Jake Corbin
Jake Corbin | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Michael Avino July 7, 1964 Pawtucket, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Died | September 27, 1992 (aged 28) Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1988–1992 |
| Agent | Falcon Studios |
Jake Corbin (born John Michael Avino; July 7, 1964 – September 27, 1992) was an American adult film actor, dancer, and AIDS activist.[1] He was a prominent figure in the New York City gay adult film scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his work with directors such as Christopher Rage and his frequent appearances on The Robin Byrd Show.[1][2]
Early life and military service
John Michael Avino was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and raised in Providence.[1] Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.[1] During his service, he experienced a disciplinary incident where his pay was docked for punching a sergeant.[1][3]
Avino's transition into adult entertainment began while he was still in the service; after visiting a clinic, a nurse suggested he pursue dancing at a local nightclub.[1] He reportedly secured his discharge from the military after an encounter with a colonel.[1]
Career
Adult film and stripping
In 1988, Avino moved to New York City and adopted the stage name Jake Corbin, which he took from a movie credit.[4] He worked extensively as a stripper and escort in prominent Manhattan venues such as The Works and The Break, and toured gay clubs across the United States.[5]
Corbin's film career began in 1988 with a solo performance in While I Was Shooting Stars, directed by Christopher Rage.[1] He became a frequent guest on The Robin Byrd Show, where he was known for his "street tough" New England accent and candid wit regarding the adult industry.[6] Throughout the late 1980s, he performed in several high-profile videos for studios including Falcon Studios and Catalina Video.[7]
Activism
Corbin was a dedicated member of ACT UP/New York.[1] He utilized his public profile to support AIDS awareness, performing as a stripper at numerous AIDS fundraisers.[1] He was an active participant in major political demonstrations, including protests at New York State Capitol in Albany, New York City Hall, The International AIDS Conference in Montreal and St. Patrick's Cathedral.[1][8]
Death
Following a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, Corbin moved back to Rhode Island in January 1992 to be with his family after a bout of pneumonia.[9] He died of AIDS-related complications on September 27, 1992, at the age of 28.[10]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | While I Was Shooting Stars | Jake | Debut[11] |
| 1988 | Screen Test 2 | Boy | Catalina Video |
| 1988 | Cruisin' 1: Men on the Make | Beautiful Teenager | Falcon Studios[12] |
| 1988 | Boys on Fire | Slick | HIS Video |
| 1989 | Runaways | Troy | Catalina Video |
| 1989 | Men of the Tropics | Leo | Satellite Video |
| 1989 | Dreaming About Dick | Danny | Cinderfella |
| 1989 | Undercover | Marco | |
| 1989 | Three Little Pigs | Hans | |
| 1989 | The Night Boys | Billy | Cinderfella[13] |
| 1989 | Frank Vickers 3: Man after Man | Edward | |
| 1989 | In His Corner | Jake | [14] |
| 1990 | Mystic Museum | John | |
| 1990 | The Men of 550 | Jake | Spur Productions |
| 1990 | Queer: The Movie | Jake | |
| 1990 | Secret Asian Man | Tom | True Blue Productions |
| 1990 | Full Service | Johnny | Catalina Video[15] |
| 1991 | Scum | Alex | |
| 1991 | Best of Frank Vickers | Chris | Live Video Inc. |
| 1991 | Pacific Fever | Irwin | True Blue Productions |
| 1997 | Hammer It Home | Jake Corbin | Posthumous release |
| 1997 | Incredible Sex Parties | Jake Corbin | Posthumous release |
| 1997 | Awesome Gay Orgies | Jake Corbin | Posthumous release |
| 2014 | Crazy for Raw Cock, Falcon Bareback 21 | Jake Corbin | Posthumous release |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Fade Out" Manshots Vol. 5 No. 5. FirstHand, Ltd. 1993. p. 82.
- ^ The Advocate - Issues 554-560. Liberation Publications. 1990. p. 41.
- ^ "Jake Corbin". Bay Area Reporter. March 11, 2026.
- ^ "Newcomer: Jake Corbin" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 4. FirstHand, Ltd. 1990. p. 66.
- ^ Scatter Shots" Manshots Vol. 3 No. 2. FirstHand, Ltd. 1990. p. 16.
- ^ "Jake Corbin" Outcome Vol. 3 No. 9. Outcome Magazine. 1990. p. 18.
- ^ "Wild Shots: Fists andDildos" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 7. FirstHand, Ltd. 1990. p. 59.
- ^ "Demonstrating ACT UP: The ethics, politics, and performances of affinity". New York University ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. November 4, 2025.
- ^ "Final Focus" Gay Video Guide Vol. 2 No. 3. Adam Publishing. 1993. p. 48.
- ^ "The Plague Years, in Film and Memory". The Atlantic. February 24, 2013.
- ^ "Falcon Falls in Love" Studflix Vol. 7 No. 3. Hudson Communications Group. 1989. p. 42.
- ^ "Manshots Picks: Cruisin'" Manshots Vol. 1 No. 6. FirstHand, Ltd. 1989. p. 37.
- ^ Queer Horror: A Film Guide. McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers. 2024. p. 262.
- ^ "Wild Shots: Solos" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 2. FirstHand, Ltd. 1989. p. 57.
- ^ "Full Service" Stars Vol. 3 No. 6. Stars Publication Incorporated. 1989. p. 90.
External links
- Jake Corbin at IMDb