EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Porn Star Turned Mainstream Actor, James Deen

The little Jewish boy that grew up dreaming of being paid to have sex with women on camera has not only achieved his dreams, he has revolutionized the porn industry in the process.

Considered by many to be the most popular performer in the adult entertainment industry, James Deen and his “boy next door” good looks have appeared in over 3000 movies. His films have been labeled “porn for women,” with an emphasis on the male lead (Deen) as opposed to the majority of adult films that solely focus on their female stars.

After winning numerous AVN, XBIZ, and XRCO awards, Deen began receiving offers to participate in non-pornography projects, due to his mainstream appeal. Recently, he took on his first non-porn feature film entitled ‘The Canyons’, co-starring Lindsay Lohan. Additionally, Deen is producing ‘Cowboys & Engines’, a mainstream steampunk western short film.

Deen, who considers himself “the luckiest boy alive” has a very bright future ahead- in both porn and non-porn ventures. With a successful line of clothing and adult products, a new website on the way, and a few secretive projects on the horizon, this young Jewish boy is here to stay.

Shalom Life caught up with Deen to talk about his upcoming projects, the rumors about Lindsay Lohan, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, and much more.

ASHLEY BAYLEN (AB): The last few times we spoke, we focused on your porn career. The last 100 interviews you’ve given over the last month have pertained to ‘The Canyons’. Why don’t we start by talking about ‘Cowboys and Engines’? What was it about this short film that spoke to you?

JAMES DEEN (JD): My favorite part of ‘Cowboys and Engines’ is that it embodies all the classic western elements of a John Wayne, Clint Eastwood or Charles Bronson film, but it has this science fiction element to it. It also is played very straight. It isn't like something happened or a technology was invented or discovered by society. This is just the world the movie is set in. It allows it to be action packed and the visual imagery can be as exciting as budget allows. When I first read the script I couldn't put it down. I read through it three times visualizing every scene and on the edge of my seat the whole time

AB: You’re using Kickstarter to raise funds for the project. How has that experience been treating you this far?

JD: Terrifying. On Kickstarter, one of the rules is that if you don't hit your financial goal you get nothing. This is good as if you can't raise the funds you need you know there aren't enough people interested in the project to make it worth while. However, it is scary to think we could be so close and then lose it all in the final hour. People are responding very well. In the first 4 days we had raised over 10 thousand dollars and we are quickly approaching our next mark.

AB: So, now that you’ve completed you’re first non-porn feature and you’ve attached your name to a non-porn short film, can we officially say that you’re pursuing a mainstream career?

JD: You have the right to say whatever you want. I am attaching myself to projects I believe in. I have the luxury of having a career that I love. It gives me the chance to not need to actively pursue anything unless it is something I get all excited about.

AB: You’ve previously mentioned that you have no intentions of leaving porn anytime soon, but is it possible that the little boy that knew he wanted to make money by having sex on camera is growing up?

JD: HOW DARE YOU! I will never grow up!!!!!!!! I am peter pan but naked!!!!!!! That's it. I am going to Toys r’ Us!!!!! (you can't tell but the vocal inflection is very comedic right now)

Deen talks about Lindsay Lohan, Fifty Shades of Grey, and upcoming projects on Page 2!