Adult film stars who went legit

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Adult film stars who went legit

Adult film stars who went legit (at least for a time)

Former MTV VJ Simon Rex appeared in scenes in three adult films when he was 19. Since his pornography -- and MTV -- days, he has established an acting career with roles on the shows "Jack and Jill," "Felicity" and "What I Like About You," and in films including "Scary Movie 3." He has also dabbled in music.

Adult film actress Ginger Lynn has had success as an actress in mainstream B-movies, including "American Pie Presents Band Camp" and "National Lampoon's Van Wilder: The Rise Of Taj." She also appeared in the music video for Metallica's "Turn the Page."

The star of the seminal adult film "Behind the Green Door," Marilyn Chambers, was known as "porn's most famous crossover." After leaving the industry, she starred in the David Cronenberg film "Rabid," and had several stints in theater in Las Vegas and New York. She ran for vice-president on the Personal Choice Party ticket in 2004 and the Boston Tea Party ticket in 2008. She passed away in 2009.

Italian adult film star Ilona Staller, widely known by her stage name, Cicciolina, continued to act in pornographic films during the five years she served in the Italian parliament. She acted in the mainstream film "Replikator" and on the Brazilian soap opera "Xica da Silva." She is still active in politics.

Former adult film star Katie Morgan unofficially retired from the industry in 2008. She has since appeared on an episode of "Entourage" and in the Kevin Smith movie "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." She is currently hosts the radio show "Having Sex, With Katie Morgan."

Mary Carey starred in adult films for years before running for governor of California during a 2003 recall election (Arnold Schwarzenegger eventually won the seat). She also ran for Lt. Gov. of California in 2006, but later dropped out of the race to care for her ailing mother. Carey reportedly still has an interest in politics.

Italian adult film star and director Rocco Siffredi appeared in the mainstream Catherine Breillat films "Romance" and "Anatomy of Hell," and has appeared in several Italian television ads.

Jenna Jameson, who has been called "the world's most famous adult-entertainment performer," had a small role in the Howard Stern movie "Private Parts." She has also served as a guest host of E! shows, done voiceover work for television and video games and starred in the film "Zombie Strippers." Her 2004 autobiography, "How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale" was a New York Times bestseller.

Sasha Grey appeared in adult films for several years before being cast in the Steven Soderbergh film "The Girlfriend Experience" in 2009. She has since appeared on the show "Entourage" and in the film "I Melt With You."

After Sibel Kekilli won acclaim and awards for her performance in the German film "Head-On," it was revealed she had appeared in several adult films under the name Dilara. It doesn't seem to have hurt her acting career -- she currently appears on the hit show "Game of Thrones."

Adult film icon Ron Jeremy has appeared in many non-pornographic films, including "Boondock Saints" and "Detroit Rock City" and appeared on the reality show "The Surreal Life." He also acted as a consultant on the film "Boogie Nights." He released his memoir, "Ron Jeremy: The Hardest (Working) Man in Showbiz," in 2007.

Traci Lords appeared in more than 100 adult films by the time she was 18. She has long since established herself as a legitimate actress, with roles in "Blade," "Serial Mom," "Cry Baby" and episodes of "Melrose Place" and "Roseanne."

Who knew? Action star (and Academy Award winner) Sylvester Stallone's first role was in the 1970 soft-core adult film called "The Party at Kitty and Stud's."

Veronica Hart (far left), acting in adult films from 1980-1984. She was the inspiration for Julianne Moore's character Amber Waves in "Boogie Nights"; Hart appeared in that movie as a judge. She has also acted in the film "Magnolia" and an episode of "Six Feet Under."

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Former MTV VJ Simon Rex appeared in scenes in three adult films when he was 19. Since his pornography -- and MTV -- days, he has established an acting career with roles on the shows "Jack and Jill," "Felicity" and "What I Like About You," and in films including "Scary Movie 3." He has also dabbled in music.

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