LOS ANGELES — Award-winning director Robby D has passed away, close industry friends and associates confirmed today.
The Southern California native was in his mid-50s, and the cause of the death has not been confirmed.
Robby D had been active in the adult industry since 1992, earning over 350 directing credits on IAFD. He was still directing and about to enter his third decade in the business.
After beginning with Vivid, Robby D became best known for his era-defining work with Digital Playground starting in 2003. More recently, he had been directing for Mile High Media.
He won “Best Director” at the 2012 XBIZ Awards and was responsible for several “Jack’s” series, starting with the popular, and eventually multivolume, “Jack’s Playground.”
A close collaborator of Digital Playground’s Joone and Samantha Lewis, Robby D brought his UCLA film school background to bear as part of the creative team behind the cinematic-style projects that became Digital Playground’s signature.
"Robby was a colleague, but he was also a good friend and collaborator," Joone told XBIZ. "When he came on board we were just starting to make bigger productions. He really became part of our family. I’m so sad to hear that he’s gone because we had so many unique adventures together. I’m still trying to process it."
Joone added that creating with Robby D was "always a rewarding experience because it was always about making great movies. He was an avid film student. We weren’t just making ‘porn.’ For every project it was, 'How do we make this better?' Robby always wanted to learn. We always looked at ourselves as filmmakers. We shared the same sensibilities. We wanted the same thing."
"On top of that," the famed Digital Playground mastermind noted about his late collaborator, "he was a really good guy. He treated his crew with respect. I’ll never forget traveling with him to the different countries and shooting because we would always have such a great time and so many great stories that we would just look back and laugh at."
"Robby always wanted the best for others," Joone said. "He would always cheer for you. If two people were trying to fight he would get in-between and try to solve it. He was just a good person and very loyal. I’m gonna miss him a lot."
Digital Playground contract star Riley Steele reminisced on Twitter about how the director used to motivate her by saying, "Riley ride, Riley thrive."
"Robby D was an angel," Steele added, commenting on his generosity.
Fellow Digital Playground talent Teagan Presley tweeted, "Very sad to hear the passing of Robby D. He brought me to Digital Playground. We worked closely as colleagues and just going to lunch daily during my Digital Playground days. It was an amazing time in my life and I’ll carry the many memories with me."
Other Industry Reactions
“I remember meeting Robby when I was new to the business and he was working with Vivid,” performer and APAG union president Alana Evans told XBIZ. “He loved action sports, and really enjoyed incorporating that into films. He was always kind and respectful, and I truly enjoyed knowing him.”
Danny Mountain tweeted, "RIP Robby D. One of the best directors back in the day for Digital Playground and also the first director I worked for back in April 2008. Another legend of the game gone too soon."
"Just heard Robby D passed away," Carmen Valentina tweeted earlier this evening. "I just texted him two weeks ago; he told me he was battling COVID for a few weeks, but I never expected this would happen to him. He was so sweet, fun to be around and, most importantly, a kindhearted person. He will be missed."
XBIZ will continue updating this article as more information and remembrances become available.
