Sean Michaels (actor) explained

Sean Michaels
Birth Date:1958 2, mf=yes
Years Active:1989–present

Sean Michaels (born February 20, 1958) is an American pornographic actor, model, director and former trade union leader. In 2002, AVN ranked him 14th on their list of The Top 50 Porn Stars of All Time.[1] Michaels has won several prominent adult industry awards, including the NightMoves Award for Best Actor. He has also been inducted into the AVN, NightMoves, Urban X, and XRCO Halls of Fame.

Early life

Michaels was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Boys and Girls High School, the oldest public high school in Brooklyn.[2] [3] After moving to the West Coast, he worked as a nurse for an urgent care facility in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. He also did runway and print modeling prior to entering the porn industry.

Career

Michaels started out working in the adult entertainment industry as a model for skin magazines. Dissatisfied with the portrayal of black men in pornography, which he saw as "very demeaning and stereotypical", Michaels began performing in adult films in 1989. Michaels chose his stage name by combining the first names of two male celebrities he admired: Sean Connery, whom he described as a "man's man, on and off camera", and Michael Jordan.

Michaels gained recognition in the industry after appearing in his mentor John Leslie's 1990 film Oh What A Night.[4] Micheals received the XBIZ Award for Woodsman of the Year in 1994. The following year, he was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame. In 1996, he started his own film studio, Sean Michaels Productions, which was later changed to Sean Michaels International the following year when Anabolic Video began handling its distribution.

Along with Lisa Ann and Nikki Benz, Michaels hosted the XRCO Awards in April 2010.[5] In 2018, he performed in his first bisexual scene for Kick Ass Pictures. In regards to the scene, Michaels commented, "I feel strongly about doing the things you want to do in life. Cuckold fans have been asking me for years to do bi scenes, and I'm happy to be making this move. I believe it's important for people to grow sexually in any way they choose."

Legal dispute

In 2003, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) issued Michaels a cease and desist letter, asking him to stop using his name due to the similarity it had to wrestler Shawn Michaels.[6] Sean Michaels' name was already registered as a trademark, while Shawn Michaels had not registered his moniker.[7] Michaels later announced he planned to countersue the WWE.[6] As of April 1, 2011, the trademark of "Sean Michaels" is no longer active.

Advocacy and impact

In 2016, Michaels was elected President of the Adult Performance Artists Guild, then the Adult Performers Actors Guild (APAG).[8] [9] As President, he announced the APAG would push to raise the legal age to perform in adult films from 18 to 21, commenting that "it's 21 years old to drink, so you should have to be 21 to do porn."[9] Amidst criticism from APAG members who saw him as reducing his union participation, Michaels officially resigned from his role.[10] He was replaced in the role by actress Alana Evans, who had served as vice president under him. Evans revealed that Michaels was being "blackballed" in the pornographic industry due to his guild participation.[11]

In the May 1997 issue of Vibe, he was labeled "the preeminent force in interracial erotic entertainment."[12] In her book A Taste for Brown Sugar: Black Women in Pornography, women's studies scholar Mireille Miller-Young notes how Michaels' portrayal of "suave and professional" characters in his films has challenged the stereotyping of black men as "sexual beasts" in pornography and expanded opportunities for black performers.[13] Violet Blue shares a similar sentiment in The Ultimate Guide to Adult Videos, calling Michaels a "major force in changing the face and attitudes of the adult industry towards black performers."[3] Blue concluded by dubbing him "the most famous black man to ever appear in porn."[3]

Select appearances

YearTitleRoleNotes
1990Oh, What a Night!Richard ParkerBreakthrough role
2004Thinking XXXHimselfDocumentary[14]
2012Dave's Old PornEpisode: "Retro Orgy Night"[15]
2018Black Bi CuckoldingFirst performance in bisexual pornography[16]
Hot For Transsexuals 6First appearance in transgender pornography[17]
2022Sex Before the InternetEpisode: "Porn Awards"[18]

Awards and nominations

AVN Awards
width=4%YearNominated work and artistCategoryResultwidth=3%
1991Nasty GirlsBest Video Group Sex Scene[19]
1994Anus and AndyBest Sex Scene, Video (Group)[20]
Sean MichaelsMale Performer of the Year
1995In the BushBest Actor—Video[21]
Sean Michaels Hall of Fame[22]
Male Performer of the Year
1996VisionsBest Couples Sex Scene—Video[23]
World Sex Tour, Vol. 1Best Group Sex Scene—Video[24]
The PassionMost Outrageous Sex Scene
1997Sean MichaelsMale Performer of the Year
1998Butt Banged Naughty NursesBest Anal Sex Scene—Video[25]
Dinner Party 2Best Couples Sex Scene—Film[26]
Face JamBest Supporting Actor—Video
Sean MichaelsMale Performer of the Year
1999Sean Michaels' Up Your Ass 7Best Anal Sex Scene—Video[27]
Tushy Heaven[28]
Fresh Meat 5Best Group Sex Scene—Video
Tushy Heaven
Sean MichaelsMale Performer of the Year
2000We Go DeepBest Couples Sex Scene—Video[29]
Sean MichaelsMale Performer of the Year
2006Sean MichaelsMale Performer of the Year[30]
2007FuckBest Anal Sex Scene – Film[31]
Elastic Assholes 4Best Anal Sex Scene – Video
FuckBest Group Sex Scene – Film
Janine's Been Blackmaled
Racial TensionBest Sex Scene Coupling – Video
2008Orgy World: The Next Level 11Best Group Sex Scene – Video[32]
2009Succubus of the RougeBest Supporting Actor[33]
2010Semen Sippers 7Best Threeway Sex Scene[34]
Bobbi Starr & Dana DeArmond's Insatiable VoyageBest Double Penetration Sex Scene[35]
LA Pink: A XXX Porn ParodyBest Actor
Best Double Penetration Sex Scene
Sean MichaelsMale Performer of the Year
2011Interracial Fuck SlutsBest Three-Way Sex Scene (B/B/G)[36]
2012Orgy: The XXX ChampionshipBest Group Sex Scene[37]
2013School of Black CockBest Double Penetration Sex Scene[38]
Elastic Assholes 10Best Three-Way Sex Scene (B/B/G)
2014Double Black PenetrationBest Double Penetration Sex Scene[39]
2016True LustBest Three-Way Sex Scene - (B/B/G)[40]
Adriana's a SlutBest Group Sex Scene
2017This Ain't American Horror Story XXXBest Supporting Actor[41]
The Booty Queen 2Best Double Penetration Sex Scene
2018Anal Warriors 3Best Anal Sex Scene
2020Hot for Transexuals 9Best Transgender Group Sex Scene[42]
F.O.X.E. Awards
width=4%YearNominated work and artistCategoryResultwidth=3%
1996Sean MichaelsMale Fan Favorite[43]
1997
1998
NightMoves Awards
width=4%YearNominated work and artistCategoryResultwidth=3%
2002Sean MichaelsBest Actor (Fan's Choice)[44]
2003Best Director (Fan's Choice)[45]
2007NightMoves Hall of Fame[46]
Transgender Erotica Awards
width=4%YearNominated work and artistCategoryResultwidth=3%
2020Sean MichaelsBest Non-TS Male Performer[47]
2021[48]
Urban X Awards
width=4%YearNominated work and artistCategoryResultwidth=3%
2008Sean MichaelsBest Male Performer[49]
Urban X Hall of Fame[50]
2011Cougar on the ProwlBest 3 Way Sex Scene[51]
2012Anal Buffet 7Best 3-Way Sex Scene[52]
Best Anal Sex Scene
Black DiamondsBest Couples Sex Scene
Daddy Knows Best
XBIZ Awards
width=4%YearNominated work and artistCategoryResultwidth=3%
2010L.A. PinkActing Performance of the Year — Male[53]
Sean MichaelsMale Performer of the Year
2014Diesel Dongs 28Best Scene — Non-Feature Release[54]
2017This Ain't American Horror Story XXXBest Supporting Actor[55]
2018Anal Warriors 3 Best Sex Scene — Gonzo Release[56]
Sun-LitBest Sex Scene — Vignette Release
2019CarnalBest Sex Scene — All-Sex Release[57]
2021The TransAngels Motorcycle ClubBest Sex Scene — Trans[58]
XRCO Awards
width=4%YearNominated work and artistCategoryResultwidth=3%
1994Arabian NightsBest Anal Sex Scene
Slave to LoveGroup Sex Scene
Sean MichaelsWoodsman of the Year
1999Tushy HeavenBest Anal or D.P. Scene[59]
2000Sean MichaelsMale Performer of the Year[60]
XRCO Hall of Fame[61]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: AVN: The 50 Top Porn Stars of All Time. January 14, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070930015019/http://www.action-dvd.com/avnt50ps.asp?whichpage=1&userid=3AED28DC-3047-4F5C-87F5-D9AC3B9DA6F3&sort_order= . September 30, 2007.
  2. Web site: Sean Michaels Is at Work on 1st Volume of Autobiography. October 6, 2015. Mark Kernes. August 10, 2012. AVN. October 7, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151007093503/http://business.avn.com/articles/video/Sean-Michaels-Is-at-Work-on-1st-Volume-of-Autobiography-485109.html. dead.
  3. Book: Blue, Violet. October 1, 2003. The Ultimate Guide to Adult Videos: How to Watch Adult Videos and Make Your Sex Life Sizzle. Cleis Press Start. 168. 1573447056.
  4. Web site: March 11, 1999. Sean Michaels says he's sweating this Monday morning. AVN. October 31, 2023.
  5. Web site: Nikki Benz, Lisa Ann and Sean Michaels to Host XRCO Awards. 2010-02-19. Wade Garrett. 2010-02-17. AVN. 2010-05-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20100504123411/http://business.avn.com/articles/37385.html. dead.
  6. Web site: Majors. Frank. January 24, 2003. Will The Real Sean Michaels Please Throw Down?. AVN. October 31, 2023.
  7. Steve Nelson. "Sean Michaels Sues Sean Michaels". Adult Industry News, January 23, 2003. Accessed 8 September 2008.
  8. Web site: Warren. Peter. August 11, 2016. Union Chapters Issue Statement on Court's False Endorsement Decision. AVN. May 3, 2019.
  9. News: Snow. Aurora. May 27, 2016. Porn's First Union President: Performers Should Be 21+ Only. The Daily Beast. May 3, 2019.
  10. Web site: News From The Officers Of APAG. 22 February 2018 . APAG. November 4, 2023.
  11. Web site: President of newly recognized union for adult performers boosts membership. The Hill. Rodrigo. Chris Mills. September 14, 2021. October 24, 2021.
  12. Web site: Morales . Robert . Sexy Motherfuckers . Vibe.com . 23 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/19970715170918/http://www.vibe.com/archive/may97/docs/porn2.html . 15 July 1997 . dead.
  13. Book: Miller-Young, Mireille . October 30, 2014 . A Taste for Brown Sugar: Black Women in Pornography . . 219 . 978-0-8223-7591-3 .
  14. Web site: November 1, 2023. TV Guide. Thinking XXX.
  15. Web site: Dave's Old Porn - Season 2 (2012). JustWatch. March 24, 2023.
  16. Web site: Smithberg. Allen. August 8, 2018. Sean Michaels Performs 1st Bi Scene for CumEatingCuckolds.com. AVN. November 6, 2023.
  17. Web site: Hot For Transsexuals 6. AVN. November 1, 2023.
  18. Web site: Parkman. Dave. November 21, 2022. Vice TV to Premiere 'Sex Before the Internet' Docuseries. XBIZ. November 4, 2023.
  19. . The 1991 Adult Video News Awards Show . Official Program . Upper Darby, Pennsylvania . AVN Publications, Inc. . January 12, 1991 .
  20. . The 1994 AVN Awards Show . Official Program . Upper Darby, Pennsylvania . AVN Publications, Inc. . January 8, 1994 .
  21. Ross . Gene . Star Light, Star Bright, First Star We See Tonight.... Adult Video News . Los Angeles, California. AVN Publications, Inc. . March 1995 . 10 . 3 . 24–82 . 0883-7090 .
  22. Web site: Adult Video News Award Winners - 1994. April 19, 2015. July 18, 1995. RAME. September 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924084612/http://www.rame.net/faq/avn/1994.html. dead.
  23. Stone, Mark (Director) . 1996 . The 1996 AVN Awards . videotape . .
  24. Web site: Adult Video News Award Winners - 1995. April 19, 2015. January 8, 1996. RAME. December 6, 1998. https://web.archive.org/web/19981206121829/http://www.rame.net/faq/avn/1995.html. dead.
  25. Web site: AVN Awards - 1997. April 19, 2015. RAME. September 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924084616/http://www.rame.net/faq/avn/1997.html. dead.
  26. . History: The 1998 AVN Awards Show . Official Program . Van Nuys, California . AVN Publications, Inc. . January 9, 1998 .
  27. . Choices . 1999 AVN Awards Show Program . Van Nuys, CA . AVN Publications, Inc. . January 9, 1999 .
  28. Web site: Last Year's Winner's . April 19, 2015 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/19991013062528/http://avn.com/awards/winners.html . October 13, 1999 .
  29. Web site: AVN 2000 Nominations . . March 2, 2000 . February 16, 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20000302100333/http://www.avn.com/awards/noms.html . March 2, 2000 .
  30. Web site: 2006 Nominations . . November 25, 2005 . January 13, 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20051126013107/http://www.avnawards.com/2006nominations.pdf . November 26, 2005 .
  31. Web site: AVN Awards 2007 Nominees . . 2006 . January 9, 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20061220061002/http://www.avn.com/imagearchive/27/84/74/278474AVNNOMSFINALNOV20 . December 20, 2006 .
  32. News: The 2008 AVN Awards Nominations . November 6, 2023. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080227073556/http://www.avnawards.com/pdf/2008Nominations.pdf . February 27, 2008 .
  33. News: Nominations 2009 AVN Adult Movie Awards . November 6, 2023. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090105164506/http://www.avnawards.com/pdf/2009_AVN_NOMINATIONS_11_25_08.pdf . January 5, 2009 .
  34. News: 2010 NOMINEES . 20 January 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100304153045/http://avnawards.avn.com/nominees/ . 4 March 2010 .
  35. Web site: 2010 AVN Award Winners Announced. April 19, 2015. January 13, 2010. AVN. July 8, 2012. https://archive.today/20120708134222/http://business.avn.com/articles/video/2010-AVN-Award-Winners-Announced-378238.html. dead.
  36. Web site: Nominations for the 2011 AVN Awards. AVN. November 8, 2023. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130329112839/http://avnawards.avn.com/2011_nominations2.pdf. March 29, 2013.
  37. Web site: AVN Awards 2012 - Nominations. AVN. November 8, 2023. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130329124455/http://avnawards.avn.com/2012_AVN_Awards_nominations.pdf. March 29, 2013.
  38. Web site: 2013 AVN Awards Nominees . AVN . November 8, 2023 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130328092725/http://avnawards.avn.com/2013_nominations.pdf . March 28, 2013 .
  39. Web site: 2014 AVN Award Nominees . November 8, 2023 . AVN . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140126094717/http://avnawards.avn.com/page/3 . January 26, 2014.
  40. Web site: 2016 AVN Award Nominations. November 8, 2023. AVN. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20151120162020/http://avnawards.avn.com/pages/8. November 20, 2015.
  41. Web site: AVN Awards 2017 Nominees. . November 17, 2016. AVN. dead. November 8, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20170113172207/https://avn.com/awards/nominees. January 13, 2017.
  42. Web site: 2020 Nominees. AVN. October 27, 2023.
  43. http://canbest.com/awards2.html "Adult Video Awards - The FANS OF X-RATED ENTERTAINMENT"
  44. Web site: Past Winner History . April 19, 2015 . NightMoves . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131219210715/http://nightmovesusa.com/awards-show/past-winner-history.html . December 19, 2013 .
  45. Web site: 11th Annual Nightmoves Entertainment Awards Announced. April 19, 2015. Dirty Bob. September 16, 2003. AVN. June 24, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160624132444/http://business.avn.com/articles/video/11th-Annual-Nightmoves-Entertainment-Awards-Announced-36648.html. dead.
  46. Web site: 2007 NightMoves Award Winners Announced. April 19, 2015. Peter Warren. October 11, 2007. AVN. February 28, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120228202315/http://business.avn.com/articles/video/2007-NightMoves-Award-Winners-Announced-26278.html. dead.
  47. Web site: JC. Adams. May 10, 2020. Winners Announced for 2020 TEAs. XBIZ. October 31, 2023.
  48. Web site: 2021 TEAs Nominees Announced. 24 December 2020 . XBIZ. October 31, 2023.
  49. Web site: Hunter. Tod. April 21, 2008. Urban Spice Awards Talent Nominees Announced. AVN. October 31, 2023.
  50. Web site: Javors. Steve. June 11, 2008. Urban Spice Awards Announces First-Ever Winners. XBIZ. November 5, 2023.
  51. Web site: Movie Nominees . November 11, 2023 . June 15, 2011 . Urban X Awards . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20120325213651/http://www.urbanxawards.com/urbanxongoing/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83&Itemid=82 . March 25, 2012 .
  52. Web site: Johnson. Bob. June 27, 2012. Urban X Awards Nominations Announced. XBIZ. October 28, 2023.
  53. Web site: Javors. Steve. December 16, 2009. XBIZ Announces Finalist Nominees for 2010 XBIZ Awards. XBIZ. June 4, 2022.
  54. Web site: 2014 XBIZ Award Nominees. 4 September 2018. XBIZ. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140209032322/http://xbizawards.xbiz.com/nominees.php. 9 February 2014.
  55. Web site: Pardon. Rhett. November 17, 2016. XBIZ Announces Finalist Nominees for 2017 XBIZ Awards. XBIZ. June 4, 2022.
  56. Web site: Freixes. Alejandro. November 16, 2017. XBIZ Announces Finalist Nominees for 2018 XBIZ Awards. XBIZ. June 4, 2022.
  57. Web site: Freixes. Alejandro. November 15, 2018. XBIZ Announces Finalist Nominees for 2019 XBIZ Awards. XBIZ. June 4, 2022.
  58. Web site: November 19, 2020. 2021 XBIZ Awards Nominees Announced. XBIZ. November 5, 2023.
  59. Web site: Another Constituency Heard From . May 3, 2015 . Jared Rutter . May 1999 . AVN . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20001020011839/http://avn.com/html/avn/archives/99_05/bone/by0599_006.html . October 20, 2000 .
  60. Web site: March 14, 2000. XRCO nominations. AVN. November 6, 2023.
  61. Web site: XRCO Awards Not Stolen - The Show Goes On Anyway. April 19, 2015. March 20, 2000. AVN. June 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160604150334/http://business.avn.com/articles/video/XRCO-Awards-Not-Stolen-The-Show-Goes-On-Anyway-33685.html. dead.

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