Jesse Jane
Jane in 2013
Born
Cynthia Ann Howell

(1980-07-16)July 16, 1980
Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Diedc. January 24, 2024(2024-01-24) (aged 43)
Moore, Oklahoma, U.S.
Occupation
  • Pornographic film actress
Years active
  • 2002–2017
  • 2019–2024
Spouse
Rich Taylor
​
​
(m. 2005; div. 2012)​
Children1
Websitejessejane.com

Cynthia Ann Howell (July 16, 1980 – c. January 24, 2024), known professionally as Jesse Jane, was an American pornographic film actress. She entered the industry in the early 2000s, and later transitioned into mainstream film and television roles.

Jane was an exclusive contract performer for Digital Playground between 2002 and 2014, starring in the Pirates series of pornographic films. She retired from the adult film industry in 2017 after a career spanning nearly two decades. She was a member of the NightMoves Hall of Fame, XRCO Hall of Fame, and the AVN Hall of Fame.

Early life

Jane was born Cynthia Ann Howell on July 16, 1980, in Fort Worth, Texas. According to a 2006 interview she gave to The Oklahoma Gazette, her family relocated to the Oklahoma City area where her parents worked at Tinker Air Force Base. In 1998, she graduated with honors from Moore High School.[1][2]

Career

Before securing a position in a commercial for restaurant chain Hooters, Jane had previously modeled for retailers such as 5-7-9 and David's Bridal. She subsequently ascended the ranks within the Hooters organization, ultimately attaining the role of regional training coordinator. She later made the decision to transition into a full-time career as a Hawaiian Tropic bikini model.[1]

Pornographic film

Jane signed an exclusive contract with the adult film production company Digital Playground between 2002 and 2014.[3][4] She avoided the "shock value" trend prevalent in mid-2000s pornography, according to The New York Times.[1] Jane portrayed the first officer of a ship on a mission against a group of evil pirates in Pirates (2005), later reprising her role in the sequel, Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge (2008). The films, which, respectively, cost $1 million and $8 million to produce, were among the highest-budget pornographic films ever made.[1][5]

In 2006, Jane and Kirsten Price became the hosts of Playboy TV's most popular live show, Night Calls; Jane also hosted the AVN Awards that year.[6][7]

She was the sex columnist for Chéri and Ralph magazines beginning in 2007.[8][9][third-party source needed] Later that year she hosted Playboy TV's Naughty Amateur Home Videos and The New York Times reported that Jane intended to have her breast enhancement surgery re-done for high-definition movies.[10][11] She hosted the F.A.M.E. Awards in 2008,and the XBIZ Awards in 2008 and 2011.[12][13][14]

Jane launched a line of signature sex toys circa 2010.[15] She was the Australian Penthouse Pet of the Month in November 2010.[16] Jane hosted the AVN Awards again in 2013.[17] In 2011 and 2014, she was named by CNBC as one of the twelve most popular stars in porn.[18][19]

In 2017, Jane announced that she would retire from the adult industry, although she briefly returned in 2019 to shoot her first interracial scene for Blacked.com.[5][20]

Mainstream film, television, and other media

Jane transitioned into mainstream Hollywood.[1] In 2003, she had an uncredited appearance in Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding and appeared in the reality TV series Family Business.[21][22] In 2004, Jane made a cameo appearance in the film Starsky & Hutch, appeared on the cover of Drowning Pool's second studio album Desensitized, and in the music video for Drowning Pool's single Step Up.[3][23] She was a guest star on the HBO dramedy series Entourage.[1] She also appeared in the reality TV series Bad Girls Club and Gene Simmons Family Jewels.[21]

In a 2009 CNBC documentary titled Porn: Business of Pleasure, Jane is the focus of the final six-minute segment, which details her career and her life outside the porn industry.[24] Later that year she appeared in the film Middle Men.[25] In 2011 she appeared in the film Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star.[3]

Personal life

In 2000, Jane gave birth to her son.[11] She married her husband, Rich Taylor, in 2005.[23] On March 1, 2012, Jane announced on Twitter that she was getting divorced.[26]

On January 24, 2024, Jane and her boyfriend, Brett Hasenmueller, were found dead from an apparent drug overdose at their home in Moore, Oklahoma.[1]

Awards

List of accolades received by Jesse Jane
Total number of wins
Totals 31

[27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41]
[42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56]

Year Event Award Film
2003 NightMoves Award Best New Starlet (Editor's Choice) —
2004 Delta di Venere Award Best American Actress
Venus Award Best Actress, USA
2006 AVN Award Best All-Girl Sex Scene – Video (with Janine) Pirates
FOXE Award Female Fan Favorite —
NightMoves Award Best Actress (Editor's Choice)
Booble.com December Cover Girl of the Month
Scandinavian Adult Award Best Selling International Star
2007 AVN Award Best All-Girl Sex Scene – Video (with Jana Cova, Sophia Santi, & Teagan Presley) Island Fever 4
Eroticline Award Best U.S. Actress —
F.A.M.E. Award Hottest Body
2008 Medien eLINE Award Best U.S. Actress
FAME Award Hottest Body
NightMoves Award Hall of Fame
2009 AVN Award Best All-Girl Group Sex Scene (with Stoya, Adrianna Lynn, Brianna Love, Lexxi Tyler, Memphis Monroe, Priya Rai, Shay Jordan, Sophia Santi) Cheerleaders
Best All-Girl Couples Sex Scene (with Belladonna) Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge
Hot d'Or Award Best American Actress
FAME Award Hottest Body —
2010 NightMoves Award Best Feature Dancer (Fan's Choice)
2011 AVN Award Best All-Girl Group Sex Scene (with Katsuni, Kayden Kross, Riley Steele, & Raven Alexis) Body Heat
Wildest Sex Scene (Fan Award) (with Katsuni, Kayden Kross, Riley Steele, & Raven Alexis)
2012 Best Supporting Actress Fighters
Hottest Sex Scene (Fan Award) (with Kayden Kross, Riley Steele, Stoya, BiBi Jones, & Manuel Ferrara) Babysitters 2
XRCO Award Hall of Fame —
NightMoves Award Best Female Performer (Fan's Choice)
2013 AVN Award Hall of Fame
XBIZ Award Best Scene – All-Girl with (Kayden Kross, Riley Steele, Selena Rose, & Vicki Chase) Mothers & Daughters
2014 Best Scene – Feature Movie (with (Kayden Kross, Riley Steele, Stoya, Selena Rose, & Manuel Ferrara) Code of Honor
Venus Award Lifetime Achievement Award —
2016 XBIZ Award Best Sex Scene – Gonzo Release (with Manuel Ferrara) Jesse: Alpha Female
Performer Showcase of the Year

Selected filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Beat the Devil[1]
2003 Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding[5] Bikini girl Uncredited role
2004 Starsky & Hutch[1][25] Cameo
2005 Pirates[1] Jules
2008 Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge[1] Jules
2009 Middle Men[25] Herself
2010 Let the Game Begin[6] Temptation
2011 Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star[5] AFA presenter
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Family Business[57] Herself
2005 Entourage[5][6] Herself Season 2
2006 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'[6] Jaywalking interviewee
2006-2007 Night Calls[6] Co-host
2007 Gene Simmons Family Jewels[21] Herself
2009 Bad Girls Club[21] Herself
2009 Porn: Business of Pleasure[24] Herself CNBC TV documentary

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Tumin, Remy (January 27, 2024). "Jesse Jane, Pornographic Film Star, Dies at 43". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  2. ^ Cooper, Scott; Jones, Preston (February 9, 2006). "Dirty Little Secret". Oklahoma Gazette. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2023 – via Altweeklies.com.
  3. ^ a b c Hayes, Jana (January 25, 2024). "Adult film actress Jesse Jane, boyfriend found dead of apparent overdose in Oklahoma home". The Oklahoman. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  4. ^ Morris, Chris (January 17, 2014). "The economics of being an independent porn star". CNBC. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e Dickson, EJ (January 25, 2024). "Porn Star Jesse Jane Dead at 43". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e Stenzel, Wesley (January 25, 2024). "Adult film star Jesse Jane, who appeared on 'Entourage' and 'Bad Girls Club,' found dead at 43". EW.com. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  7. ^ "Jesse Jane to Host 2006 AVN Awards". Adult Video News. August 30, 2005. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  8. ^ Anthony, Vito (November 13, 2006). "Jesse Jane Joins Cheri Staff". XFanz. Retrieved June 2, 2007.[dead link]
  9. ^ "Jesse Jane". Ralph. Archived from the original on January 8, 2008 – via NineMSN.
  10. ^ "Jesse Jane - Night Calls Live". Playboy TV. Archived from the original on March 4, 2007.
  11. ^ a b Richtel, Matt (January 22, 2007). "In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real". The New York Times. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  12. ^ "Jesse Jane, Randy Spears To Host 2008 F.A.M.E. Awards". Adult Video News. March 24, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  13. ^ Hymes, Tom (November 14, 2007). "DP Contract Star Jesse Jane and Kevin 'KB' Blatt to Host 2008 XBIZ Awards Ceremony". XBIZ. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  14. ^ Rodriguez, Ariana (October 8, 2010). "Jesse Jane to Host 2011 XBIZ Awards, Official Event Site Launches". XBIZ. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  15. ^ Morris, Chris (March 5, 2010). "Life After Porn: The Retirement Challenge". CNBC. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  16. ^ "November 2010 Pet of the Month, Jesse Jane". Australian Penthouse. October 20, 2010. Archived from the original on May 10, 2013.
  17. ^ "Jesse Jane, Asa Akira Tapped to Co-Host 2013 AVN Awards". Adult Video News. July 31, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  18. ^ Morris, Chris (January 6, 2011). "The Dirty Dozen: Porn's Most Popular Stars". CNBC. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  19. ^ Morris, Chris (January 13, 2014). "The Dirty Dozen 2014". CNBC. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  20. ^ Adams, JC (June 26, 2019). "Jesse Jane Performs 1st IR for Blacked". XBIZ. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  21. ^ a b c d Vasquez, Ingrid (January 25, 2024). "Adult Film Star Jesse Jane, Who Also Appeared on 'Entourage,' Dead at 43". Peoplemag. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  22. ^ Ehren, Wynder (January 25, 2024). "Overdose suspected after adult film superstar Jesse Jane found dead at 43 - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  23. ^ a b Gomez, Luis (July 5, 2009). "Interview: Shopping with adult film star Jesse Jane". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  24. ^ a b Lee, Melissa (July 15, 2009). "Porn: Business of Pleasure". CNBC Originals. Season 1. Episode 32. Event occurs at 35:27.
  25. ^ a b c Price, Joe (January 25, 2024). "Adult Film Actress Jesse Jane Dead at 43 Following Apparent Overdose". Complex. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  26. ^ Jesse [@jessejane] (March 1, 2012). "Happily getting divorced" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 23, 2016 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ "AVN Award Winners Announced". Adult Video News. January 9, 2006. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2007.
  28. ^ "Jesse Jane Wins Scandinavian Adult Award". Xbiz.com. March 6, 2007. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  29. ^ "Jesse Jane Named Booble Girl of the Month". Xbiz.com. January 4, 2007. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  30. ^ "2007 AVN Award Winners Announced". Adult Video News. January 16, 2007. Archived from the original on March 7, 2009.
  31. ^ Sullivan, David (January 11, 2009). "2009 AVN Award-Winners Announced". Adult Video News. Archived from the original on February 23, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  32. ^ "AVN Announces the Winners of the 2011 AVN Awards". Adult Video News. January 9, 2011. Archived from the original on April 10, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  33. ^ "AVN Announces the 2012 AVN Award Winners". Adult Video News. January 22, 2012. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  34. ^ "AVN Announces 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees". Adult Video News. December 21, 2012. Archived from the original on December 31, 2012. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  35. ^ Warren, Peter (June 23, 2007). "2007 F.A.M.E. Award Winners Announced". Adult Video News. Archived from the original on August 5, 2009.
  36. ^ Sullivan, David (June 7, 2008). "2008 F.A.M.E. Winners Announced at Erotica LA". Adult Video News. Archived from the original on June 9, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2008.
  37. ^ "F.A.M.E. Award Winners Announced". Adult Video News. September 13, 2009. Archived from the original on January 4, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2009.
  38. ^ Dirty Bob (September 16, 2003). "11th Annual Nightmoves Entertainment Awards Announced". Adult Video News. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
  39. ^ Dirty Bob (October 9, 2006). "Nightmoves Award Winners Announced". Adult Video News. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012.
  40. ^ "Past Winner History". Nightmovesusa.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2013.
  41. ^ "NightMoves Online - Past Winner History". NightMoves Online. Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
  42. ^ "20th Annual NightMoves Awards Heats Up Tampa". Adult Video News. January 10, 2010. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved March 10, 2013.
  43. ^ Dan Miller (January 12, 2013). "2013 XBIZ Award Winners Announced". XBIZ. Archived from the original on March 4, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  44. ^ "XRCO". XRCO.com. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  45. ^ "XRCO Announces 2012 Hall of Fame Class". Adult Video News. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  46. ^ "AVN - 2014 AVN Awards Show - History". Avnawards.avn.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2014.
  47. ^ Miller, Dan (January 24, 2014). "2014 XBIZ Award Winners Announced". XBIZ. Archived from the original on January 27, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  48. ^ "AVN - 2014 AVN Awards Show – History". Adult Video News. Archived from the original on January 26, 2014.
  49. ^ "Complete List of Delta di Venere Award Winners Announced". Adult Video News. November 23, 2004. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
  50. ^ "Jesse Jane Named Best Actress USA at Venus Awards". Adult Video News. October 21, 2004. Archived from the original on February 23, 2011. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
  51. ^ Thomas J Stanton (February 20, 2006). "FOXE Awards Showcase Porn's Past and Future". Adult Video News. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
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  53. ^ Sullivan, David (October 22, 2008). "Exclusive: Complete 2008 eLINE Award Winners from Venus Berlin". Adult Video News. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  54. ^ Fishbein, Paul (October 21, 2009). "Pirates II, Evil Angel Big Winners at 2009 Hot d'Or Awards". Adult Video News. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
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  56. ^ XBIZ Award Winners. Archived August 18, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. XBIZ. January 2016.
  57. ^ Evans, Greg (January 25, 2024). "Jesse Jane Dies: Porn Superstar Who Appeared In 'Entourage' & 'The Bad Girls Club' Found Unresponsive".

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