Monday, Feb 22, 2010    Text size: 

NEW YORK — Adult veteran performer Jamie Gillis passed away last Friday after losing his battle with cancer. He was 66 years of age.

Gillis was a mainstay in the New York ‘70’s porn scene having worked with nearly every top performer including John Leslie, Sharon Mitchell, Ron Jeremy and many more. His “do anything” performances later led to darker films that contributed to him being best known for his work in classic BDSM roles.

A statement from close Gillis friends Ashley and April Spicer forwarded from veteran director Wesley Emerson states: “ It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Jamie Gillis, who died today in New York at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.

“A wonderful and charismatic man and most treasured friend, he will be greatly missed by his partner Zarela, his family, his many friends, and countless fans around the world.”

Gillis will be cremated at a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, Jamie requested that contributions be made to the NYC Police Athletic League, an organization that helped Jamie as a boy and continues to assist children in New York City palnyc.org/800-PAL-4KIDS/Donate.aspx

“Despite the immense grief we feel for the loss of our friend, we are comforted by a quotation from Albert Camus that Jamie often quoted to us: ‘Happiness, too, is inevitable’.”

Emerson said, “This was a shock. I spent a day in New York City with Jamie in late September and it was one of the best interviews I think Jamie ever did. I will miss him.”