Former gay porn star Johnny Hazzard’s first feature film is coming to UK shores
By Will Stroude
Award-winning adult star Johnny Hazzard has transitioned from adult to indie movies in his first movie role since leaving the porn industry – and his breakout turn in gay American drama Tiger Orange is set to be released on DVD on these shores this month.
Johnny, who is best known for appearing in gay and bisexual porn films, decided to shed his adult movie past and instead opt for a career in Hollywood, quickly landing a role in gay vampire TV series The Lair.
Now appearing under his real name of Frankie Valenti, the 38-year-old actor stars alongside Mark Strano and Gregory Marcel in Tiger Orange – Wade Gasque’s story about two gay brothers, which debuted Stateside in 2014.
The film tells the story of brothers Chet (Strano) and Todd (Valenti) who grew up in a small town in central California to a homophobic, working class single father. Growing up they had their differences, and whilst bad boy Todd ran off to Los Angeles and lived his youth out and proud, Chet stayed at home (and mostly closeted) to run the family hardware store and care for their ill father until his recent death.
Down and out, Todd returns to the brother he left behind. As long-simmering resentments boil to the surface, the pair confront their differences and similarities in the wake of family chaos.
The film has received several awards and nominations including the Outflix 2015 Audience Favourite for Domestic Narrative, Outfest 2014 Grand Jury Award Best Actor, and the Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2014 Audience Favourite to name a few.
Tiger Orange is available on DVD in the UK from March 28.
Words: Bradd-Aaron Farnsworth
More stories:
Meet the ‘plus-size’ male model who’s just been signed to a major agency
10 of Ireland’s hottest men to help you celebrate St Patrick’s Day