Wakefield Poole Eulogized in New York Times Obituary

Wakefield Poole Eulogized in New York Times Obituary

NEW YORK — The New York Times this weekend published an obituary of the late Wakefield Poole, a pioneering director of gay cinema whose 1971 classic, "Boys in the Sand," revolutionized the adult feature genre.

"Boys in the Sand," starring Casey Donovan, was a smash success and achieved mainstream recognition, including A-list celebrity approbation, a review in Variety and a full-blitz publicity campaign that predated even "Deep Throat" by a year.

There were even print advertisements in the Times itself, which the obit describes as having been "sneakily" purchased, though there is no evidence of outright subterfuge. As the obit notes, Poole himself speculated that "the paper’s advertising department may not have looked at it too closely."

In his autobiography, Poole recalled: "To this day, I don't know how we got such good placement. The ad looked classy, so maybe they just didn't read the copy. Or perhaps someone had let it slip by. I'd like to think some gay man in the advertising department had pulled some strings. If that is what happened, I'm forever grateful."

The Times' respectful memorializing of Poole is somewhat unusual, given the paper's recent history of covering adult entertainment and sex workers' rights through a distinctively negative and condemnatory lens.

The obit, by Alex Vadukul, arrives one month after Poole passed at the age of 85 in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to his revolutionary career in adult entertainment, Poole was a notable Broadway figure and multimedia artist. Profits from "Boys in the Sand" and follow-up feature "Bijou" were used to finance an early workshop production of "A Chorus Line," cementing Poole's unusual place in the history of New York's arts scene. 

Find the Times obit here. Read XBIZ's memorial and find an expanded remembrance in the December issue of XBIZ World.

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

Pastelle Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Pastelle has made her TransAngels debut alongside Ali Rush in "Royal Sucksession."

A Day With Mike Quasar: Porn, Pets and Wit That Won't Quit

Mike Quasar has been working in the adult industry for 34 years. The highly respected veteran director admits to feeling a little astonished by this fact.

Kelly Holland's Industry Animal Rescue Charity Event 'Vice Is Nice' Returns Saturday

The 13th annual Vice Is Nice event, a long-standing adult industry fundraiser for Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), will take place Saturday in Chatsworth.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Angela White stars with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Brazzers Beach."

Eva Angelina on Stepping Back Into the Spotlight With Purpose

Eva Angelina is back in front of the camera, stronger and sharper than ever, and the veteran performer recently marked her return to the industry in her own inimitable badass style: not just with a bang, but a dazzling signal flare.

Cassie Del Isla, Ama Rio Topline Latest 'Secret Lesbian Diaries'

Cassie Del Isla and Ama Rio headline the 15th volume of "Secret Lesbian Diaries" from Girlfriends Films.

Cailey Katt Fronts Latest From GroobyVR

Cailey Katt stars alongside Luke London in the latest release from GroobyVR, titled "A Katt in Your Lap."

Madi Collins Signs Exclusive Contract With Vixen Media Group

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has signed Madi Collins to an exclusive contract.

Zariah Aura Leads Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Summer Col and Robby Apples in the latest release from Transfixed, titled “Catching His Cheating Girlfriend.”

Show More