Adult Industry Legend Bill Margold Passes Away at 73

Adult Industry Legend Bill Margold Passes Away at 73

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Porn industry legend Bill Margold — a former adult entertainment performer, agent, activist and historian — passed away on Tuesday at 73.  

Margold, known to many as “Papa Bear,” was a big supporter of adult entertainment performers and their interests. He was a past director of adult industry trade group Free Speech Coalition, lead the Protecting Adult Welfare Foundation and co-founded the X-Rated Critics Organization.

Most recently, Margold acted as senior advisor at APAG, the Adult Performers Actor Guild, and hosted a radio program, “HISTORXXX” on XXXPornStarRadio.com.  

According to performer Alana Evans, Margold was found unresponsive by friends at his West Hollywood home after they became concerned during his internet radio show when they heard dead air.

Evans told XBIZ that she was devastated by the news of his passing.

“He always gave good advice to our performers’ guild,” she said.

Former adult performer Melissa Hill also was shocked about Margold’s death.

“It it wasn’t for Bill, I wouldn’t have the courage or ambition to move forward in adult,” Hill told XBIZ. “I want to give him the recognition he deserves. And regardless of what many thought of him, he needs to be recognized as a pioneer in the industry, particularly one who helped build the business since its Golden Age [in the 1970s].”

XXXPornStar Radio, on its site today, said that “it is with heavy hearts we must share the passing of the legendary Bill Margold. Out hearts and prayers go to his family and friends. All of us here … will miss him and all he has not only done for us but the entire adult industry."

Margold was born in Washington, D.C., and graduated from Cal State Northridge with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

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

Ryan Keely, Nicole Doshi Topline Latest From Sweetheart Video

Ryan Keely and Nicole Doshi headline the 19th volume of "Lesbian Adventures: Strap On Specialists" from Mile High Media's studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Wendy Raine Fronts 'Mamma Mia' Parody From MYLF

Wendy Raine stars with Eva Nyx and Quinton James in a “Mamma Mia” parody from MYLF, titled “Memories Cumming to My Mind.”

Briella Coley Makes Her Evil Angel Debut

Briella Coley has made her debut for Evil Angel alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Jasmine Sherni Takes the Spotlight in 2-Part Brazzers Release

Jasmine Sherni stars in the two-part Brazzers scene titled “TroubleMakerzz.”

Ofcom: Age Assurance Going Live Across 'Thousands' of Porn Sites

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom said in a statement Thursday that providers of online pornography are implementing age assurance across “thousands of sites” accessible in the U.K., in response to Ofcom’s Online Safety Act (OSA) enforcement program.

ASGMax Debuts 'Roleplay' AI Chat Feature

Alpha Studio Group (ASG) has introduced the ASGmax Roleplay AI chat feature.

Linda Lan Performs 1st Anal, Headlines Jonni Darkko's 2nd 'POV Anal Sluts'

Linda Lan performs her first anal scene and toplines director Jonni Darkko’s sequel to “POV Anal Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Leana Lovings, Aria Banks Front Latest From Reality Kings

Leana Lovings and Aria Banks star in the latest release from Reality Kings, titled "Synchronized Scissoring."

Penthouse Names Lennon Elizabeth April's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Lennon Elizabeth as Pet of the Month for April.

Show More