From Debutantes to Diamonds-Comparison and Contrast of an Industry Icon to a Legend

Straight off the bus syndrome is an affectionate term used within the industry of adult entertainment. Since the golden age of porn, the demand for fresh faces has always rivaled the quality of content when turning out marketable product. With a dizzying 15 000 plus releases from studios in Los Angeles each year alone, it is an achievement in itself to have lasting shelf life or web domain power for aspiring studs and starlets alike.

To even the most devoted of porn connoisseurs, the general consensus is that most performers get lost in the shuffle or never really make a lasting impression in our jizz biz. Occasionally babes enter the business, make a mark beyond their wildest expectations and truly set the precedence for what firm quality adult entertainment should be. While it is next to impossible to remain new and innovative in a cynical and jaded industry, the incidence of a new performer emulating one of their successors is common place. Sometimes their similarities are uncanny while other assets could not be more diverse than night and day.

Even this past year with an economic recession plaguing the industry, the annual CES adult film and entertainment expo held in Las Vegas, Nevada boasted a bevy of diversified talent signing for studios in an array of genre based themes. After this year’s festivities I had an opportunity to catch up with each legendary performer Debi Diamond as well as adult’s latest ‘IT’ girl Angelina Armani. The number of similarities is undeniable yet their mark in the business, completely contrast to one another. So much in fact I was inspired to present this feature From Debutantes to Diamonds.

Debi Diamond, born Deborah Lester May 1 1965 broke into mainstream acting in Hollywood having made appearances on such popular shows as The Dukes of Hazzard, V, The Fall Guy and Knight Rider in the early ‘80s. She turned sour towards the business realizing everyone just wanted to bed her. It didn’t take long to tire of the politics in Tinsel town. Frustrated and bored one day in ’83 along with a friend she went to Jim South’s talent agency and soon received a lot of bit parts in stag flicks.

Angelina Armani is a mere twenty two years of age, born November 18, 1987 four years after Diamond’s debut into adult film. Their stature is very similar with Armani standing 5’10” and her predecessor is 6’0”. This is particularly noteworthy as the average female adult starlet is around 5’2”-5-4”. Each has a very lean, svelte physique that has modeling agents drooling for more. Both weigh exactly the same at 125lbs.

Of Russian descent, Angelina’s exotic appearance landed her a decorated career in high fashion runway and pictorial modeling in New York City. It is intriguing to see two separate performers celebrate success in the mainstream industry prior to moving onto porn. She admittedly has never been a fan of xxx movies, yet enjoys the appeal of exhibitionism.

In 2007 Armani made her debut but made just as quick of a departure being somewhat soured towards the business. Ironically Debi was just beginning to resurface into porn after a twelve year hiatus at this time. Angelina had the certain ‘IT’ quality producers are always searching for. She possessed innocence and a beautiful, sweet-girl next door look, yet her scenes looked contrived or rehearsed at best. Diamond on the other hand received resounding praise from new and veteran fans alike, always equipped with a passion that simply cannot be imitated or duplicated by anyone in the industry.

Debi’s lack of inhibition and willingness to entice the camera soon scored her roles in anal, double penetration and varying bi-sex titles under the pseudonyms Shelley Ray and Josie Emerson. Receiving overwhelming pressure from family and friends about her career choices, she left on a hiatus only to re-emerge in 1989 from a brunette to a blonde, with a meaner, leaner, near possessed type approach. First billed as Debbie Hanson then to her moniker of today, Debi Diamond, the industry changed dramatically as did the legend’s rejuvenated approach.

After a twelve month reflection, Armani returned and was booked with Type 9 models. Her absence proved beneficial as she seemed to mature and develop focus. Swiftly she hired a public relations firm Star Factory to be her voice within an often caddy business. It didn’t take long for larger, more established studios to stand up and notice as well. After attending a premier for Pirates II by Digital Playground, co-owners Samantha Lewis and Joonie noticed her on the runway and began negotiations to sign her exclusively not long after. See joined the Digital Playground roaster that October of 2008. Armani’s first feature film titled the Big Hit was released in January 2009. Although it was a big budget feature, slick in marketing and picture quality, sales and rentals of the product were disappointing at best.

The introduction of video in the mid 80’s provided a more fluent production process enabling Diamond to shoot as many as four scenes a day. She soon developed a reputation among studios as the girl that would do just about anything in front of camera. Reflecting years later, Debi confessed, “I cannot think of anything I haven’t done.”

While Debi never had an exclusive contract with any studios, her work was always well sought after. There are advantages to being a free agent. It enables you to be diverse and market your work to an assortment of demographics. Angelina on the other hand was turning out better product all the time. Soon she developed a reputation for bringing an element of raw sensuality and tease before the lense. Where her enthusiasm lacked, she made up for it in sheer appearance and allure.

Diamond’s reputation for losing control in a near possessed frame of mind caused substantial damage to Bruce Seven’s set while filming Buttslammers 6. She became so absorbed in a scene with Kristi Lynn she destroyed Seven’s window blinds, side lamp and seriously compromised his sofa. Asking for a break to catch her breath for a minute, Debi squatted and masturbated furiously next to the bar twisting her nipples and growling like a hellion. After a mere two minutes she delved back into her scene as though nothing had transpired.

Just when Armani appeared to have finally found her mojo with Digital Playground (as each film was released her sensuality mercury rose to new found heights) the contract came to an abrupt halt. It is unclear as to what the direct origin was for their parting of ways. In April of 2009 Angelina was released from her contract with a mere handful of feature titles including Angelina Armani: Overcome, Bad Girls 2, You and Us and Teachers. Armani claims, “I thought it was time to branch out. I’ve been doing a bunch of mainstream work I’d like to continue, as well for other adult companies.”

Arguably no one has made an impact in the business quite like Debi Diamond. The near vengeance like passion she brings to each scene simply cannot be copied or faked. There is no debate as to why she was inducted into the AVN hall of fame in 2007 and holds seven separate AVN awards including Best All Girl Scene in 1995 for film in The Dinner Party and 1994 Performer of the Year.

Upon catching up with Debi Diamond, it was truly staggering how laid back and down to earth she was for new and veteran fans of porn alike.

Dave Gammon: Thank you so much Debi for agreeing to this interview. Truly you are a class act that personifies all that is adrenaline and endorphin charged within adult film history. Clearly a legend throughout adult cinema, you have a heated passionate enthusiasm rivaled second to none.

Debi Diamond: Well first of all, Thank you!…

DG: What inspires or moves you prior to a scene, what gets you psyched up for such energy?

DD: Inspiration comes from just knowing. I will engage in sex.. funny but true (laughs). Every person has a different vibe. Every scene has a new adventure. I just love it!

After an exhausting afternoon of signing autographs and posing for pictures, Angelina Armani took the time out of her hectic schedule to answer a few questions.

DAVE GAMMON: You’ve been aptly billed as the triple x supermodel with a statuesque 5’10″ frame. Describe the transition from runway model to one of the most popular adult starlets today. Do you think your runway experience has helped or hindered your current career?
ANGELINA ARMANI: My transition from modeling to Adult isn’t really a shock to me. I basically look at it as I’m just taking off more of my clothes. I’m optimistic about my decision. I think more exposure..literally! My modeling career has not hindered my progress in adult at all. If anything it has widened my fan base and expanded my horizons as well as options to base upon.

DG: Describe how you first emerged in the industry, Debi. Should you have chosen another path where do you see yourself ending up?

DD: I was a streetcar racer…A motorcycle builder, A speed demon…then with a constant empty wallet, I found myself donning make-up for the first time, and making and adult film, this was in ’83. It was against the law then, which was very exciting for me. But after that I was hooked. Not sure what path I would have followed if not for xxx. It has given me the freedom to do things, volunteer, help and donate my time in ways that could not have been financially possible; so it’s definitely all good!

DG: Still relatively new to the industry Angelina, you’ve had a sample of what it is like to be an exclusive contract star with Digital Playground. More recently, you’ve enjoyed success as a free agent. Would you consider future contract star status with another studio or are there more benefits to being more selective with work?
AA: Being contracted has proven to me that if I can obtain a contract with one of the best studios then I can do anything on my own. I’m now more knowledgeable than I ever was before in regards to the business. I have so much in store for the future. I’m still overwhelmed that I made such an impact to people in the industry so I can just imagine what the rest of 2010 will bring me. The way things are going, I feel I know I will have a tremendous success in time.

DG: Debi, who are some of your favorite performers to work with?

DD: I always love to be around people who have the sex bug. The one’s who love it just as much as me. Those are my favorites

DG: Since finding success in adult film Angelina, what are the interpersonal relationships in your life like? Do friends and family support your career choice? What are some of the obstacles dating while in the industry?
AA: Everyone supports what I choose in life. I definitely have my head on my shoulders. I’m a business woman 100% and will successfully market my career in a positive manner. As far as dating goes, I like to take control of my life and find no need to have anyone latch onto me while I’m reaching for the stars.
DG: Debi, describe the pivotal point within your career that you’d decided to take a departure from porn.

DD: In 1995 there was so much change, way too many unhappy people and people getting into the business for the wrong reasons as far as I was concerned, it just sucked.

DG: Angelina, what other starlets do you indentify with most? Is there anyone you tend to emulate after? Were you a fan of porn prior to entering the business?
AA: Before entering the business I have never watched porn so I didn’t admire or compare myself to any other performers. I pretty much had the attitude when I walked in the door saying I’m not here to watch porn I’m here to star in it and then market it.

DG: With an increasing popularity of the MILF themes and series, any possibility of returning to sizzle up the silver screen once again Debi?

DD: ~YES! Indeed I have done a few scenes, Still not sure if its something I’ll continue but I do still enjoy it so much.

DG: Angelina, you’ve celebrated tremendous success and popularity with a solid fan following, what is your typical fan interaction like? What has been your most unusual encounter?
AA: With my fan base on the rise, thank goodness I haven’t had any unusual encounters. Everyone has been so respectful and courteous to me in every possible way. They say it’s the way I carry myself. I’m always professional and when people meet me for the first time they always say if I didn’t know who you were, I wouldn’t come close to thinking you do porn. It makes me laugh because it’s so true.

DG: So what’s new with Debi Diamond? Your recent involvement with Playboy talk radio sounds intriguing. Tell us more about your latest pursuits.

DD:~ Guest hosting with Christy Canyon on Night Calls was a blast! Also, I’m writing a few columns for pornlegends.com and adult industry news AIN.com.-Waiting to direct some filth for Kyle Ireland, and well..making a few nasty clips for my video on demand site, debidiamondvod.com. I am in the process of writing a book, just about my mind not solely on porn. It’s a complicated process of writing a book and of course I run my page on myspace: Myspace.com/DebiDiamond and answer fan mail. It still blows me away people even know who I am.

DG: Those familiar with Angelina Armani know of your interests outside of work is in horror films. Any interest in eventually making the cross over from cream to scream? What future projects lie on the horizon for Angelina Armani?

AA: I have many future projects on the rise. I just started slipping into mainstream making appearances such as the forthcoming movie Born To Be A Star and HBO’s Designated Driver. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Angelina Armani will be making a huge splash in and out of the industry.

As of press time Angelina Armani has signed an exclusive contract with Wicked Pictures. The studio is responsible for the break out success for starlets such as Chasey Lain, Serenity and of course perhaps the most successful adult starlet in history Jenna Jameson. Her no nonsense, all business approach has taken her far within the industry and we thank her for all her grace, hospitality and wish her luck with all future endeavors. Angelina can be contacted at ArmaniFanMail@gmail.com, Myspace.com/AngelinaArmani, Twitter.com/xxxSupermodel. Angelina is the recipient of the 2009 Nightmoves Best New Starlet honours and was nominated for 2010 AVN, XBIZ and XRCO’s best new starlet.

DG: Your devoted fans and general adult film enthusiasts would love to hear what gets you hot. What are some of your turn ons Debi?

DD :~Oh I’m easy. As I’ve said before. What gets me hot is the act of engaging, it really gets my blood boiling. I love to meet new people who match my desire. Now that’s hot!
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DG: If you had to list one moment as a career highlight for Debi Diamond what would it be? Anything you would have changed?

DD: Any Gang Bang…..My absolute favorite thing. No changes, it is what it is..real.

DG: Any advice you have for new stars & starlets just breaking into the business?

DD: Be sure. Be real. Be safe and have fun

DG: What can we eagerly anticipate to see from the unforgettable Debi Diamond for the balance of 2010?

DD: ~Well the CES convention this year brought forth some great business dealings, very exciting. Bionca 7 and I are casting for a new amateur series from D7 Productions. We invite all males and females who feel they have what it takes. So far the response has been tremendous. For additional information contact us at D7productions@gmail.com

As of press time, Debi Diamond continues to shoot the scattered scene for JM Productions, Video Team and Zero Tolerance. She’s diligently submersed in her solely owned company DebiDiamondFilms. Shooting very unique footage called FemDom—liberating women initiating submissive men. Her down to earth, easy going approach with fans is humbling and refreshing. A special thank you goes to the lusty living legend and we wish her well in all she does. She can be written to at: Debi Diamond: 2554 LINCOLN BLVD #261 MARINA DEL REY, CA 90292 and contacted via myspace. Her content past and present can always be viewed at DebiDiamondFilmsVOD.