LOS ANGELES — Performer and "original Grooby Girl" Athena Addams, 34, has passed away. She appeared onscreen more than two-dozen times for the studio, whose founder and CEO, Steven Grooby, confirmed the news and alerted the industry this morning.
A New Orleans native, she relocated to Detroit and began filming for Grooby in 2004. Five years later, she took a production hiatus and relocated to Los Angeles, where Addams shot for other photographers and producers; by 2016, she had stepped away from studio shoots. Addams maintained her own website and was active on social media; in recent years, she focused on self-produced content.
"I'd met her a number of times and always found her energetic, lively and engaged person who was easy to talk to. She was a popular performer," said Grooby.
"We have no further [information] at this point and are unwilling to speculate," he continued. "We will post further details should we get them."
Kristel Penn, Grooby's editorial and marketing director, paid tribute to Addams.
"I always enjoyed our conversations," Penn tweeted earlier today. "She always had such lightness and an infectious sense of humor when we talked. May she rest in peace."
Always loved this group shot with @AthenaAddams @AUBREYKATEXXX @foxxy702 and Michelle Austin that @Altomicvisuals took at the TEAs a few years ago.
— *NEW ACCOUNT* Kristel Penn (@thekristelpenn) July 9, 2020
May @AthenaAddams rest in peace. ?? pic.twitter.com/dGO3m88J6I
