Online Industry Entrepreneur Don Osterholt Dies at 51

Online Industry Entrepreneur Don Osterholt Dies at 51

MIAMI — Online industry entrepreneur Don Osterholt, who began his adult entertainment career after founding Atlas Multimedia in 1996, has died.

The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner Department told XBIZ that Osterholt died on Oct. 29, at the age of 51. The office had not yet determined his cause of death. 

Atlas Multimedia launched the official websites of more than 100 adult film performers, starting with Nici Sterling in early 1997.

As the industry quickly expanded in the 16 years that followed, Osterholt's company built sites for adult film actresses like Sativa Rose, Monica Sweetheart, Hillary Scott, Angel Dark, Vanessa Lane, Stormy Daniels and Tabitha Stevens, who became his wife after she divorced Kenny Gallo in 1997. Osterholt and Stevens then divorced in 1999.

Atlas Multimedia ran the websites of Seymore Butts and Red Light District Video, among others. It also developed sites for transsexual performers Gia Darling and Alannah Starr.

Osterholt went on to create PornStarDollars, an affiliate program that allowed webmasters to promote their favorite performers. 

He further diversified with the creation of Atlas Home Movies, producing “The Sexual Adventures of Melanie Stone” original series, which was distributed by Seymore Butts Video.

Osterholt eventually expanded his reach to work with the likes of Anabolic, Diabolic, Zero Tolerance, Third Degree and Black Ice.

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

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Penthouse Announces Digital Archive Launch

Penthouse Magazine has announced that it will launch a comprehensive digital archive in 2026.

Dreamcam Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Dreamcam has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for August, September

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters by country in August and September.

AV in Focus: A Guide to Unlocking Compliance With Clarity

The age verification era isn’t coming — it’s here. Laws are already on the books in numerous U.S. states, as well as in the U.K., France and beyond.

Canadian Privacy Commissioner Endorses National AV Bill

Philippe Dufresne, privacy commissioner of Canada, has voiced support for a bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

Ricky Johnson Launches 'Ricky's Resort' Through YourPaysitePartner

Ricky's Room studio honcho Ricky Johnson has launched his latest site, RickysResort.com, through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Industry Attorney Paul Cambria Retires After 50 Years of Practicing Law

After more than a half-century in practice, during which he provided the defense in some of the adult industry's most notable legal cases, attorney Paul Cambria has retired.

2026 XMA Nominations Party Set for Nov. 19 in Hollywood

The 2026 XMA nominations reveal party will take place at Keys on the Sunset Strip on Wednesday, Nov. 19, with red-carpet arrivals starting at 8 p.m.

Show More