‘Deep Throat’ star Harry Reems dies at 65

Porn pioneer Harry Reems, who starred in the iconic film Deep Throat, has died at age 65. The news was first reported by a friend, then later confirmed today.

According to Gawker, Don Schenk, a friend of Reems,’ first posted the news on a forum. Schenk wrote that he died Tuesday at the Salt Lake City VA Hospital, which later confirmed the news to Gawker. Reems, who was born Herbert Streicher, died of organ failure.

Reems shot to stardom quickly with Deep Throat, which became the first widely distributed pron movie. He was actually a last minute casting, since director Gerard Damiano’s first choice dropped out. Schenk said that Reems was only paid $250 to co-star with Linda Lovelace, who was recently the topic of a Amanda Seyfried’s latest film.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that he was famously charged with trying to distribute obscene material across state lines in 1974. Stars like Jack Nicholson came out to support him, but he was convicted in 1976. However, the conviction was overturned in 1977.

THR notes that he was cast as a coach in Grease, but Paramount dropped him due to concerns that his past may spark protests.

In 2005, Reems took part in the documentary Inside Deep Throat, discussing his alcoholism following the trial. He said that he had his last drink in 1989 and became a real estate broker in Park City, Utah.

Here’s a video of Reems talking about his role in Deep Throat: