Porn Legend Harry Reems Dead at 65

SALT LAKE CITY — Porn legend Harry Reems, best known for his role as the doctor opposite Linda Loveleace in the classic ‘70’s film “Deep Throat” has died.

According to Gawker, Reems’ close friend Don Schenk reported the actor’s death yesterday when he succumbed to organ failure at the Salt Lake City Hospital where he was admitted earlier this month.

Schenk said Reems was suffering from pancreatic cancer as well as other health problems including peripheral neuropathy and emphysema.

An obituary from Schenk reads in part, “Harry, whose given name was Herbert Streicher, was thrust into infamy in 1972 when he stared in ‘Deep Throat,’ the first adult film made for wide screen, but because he was a union actor with a Screen Actors Guild card, the film's producers had to create a new name for him.

“The funny thing is Harry was not even supposed to be in the film. He was hired to handle the lighting. Writer/Director Gerard Damiano ran into a casting issue when the fellow hired to play the lead part didn't show up. Harry was thrust into the job, for which he was paid only $250.”

According to Gawker, Reems was the only porn star to date to have charges brought against him by the federal government for appearing in a movie.

“Though he was initially convicted of conspiracy to distribute obscenity across state lines, the charges were eventually dropped following a retrial. Many mainstream celebrities who were outraged by the potential precedent supported Reems both verbally and financially during the trial,” Gawker reported.

Reems was also plagued by alcoholism but eventually became sober and found faith and a career in real estate with his wife Jeanne in Park City, Utah.

In the 2005 DVD documentary, “Inside Deep Throat," Reems said, "I'm 16 and a half years clean and sober and as happy as I could ever want to be. In fact, my life today is better than anything I could've thought it would be when I was younger."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Willow Ryder Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Willow Ryder stars with Will Pounder in the latest release from New Sensations.

Dorothy Black, Jasmin Jayne & Lily Blossom Share the Spotlight in Latest From MixedX

Dorothy Black, Jasmin Jayne, and Lily Blossom star in the latest release from MixedX, titled "A Glimpse of Lost Youth."

Octavia Red Returns to Blacked Raw

Octavia Red has made her return to Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw alongside Isiah Maxwell.

Ariel Demure Fronts Latest From Transfixed

Newly crowned XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars with Lolly Dames and Draven Navarro in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Butting In."

Girlsway Debuts New Installment of 'Supernaturally Stacked'

Newly crowned XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with August Skye and Lana Smalls in the latest installment of Girlsway series "Supernaturally Stacked," titled "Dove Plea."

Angie Faith Stars in Latest From Deeper

Angie Faith stars with Michael Vegas in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled "Allegory of the Cave."

Laney Grey, Sophia Burns Headline 'DILF Fantasies'

Laney Grey, Sophia Burns, and multi-XMAs winner Tommy Pistol star in “DILF Fantasies,” the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand DILFED.

Cami Strella Takes the Spotlight in Latest From New Sensations

Cami Strella stars with Will Pounder in the latest hotwife scene from New Sensations.

Lilly Bell Returns to Slayed

Recently crowned XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars with Jill Kassidy in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Slayed.

Katie Kush Toplines Pat Myne's 'Oil for Days 6'

Katie Kush headlines director Pat Myne's "Oil for Days 6," from Evil Angel.

Show More