Big Top Founder Sam Xavier Passes Away

LOS ANGELES — Big Top Video founder Sam Lessner has died after a long cancer battle, his close friend producer David Christopher told XBIZ.

Lessner, aka Sam Xavier, had been struggling with the disease for more than two years and passed away due to liver failure in early May in Tucson, Ariz., where he lived.

“He was just a great guy. It was very sad to hear,” Christopher said. “I partied with him, went to dinners with him. He was a good friend. I became friends with him back in New York.”

Lessner got his start in the adult entertainment business doing sales in his native New York in the mid-1970s. He went on to form Xavier Productions, which successfully sold explicit magazines and film reels by mail order before launching Big Top Video in 1982. Lessner eventually moved to Tucson and built what arguably was the premier big-bust company in porn during the mid-'90s.

“He probably had the largest big-tit company for a period,” said Christopher, who noted that Lessner also was a partner in The Score Group in the '90s before splitting and continuing with Big Top. “He was one of the originals. He was probably in the business for 40 years. His stuff was wild, unique and different.”

Christopher, aka “Pussyman,” worked for Big Top during its heyday, shooting upwards of 80 movies for Lessner, including some of the early face-sitting fetish releases.

He said that Big Top had not been active in the new release market for several years. Lessner is survived by a son and daughter.

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

Best Kept Secret Store Owner Eric Wexler Passes Away

Eric Wexler, an industry veteran of over 40 years and owner of Best Kept Secret in Queens, New York, passed away on June 11 at the age of 74.

Honey Play Box Debuts 'Noctura' Thrusting Dildo

Honey Play Box has introduced its new app-enabled Noctura thrusting dildo.

Evil Angel Launches 'Iconic Angels,' Names Annette Schwarz Inaugural Performer

Evil Angel has launched its new Iconic Angels spotlight retrospective and named Annette Schwarz its inaugural performer.

Charlie Valentine Channels Vintage Seduction

There’s a certain softness to Charlie Valentine’s voice — like velvet over steel. She’s warm and easy to talk to, but there’s no mistaking the strength in her words. A Vegas native with glossy black hair and classic Bettie Page bangs, she gives off a timeless kind of cool: the kind of woman who rescues senior pets, meditates before every shoot and genuinely wants to know the story behind your antique furniture.

Electric Novelties Debuts New 'Blue Line' Stim Tool Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced its Blue Line collection of stimulation tools for men.

Brazzers Debuts New Series 'MILF Quest'

Cherie DeVille stars in the first episode of new Brazzers limited series, “MILF Quest.”

Anna Claire Clouds Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "Cloudy With A Chance Of DP."

Samantha Sinz Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Samantha Sinz stars with her husband Gus and Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Onahole Debuts New 'Aska Mai' Love Torso

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Aska Mai love torso.

Anna Claire Clouds Headlines 'The Sex Therapist 7' From Sweet Sinner

2025 XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds toplines “The Sex Therapist 7,” the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Show More