Love Toys’ Gene Wallace Passes Away

LAS VEGAS — Industry pioneer Gene Wallace, the owner and founder of Love Toys, passed away last Saturday due to a brain aneurysm.

“The adult Industry has lost yet another pioneer in the industry,” Love Toys sales manager Thomas Rafferty told XBIZ. “Gene was one of the first mold makers in the adult toy business, making way for many of the companies today. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and employees.”

Wallace started manufacturing sex toys in the ‘60s after years as a mainstream toy manufacturer. After retiring from the business in 1981, Wallace came back to found Love Toys Inc.

“I have always known the name ‘Gene Wallace,” Synergy Erotic President Bob Wolf said, “he was a mainstay in the adult industry throughout my career (35 years) and while later in his career he chose a path that put him outside the mainstream manufacturer/distributor/retailer chain his contributions to the industry should not be taken lightly or forgotten.

“Gene was a pioneer in many regards including importing products from Asia and new material development; much of what Gene worked on early in his career is still commonplace in today's adult industry.”

Paradise Marketing CEO Dennis Paradise added, “I knew Gene Wallace for many years, and was genuinely saddened upon hearing of his passing. Gene was smart. He knew everyone, and everyone I knew respected him and liked him. Above all, Gene was always a gentleman. He was always a pleasure to work with or just to have a cup of coffee. His stories about how the adult novelty business grew from the 1960's on through today should have been in a book.

“Gene always had a sly grin and a positive attitude. Even those in the business who never knew him lost a friend and a founder.”

"Love Toys has been around since well before my founding of my store, Grand Opening!, which was in 1993," Kim Airs told XBIZ. "They would always stock the go-to products that people still want, even to this day. Love Toys has always been a like a small family that happens to sell sex toys! They've recently brought in some great new toys and I know Love Toys will go on with the spirit of Gene as the driving force."  

Wolf told XBIZ that like so many of the early pioneers in the adult industry, such as David Sturman, Larry Flynt and Paul Wisner, Wallace also stood up for his beliefs.

“Gene was a tenacious, self-made man, having made and lost his fortune a couple times over, but when you got him alone he was a kind, gentle, and amusing person who doted on his wife Flora and worshipped his daughter Joy,” Wolf said. “Some of my fondest memories of Gene were those times when he'd come to visit at my office, sit back on my couch looking up at the ceiling, and relate his countless stories of growing up dirt poor, happy and always looking for the next opportunity. Gene was a very dear man; my life is better and more fulfilled for having knowing him. I am proud to have called him my friend and I'll miss him.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 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

Je Joue to Debut Expanded 'ILY' Collection at EroSpain

Je Joue will introduce several new products from its ILY collection at the EroSpain trade show next month in Barcelona.

Magic Silk Debuts 'Daffodil Dreams' Collection

Magic Silk has introduced its new Daffodil Dreams line of lingerie.

Playboy Launches Model Search for Honey Birdette Lingerie Collab

Playboy has launched a global model search for the face of the company's exclusive collaboration with lingerie brand Honey Birdette.

Xgen Expands Distro Deal With East Coast News

Xgen Products has expanded its distribution deal with East Coast News (ECN), with the latter now carrying the Lapdance Lingerie and Envy Menswear lines.

Orion Debuts 'Beasty' Jumpsuits

Orion Wholesale has introduced its new Beasty Suits reptilian role-playing jumpsuits.

Eldorado to Host 'Virtual Elevation' Webinar With Lovehoney

Eldorado Trading will host its next "Virtual Elevation," a live, private webinar for retailers, featuring Lovehoney Group's John Marinello and Kim Card, and Eldorado Marketing Director Nathan Morimitsu, on April 23 at noon PDT.

Sportsheets Expands 'Shadow' Collection

Sportsheets has expanded the Shadow collection from its Sex & Mischief line of BDSM gear.

COTR Acquires Together Brand

COTR, Inc. has acquired the assets and distribution rights of pleasure brand Together.

Kiiroo Introduces New Leigh Raven Mouth Stroker

Kiiroo has debuted the new FeelLeigh Raven mouth stroker sleeve from its FeelStar line.

Xgen Hosts 'Ask a Sexologist' Events in Arizona

Xgen Products has wrapped up its “Ask a Sexologist” in-store event series featuring resident sexologist Dr. Mindy at Fascinations retail locations in Arizona.

Show More