Steve Taylor (actor, born 1939)

Steve Taylor (born Richard Cole; November 12, 1939 – September 9, 1986) was an American adult film actor, producer, photographer, and entrepreneur.^[1] He was a central figure in the gay adult film industry during the late 1970s and early 1980s, primarily known for co-founding Surge Studios with his long-term partner, adult film star Al Parker.^[2]

Steve Taylor was born Richard Cole on November 12, 1939, in Dixfield, Maine.^[1] As a child, he survived a serious accident in which he swallowed bleach.^[1]

Taylor was known for his "bearded bear" aesthetic and muscular physique, which led to modeling work for various gay and adult magazines.^[3] He appeared as a model in various gay and adult magazines of the era.^[1] Unlike many of his peers, he was noted for his ability to deliver convincing dialogue.^[4] His most prominent acting role was in the 1979 film Inches, where he played the lover of Al Parker's character during the conclusion of a failed relationship.^[5]

Taylor played Lee, the older lover of Parker's character, Doug.^[4] The film's narrative centers on Lee leaving Doug, sparking the film's events.^[4] Taylor appeared in Wanted (1980) and he played the character Rick.^[6][7] This film is noted for a particularly famous scene featuring the two performers together.^[7] In 1981 he was credited as Mr. Ross, Taylor appeared in this early Surge Studio production Flashback, which Al Parker produced and starred in.^[8]

In 1980, Taylor and his partner Andrew "Drew" Okun (professionally known as Al Parker) founded Surge Studios.^[9] While Parker was the "artist" and primary on-screen star, Taylor was widely regarded as the "business brains" behind the operation.^[9] In addition to his business and production roles, Taylor served as the still photographer for Surge Studio films.^[9] Despite his influence, Taylor was rarely pictured in print media and was often credited less frequently than his collaborators.^[9] He was a key figure behind the scenes as the studio transitioned toward promoting safer sex practices in the early 1980s.^[9]

Taylor met Al Parker in 1973 while cycling in Hermosa Beach, California.^[9] The two remained domestic and professional partners for nearly 14 years until Taylor's death.^[10]

Steve Taylor died on September 9, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from AIDS and his remains were cremated and scattered at sea.^[10]

• Steve Taylor at IMDb