Buster (actor)

Buster
Born
Jeffrey Wayne Cole

(1958-08-23)August 23, 1958
South Hill, Virginia, U.S.
DiedMay 10, 1991(1991-05-10) (aged 32)
West Hollywood, California, U.S.
Other namesJeffrey Cole
EducationAlbuquerque High School
Occupations
  • Actor
  • Model
Years active1978–1991
AgentFalcon Studios

Jeffrey Wayne Cole (August 23, 1958 – May 10, 1991), known professionally by the stage name Buster, was an American adult film actor, model, and political candidate.[1] A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he became a prominent figure in the "Golden Age" of gay adult cinema in the 1980s before running for the West Hollywood City Council in 1986.[2][3]

Early life and education

Jeffrey Wayne Cole was born in South Hill, Virginia, into a military family.[4] Due to his father's career as a professional military officer, Cole moved frequently during his youth.[4] He attended school at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas and later graduated from Central High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.[4]

Following high school, Cole enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for three years.[4] During his service, he was frequently stationed in and near Oceanside, California, a location that would later play a significant role in his entry into the adult industry.[5][6]

Career

Adult film and modeling

In the late 1970s, Cole was discovered by industry figures in Oceanside.[7] He began a career in gay adult cinema and physique modeling under the name "Buster".[8] The name was reportedly a result of a clerical mix-up by director Mark Reynolds during the production of Buster and Bill; the name was intended for another performer but ultimately stuck with Cole.[9] He was a prolific model for gay adult magazines and erotic publishers, appearing in numerous physique pictorials of the era.[10][11]

Active from 1978 to 1991, Cole was marketed as a "free-spirited surfer" with signature curly blonde hair and a lean-muscled physique.[12][13] He worked for major studios including Falcon Studios, Catalina Video, and California Choice.[10] His filmography includes over 30 titles, many of which were posthumous compilations and "anniversary" editions of his early 1980s work.[4]

1986 City Council Campaign

In 1986, Cole ran for a seat on the West Hollywood City Council.[14] Living at the time with his mentor and friend Richie Silverman, Cole ran an open campaign.[14] When questioned about his past, he famously admitted to his work in adult films, stating, "Maybe some of them were X-rated. Anyway, I'm not making them anymore".[14] Despite the publicity, his bid was unsuccessful.[14]

Personal life

In the early 1980s, Cole lived in Los Angeles and was involved with Richard Moore.[4] During this period, he worked as a property manager for Harry Weiss and was a frequent guest at Weiss's compound in Palm Springs.[4]

Later in the decade, Cole struggled with substance abuse.[4] He was aided in his recovery by Richie Silverman, who provided him with housing and stability during his political run and his subsequent health decline.[4]

Death and controversy

Cole died of AIDS-related complications on May 10, 1991, at a hospice in West Hollywood.[4] He was 32 years old.[4]

Burial dispute

Following his death, the U.S. Marine Corps initially agreed to provide him with a military burial.[4] However, according to family accounts, the military rescinded the offer after learning of his sexual orientation and his career in the adult industry.[4] As a result, Cole was buried in an unmarked grave in Oceanside, California.[4] His family, lacking the financial means at the time, was unable to purchase a headstone.[4]

Filmgraphy

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1980 The Big Surprise Buster Debut
1982 Buster Goes to Laguna Buster
1983 Sailor in the Wild 1 Surfer
1984 The Bigger the Better 1 Blonde [15]
1984 Buster: The Best Years Buster
1985 Night Flight Chris
1986 Hot Numbers 1, 2, & 4 John
1988 Blue Vanities Tape 32 Buster
1989 Sex in the Great Outdoors 1 Buster
1990 For You 4: Signature Solo Series Buster
1993 Bet Your Buns on It Buster Posthumous release
2002 Young Men of the 80's 2 Buster Posthumous release
2008 Buster Goes to Laguna: 25th Anniv. Buster Posthumous release
2011 Falcon 40th Anniversary Buster Posthumous release
2021 Falcon Icons: The 1980s Buster Posthumous release

Legacy

Cole is remembered as a quintessential "surfer" icon of 1980s gay media.[13][4] His image continues to be used by studios like Falcon and Catalina in "Icon" and "Classic" collections.[16][4] He was survived by his parents and his brother, Steven Cole.[4] He is memorialized on The AIDS Memorial and in various archives documenting the history of West Hollywood's early political and social landscape.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Reviewing the Troops: A History of the American Military Image in Gay Erotic" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 5. FirstHand, Ltd. 1990. p. 20.
  2. ^ "W. Hollywood Incumbents, Coalition Show Strength". Los Angeles Times. April 10, 1986.
  3. ^ "People" Just Men Vol. 1 No. 4. Hudson Communications. 1983. p. 42.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Fade Out" Manshots Vol. 4 No. 2. FirstHand Ltd. 1991. p. 96.
  5. ^ "Reviewing the Troops Part II" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 6. FirstHand Ltd. 1990. p. 19.
  6. ^ "California Choice on Celluloid" Studflix Vol. 1 No. 3. Hudson Communications Group. 1982. p. 45.
  7. ^ "Famous Faces & Dicks" Studflix Vol. 3 No. 6. Fan Magazines Inc. 1985. p. 42.
  8. ^ New Faces" Just Men Vol. 1 No. 1. Hudson Communications. 1983. p. 1.
  9. ^ "Scatter Shots" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 6. FirstHand Ltd. 1990. p. 27.
  10. ^ a b "Buster in "Big Surprise"" In Touch No. 53. In Touch, Inc. 1981. p. 82.
  11. ^ Idol Worship: A Shameless Celebration of Male Beauty in the Movies. STARbooks Press. 2003. p. 300.
  12. ^ "Buster the Best Years" Skinflicks Vol. 5 No. 2. Hudson Communications Group. 1984. p. 15.
  13. ^ a b "Hall of Fame: Buster" Jock Vol. 5 No. 12. Princeton Publishing. 1990. p. 67.
  14. ^ a b c d "7 Challenge 3 Incumbents in West Hollywood : Council Candidates Welcome Small Field". Los Angeles Times. February 6, 1986.
  15. ^ One-handed Histories: The Eroto-politics of Gay Male Video Pornography. Pennsylvania State University. 1995. p. 23.
  16. ^ "State of the Art: Afro-disiacs" Manshots Vol. 1 No. 7. FirstHand Ltd. 1989. p. 19.
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