silent 8mm films and saw firsthand the progression to full-length pornographic features within a couple of years. He was in the industry so early that one of his last films was the Mitchell Brothers’ ‘Behind the Green Door,’ which is often cited as one of the first adult films.”

West called McDonald “an All-American boy” who started life with a promising future. An intelligent, good-looking high school athlete who joined the Air Force during the Vietnam War, McDonald was interested in politics, but found a career opportunity in porn instead, performing in a variety of scenes for the West Coast’s early adult filmmakers, and as West recalled, “[headlined] a live sex show in Hawaii where he competed with John Holmes, and living a life no one that had ever really lived before.”

McDonald also wrote an autobiography called “Dirty Movies” and became involved in a variety of adventures along the way.

In the end, it was the little things, like his love of sending greetings cards, that friends remembered.

“He sent cards to everyone he considered a friend, for every single holiday you can think of — Christian, Chinese, Jewish, Indian, Mexican… you name it. That meant I got a card about every two or three weeks throughout every year,” West concluded. “Each one was a ray of sunshine that reminded me that I was friends with George McDonald. A good, good man.”

The Rialto Report interview with George McDonald is available here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Siri Dahl and Friends to Host 2nd 'Corn Telethon'

Siri Dahl will host the second 12-hour "Corn Telethon" livestream with several of her friends from inside and outside the industry on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Lady Dee Stars in Latest From Immoral

Lady Dee stars with Paul Stalker and Charlie Dean in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Adult Time Drops 'Busting Porn Myths Vol. 1' Informational Video

Adult Time has released the first volume of its new Performer Center series, “Busting Porn Myths.”

Octavia Red Stars in Final Episode of Bree Mills' 'Escape From Camp Conversion' From Adult Time

Octavia Red stars in the final episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from Adult Time studio brand Girlcore.

Octokuro Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octokuro has made her Vampired debut alongside Sata Jones in “Vampirella Unleashed.”

Natalia Starr Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Natalia Starr stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Sabien DeMonia Drops Latest Evil Angel Directorial 'Depravation of Innocence'

Sabien DeMonia has dropped her latest directorial effort for Evil Angel, “Depravation of Innocence.”

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "She’s Good with Her Mouth."

Show More