WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Porn industry legend Bill Margold — a former adult entertainment performer, agent, activist and historian — passed away on Tuesday at 73.
Margold, known to many as “Papa Bear,” was a big supporter of adult entertainment performers and their interests. He was a past director of adult industry trade group Free Speech Coalition, lead the Protecting Adult Welfare Foundation and co-founded the X-Rated Critics Organization.
Most recently, Margold acted as senior advisor at APAG, the Adult Performers Actor Guild, and hosted a radio program, “HISTORXXX” on XXXPornStarRadio.com.
According to performer Alana Evans, Margold was found unresponsive by friends at his West Hollywood home after they became concerned during his internet radio show when they heard dead air.
Evans told XBIZ that she was devastated by the news of his passing.
“He always gave good advice to our performers’ guild,” she said.
Former adult performer Melissa Hill also was shocked about Margold’s death.
“It it wasn’t for Bill, I wouldn’t have the courage or ambition to move forward in adult,” Hill told XBIZ. “I want to give him the recognition he deserves. And regardless of what many thought of him, he needs to be recognized as a pioneer in the industry, particularly one who helped build the business since its Golden Age [in the 1970s].”
XXXPornStar Radio, on its site today, said that “it is with heavy hearts we must share the passing of the legendary Bill Margold. Out hearts and prayers go to his family and friends. All of us here … will miss him and all he has not only done for us but the entire adult industry."
Margold was born in Washington, D.C., and graduated from Cal State Northridge with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
