Lost Boys: Vintage Images of Al Parker

Lost Boys: Vintage Images of Al Parker

Born: June 25, 1952 
Birth Name: Andrew Robert Okun

Birthplace: Natick, MA, USA
Nickname: Pony Boy
Height: 5' 8" (1.73 m)
Died: August 17, 1992 
Years Active: 1977-1992
Penis: 9"
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown

For many gay men of a certain age, Al Parker will always be the hottest porn star who ever lived. Widely recognized as one of the game-changing forces in gay porn, his legacy thrives even today. Parker's flexible, slender body was ideal for experimenting with sexual positions. He was also always eager to try never-before-seen-on-film sex acts, like pouring beer down a lover's cock before swallowing it. With a huge package and iconic facial hair, he continues to be one of the most recognized performers in the industry.

He is also credited as the creator of a gay archetype: the Castro clone. 

A Castro clone has been described as someone who views sex as a contact sport, is butch in appearance, and emotionally withdrawn from his sexual partners. Generally, they are gay men with lean physiques who are well-groomed and sport a mustache, frequently referred to as a 'porn-stache'. The look was popularized in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood during the early to mid 1970's, in large part due to Al Parker's popularity and image.

--- ---

Born on  June 25, 1952, Andrew Robert Okun (or Drew, as he was known) would grow up in idyllic Natick, Massachusetts, a large farming community once known for it's shoe factories. Considered part of the Greater Boston Area, Natick, at one point in its history, was famous for the 'brogan' - a heavy ankle-high boot worn by soldiers during the American Civil War.

But, according to Parker, growing up in such an environment was not without its dangers. In interviews, he would recount being raped at knife point when he was 15 years old.

After graduating from high school in Natick, young Drew moved to Los Angeles where he landed a job as a projectionist at Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion West. Later, he would be promoted to serve as a butler. It was also during this time that he appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game.

In 1969, Drew's mother, believing it to be a classical music festival, encouraged him to attend the Woodstock Music Festival. She loaned him the family's brand-new Mustang, which Drew was forced to abandon due to the mud clogging the road which led to the festival. While at Woodstock, Drew had several same-sex experiences, the most notable in the back of a van (a motif that would reappear throughout his adult-film career). He considered this encounter his first wholly satisfying sexual experience. 

At the festival, Drew's picture was taken as part of a crowd. That photo was later used on the poster collage for the film version of the concert, released in 1970. 

Back in Los Angeles, Drew's career in gay porn began once he was discovered by Rip Colt, founder of  the world famous Colt Studios. Borrowing the name of a famed magazine illustrator, Colt dubbed Drew 'Al Parker', because it sounded like a real man's name. Soon Parker found himself starring in several of Colt's 8mm shorts.

Intrigued by the film making process, Parker would break away from Colt Studios in 1972 and begin making his own 8mm loop films for  Brentwood Studios. He quickly became one of the most celebrated pornographers of his time.

It was during this period that Parker met Richard Cole who, some twelve years Parker's senior, was performing under the name Steve Taylor. Off-screen, the two became romantically involved which led to, not only a long-term, open relationship, but also  the start of a new business venture.  

Together, they established Surge Studios, a gay-adult film production studio which pioneered the art of themed narrative feature length porn films. Parker began starring in larger, big-budget productions that soon transformed him into an undeniable porn superstar. Adding to his success as an actor, he was also able to flex his skills as a producer and director, demonstrating that he was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the camera.

When AIDS cast its shadow over the adult film industry, Surge Studios was one of the first companies to mandate safe sex practices for all its actors. 

Taylor and Parker performed together in a number of films, including:  Inches, Wanted, and Flashback. Taylor proved to be a convincing actor and great sexual performer. The couple shot many of their films at their home in Hermosa Beach, California.  

Their on-screen chemistry translated well off the set, too, as the two managed to maintain a healthy, open, committed relationship. Parker's sexual proclivities were never an issue, for Taylor enjoyed hearing about and even watching Parker's sexual exploits. They would remain together, personally and professionally, for nearly fourteen years. 

Sadly, their big romance ended on September 9th, 1986, when Steve Taylor died at the age of 46, due to complications related to the AIDS virus. 

Following Taylor's sudden death, Parker's interest in Surge Studios quickly waned. He, himself, serio-converted, testing positive before the dawn of 1987. Following his diagnosis, he made several 'safer' porn movies, working only with other HIV-positive actors.

In a 1987 interview, Parker continued to sharply criticize the gay adult film industry's failure to respond to the effect the AIDS crisis was having on its performers. 

Just as Parker was an early proponent for safer sex practices in the adult film industry, he was equally outspoken when it came to foreskin restoration; the surgical reconstruction of one's foreskin. In fact, he's one of the interview subjects of Dr. Dean Edell, who reported on a surgical procedure that attempted to restore Parker's foreskin, reversing the effects of his at-birth circumcision. The surgery was performed by Dr. Ira Sharlip, a urologist and the report was broadcast on television.

In December of 1986, Parker would begin a year and a half long affair with porn star and fellow clone, Justin Cade. At the conclusion of their relationship in 1988, Parker would meet and fall in love with Keith Reiter. Reiter would remain by his side until Parker's death on August 17, 1992. 

Meeting a fate similar to that of his first love, Steven Taylor, Parker, age 40, died in San Francisco due complications related to the AIDS virus. His ashes were scattered in the ocean near the nude section of San Gregorio State Beach, in San Mateo County, California.

His impact and story are the subject of Roger Edmondson's acclaimed biography, Clone: The Life and Legacy of Al Parker Gay Superstar.

Parker's life is also depicted in playwright Drew Sachs' play, aka Al Parker.

Read about a fan's memories of the time Al Parker sat for him for a Portrait.

And here's a fun Music Video of Al Parker.

And, Al can be seen, briefly, here. And is interviewed, here.

--- ---

I was always struck by Al Parker's rugged good looks. I loved his style. And that dick! The man was instantly recognizable, and yet... to be honest? I was never able to put a name with his face. Ironically?  He, more or less, invented that look! But so many copied it, that to this day I frequently struggle to differentiate one Castro clone from another.

I'm glad he experienced love in his lifetime. Based on the photos that I have seen of them (many of which you will find below), they seem ideally suited. 

I think his life and their love affair would make a hell of a movie. Wouldn't you agree?

Well, that's all for now. 

Thanks for reading.

Until next time...

My Clone Sleeps Alone - Flaunt

Clones (We're All..) - Alice Cooper