On a cold Saturday in February, Spencer Reed arrives at a crowded Starbucks in northwest Washington. As he climbs the stairs and makes his way to a table, he draws the curious eyes of onlookers — not because they know his profession, but simply because his striking presence is impossible to ignore. Whether it’s the assured stride, muscular build or deep voice, he exudes a quiet confidence that — despite his onscreen persona — would never be described as cocky.
Just imagine the stares if those strangers knew about Reed’s week. Three days ago, he woke up to some of the best news of his career — the Gay Performer of the Year award from XBIZ. Even diehard fans of other performers would be hardpressed to argue the honor, which comes after a busy year that saw him notch top-quality work for a variety of well-respected studios. If ever there was someone deserving of the industry’s highest honor, it’s the hardworking, hard-bodied, D.C.-area native.
I do a lot of different genres; I play a lot of different roles from vanilla to full-on BDSM. I really like working with the different studios and different images and attracting a different fan base.
By all accounts, Reed should be napping right now in his free time away from the cameras and the gym (his second home). But ever the professional, he is all smiles — even as he’s about to embark on another busy week. Off to San Francisco the next morning for a Colt shoot, he returns for one night mid-week before a morning flight to Los Angeles for perhaps the second-greatest honor an adult performer can ask for: having his pride immortalized for all eternity (his replica dildo for Lucas Entertainment releases in July). As if there was any doubt, that’s what’s called “making it” in the industry.
“It’s been crazy,” Reed says of his hectic schedule. “This past year I’ve shot on average five scenes a month … I was just shooting nonstop, traveling back and forth. It takes a lot of energy, but I kind of enjoy staying on my feet and on the road and keeping up. It encourages me in other areas of my life, like with fitness — I’ve really come to take a passion for it through all this.”
It all started in 2007 when Reed was recruited by Randy Blue, Chi Chi LaRue and Sean Cody, who sent him messages through MySpace. “I was hesitant, but after a little while I decided to go with it. I had done a lot of go-go dancing and stuff like that; I like the whole exhibitionism thing,” he says. “Oddly enough, since I was younger — about 13 or 14 when I started watched straight porn — I’ve always thought about being a porn star. I was like, ‘I could do that!’”
Reed was initiated into the industry with a solo scene for Randy Blue. After a four-month contract, he branched out at Suite 703 and Cocky Boys before a brief hiatus. He returned to work with Next Door Studios. “All of a sudden I just burst back out as soon as I came back into it. That really put me back out there again, and from that I really just got a ton of work.”
That included “Dripping Wet 2” for Falcon in 2009, a film Reed also credits with giving his career a big boost. He soon made the cover of Men magazine, a “really amazing experience. I got to shoot with Mark Henderson, who is by far one of my favorite photographers. It was a huge honor. When I was approached by them about being in the magazine, I never expected that I was going to be on the cover.”
Admissions like that — spoken with a sincere tone and expression confirming their truth — say a lot about Reed as a person. For those who have never met the man behind the surprisingly personable performer, a few traits quickly make themselves known: He is genuinely humble, appreciative and gracious without an ounce of affectation or ego. Maybe that’s why he needed a little help initially coming out of his shell as a performer on camera, something he accomplished with director Van Darkholme at Kink.com — who Reed credits with helping him develop the tough alpha persona he is known for.
“Spencer is very quiet and he’s very smart. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, people listen. I can only bring out a model’s best if he has trust in me. Spencer saw my work and he trusted me. There is a mutual respect, and each scene we do is a collaborative effort,” notes Darkholme. “I just love the mixture of his handsome, boy-next-door looks versus the mohawk and the tattoos. Spencer is this gentle giant, and yet he has this wicked side to him. He has this sparkle in his eye and the sweetest smile while he flogs the living daylights out of you.”
Raging Stallion, Mustang and Lucas Entertainment came calling soon afterward, relationships that have flourished. But Reed is perhaps best known for his recent work with Titan, a stint he calls the biggest thing in his career. It started when he was cast for “Slick Dogs,” the studio’s fetish-themed smash that debuted during last year’s IML. More roles — including in Titan’s Rough line — soon followed. “I do a lot of different genres; I play a lot of different roles from vanilla to full-on BDSM. I really like working with the different studios and different images and attracting a different fan base.”
In late 2010, Reed quietly announced along with boyfriend Phillip Aubrey that they would only be performing together. So far, the move hasn’t slowed them down. The decision will also help Reed slow down his schedule a tad, allowing him to embrace more time in the D.C. area — where his family still lives.
“I’m very, very close to my family. They know everything I do, and they’re very proud of everything I do. They’re proud of me winning this award, which is really cool,” Reed says. “It’s so amazing to have the support and backing of your parents when you’re doing something like this. I feel good about the accomplishments I’ve made and what I’ve done in this industry, and being able to sit down with your mom or dad and tell them about the positive things that you’re doing — with whatever you’re doing well — and have them congratulate you or be proud of you, it’s really amazing.”
Suddenly, Spencer Reed’s long list of great qualities makes perfect sense.
