CANOGA PARK, Calif. — Legendary VCA Pictures founder Russ Hampshire left a lasting mark on the adult entertainment industry. That is for sure.
Yesterday, news arrived that the VCA founder, who started up and ran the company for 25 years, had passed away as a result of kidney failure. In recent weeks, friends and family said their farewells.
Considered an industry pioneer, Hampshire built VCA into a major purveyor of big-budget and classic adult content. His operation, which helped catapult the adult entertainment business during the so-called Golden Age of Porn, pumped out an astounding 400,000 videotapes a month.
Later, in 2003, Hampshire sold VCA to Larry Flynt’s LFP Inc. for an undisclosed sum and simply retired.
But he was never forgotten by those who stood by him in good times and bad, including when he was sentenced to nine months in federal prison and paid a $2 million fine after the FBI charged him with obscenity.
XBIZ today spoke with several members of the industry who knew Hampshire to discuss why this giant’s passing is so significant. Included are a number of Twitter and Facebook posts about Hampshire, as well. Here’s what they had to say:
Ron Braverman, Doc Johnson founder and CEO
Russ was an original maverick in our industry and became an icon who will be forever remembered. He understood the importance of the First Amendment as one of the founders of the Free Speech Coalition. Russ never met a person in need that he didn’t help, quietly. He never spoke about the help he gave to others. A stand-up person who could always be counted on. He will be sorely missed by many. He will be very missed by an industry he helped found and always embraced.
Steve Hirsch, Vivid Entertainment founder and co-chairman
Russell was one if a kind. A true original. Always did things his way. But beneath it all he was one of the most generous men ever. He was the first one to reach out and help anyone in need. He will be truly missed, and I’ll always remember the great times we spent together. RIP Russell.
Frank Koretsky, International Video Distributors (IVD) president
What a sad day for the adult industry as one of the true legends and good guys of the business has passed. Russ was a great man who helped the industry grow and help us guys pull through this business successfully. He fought the big fight with the government and paid the price, but he paved the way for many who have earned a great living. We owe him a big thank you. Although he was a tough man, he had a kind heart and helped everyone and was very giving. Russell would give you the shirt off his back. He was that guy. Russell, we all love you and will miss you. I’m so happy we had a chance to see you only days before passing. Russell, thank you for helping me start my business and supporting me in every way.
Peter Reynolds, Plaid Bag Media owner
Working for Russ was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I worked for him in the 1980s both at the Pontius Avenue, West L.A., location as well as on Oso in Chatsworth. He inspired everyone to work hard and also have fun. He put the fear of God in you too if he wasn’t pleased with something you did. He could lose his temper at you with the force of a Category 5 hurricane and then 10 minutes later come up to you and stuff a $100 bill in your shirt pocket. Russ also had a great sense of humor and liked to laugh. He was unique in so many ways. He truly cared about his employees. It was more than work and he was more than just a boss. That’s why he inspired those around him to strive to do better. It was heartwarming to see him continue to keep in contact with me on Facebook, liking pictures of my travels around the globe or when I finished at the gym. God bless you, Russ Hampshire. RIP.
Jason Tucker, Battleship Stance president
Russ gave me insight, knowledge, guidance, and his blessing when I had sort of a clue. He opened some big doors for me. He truly was a gentleman and a legend.
Allan B. Gelbard, adult industry attorney
Russ Hampshire was a man of integrity and courage. He did most of his deals on a handshake, and his word was his bond. During the era of federal criminal prosecutions, he fought the government tooth and nail. Yet when the government threatened his family and employees, he selflessly took the bullet, serving time and paying a multimillion-dollar fine, to spare those around him. It’s a shame that so few in the business today have a true knowledge of those who paved the way for them, or what they had to endure.
Clyde DeWitt, adult industry attorney
He was an absolute giant in the VHS industry. VCA Pictures, with Russ at the helm, was run like the kind of business that would impress a committee of Harvard MBAs. He was a consummate professional. More than that, though, he was a genuinely great human being. He cared about people and would always take time for them. And he cared about the industry. He was central to the creation of the Adult Video Association — the predecessor to the Free Speech Coalition — because he cared about the industry and about the assault on it that was visited by the Reagan/Meese juggernaut. He will be sorely missed.
Amber Lynn, performer
Russ Hampshire was a legend amongst the founders of the adult industry. We simply would not be had it not been for the great forefathers such as he. We should all stop and take a moment of silence for him right here. Like many, I am truly, deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My sincerest heartfelt condolences to his family and friends … it’s a great loss to our industry ... godspeed Mr. Hampshire.
Mara Epstein, Zalo senior sales and marketing executive (via Facebook)
Not only did he teach me a thing or two, he gave me the opportunity to become a part of the industry that I continue to work in. To Betty, you made him happy. May he RIP and remain forever in my heart.
Tom Byron, former performer, director and producer (via Facebook)
Most performers today probably don’t know who he was, but Russell J. Hampshire pretty much ran the biz in the 1980s and 1990s. If there was abuse or any funny business going on, Russ handled it. If someone needed help, he helped them. When the government came after his employees and family, Russ stood in front of them and said, “Take me.” The adult industry was a better place when Russ Hampshire was in charge. RIP to a true hero and legend.
Jamie Hendrix, producer and director
Russell J. Hampshire and his wife ran a great business at VCA. Never did we get a bounced check, and they were BIG. They used cranes and dollies for real gay hardcore films. We respected Russ and his wife for giving us the break we needed to truly get a great run in a very competitive industry. I'll always remember Russ and the team who gave me my break.
