Candida Royalle (born October 15, 1950) is an American producer and director of couples-oriented pornography and a former pornographic actress. She is member of the XRCO and the AVN Halls of Fame.
Perhaps if we weren't still so consumed with guilt and shame about sex, neither watching nor performing in these films would carry the weight it does. But then, perhaps we wouldn't be so interested in them, either. If the fruit were not forbidden, would anyone care to take a bite?
2
It's my determination to do things my way. I've always been an independent thinker. I've always done things the way I thought fit, and I think that is a good indicator of my individuality, perseverance, and strength. And kindness. I would say that above all.
3
I have such compassion for animals, for the things we do to animals to serve our own needs. It just breaks my heart. If I could, I would put every last bit of energy I have into helping animals in some way. I would like to be remembered as someone with kindness and compassion for the living creatures that don't have a voice in the world.
4
I wasn't interested in just making the same old, typical, boring pornography some of which was degrading and ugly. I wanted it to be something that had dignity that was pleasing to look at, that women could enjoy and relate to and that couples could enjoy and maybe learn a few things about making love and what their partners wanted and needed. I wanted to do it my way, and that was very important to me. I had no interest in putting out the same old boring crap that was out there forever. I wanted to give it a woman's voice, and I wanted to provide some good information for couples to actually benefit from.
5
Humans have been curious to look at erotic art and explicit sexual art since they etched and carved images into caves on walls, so I don't think there's anything wrong with it. What I did feel is that these movies were being sold on the backs of women, and there was nothing about women's sexuality. Women had no voice in the movies, and it was time for that to stop. Women were curious because of the women's movement that gave them permission to explore their sexuality. Women were curious and wanted to see if there were some sexy movies they could enjoy with their partners, and there was nothing out there for that. That was a booming market that really needed to be provided for, and no one was noticing. I thought I'd be the perfect person. A lot of filmmakers would love to explore the erotic side of filmmaking, but they're afraid that it would hurt their careers. I already had a big red letter on my chest. I had nothing to lose. I knew the ins and outs, shall we say, of the business inside the camera and behind it, and I had a lot of experience. I was trained in the arts, and I thought, "You know what? Let's try this. This could be very interesting."
6
I had gone into therapy to understand why I did what I did. After much reading and exploring, I decided there was nothing wrong with performing sexually with others for others to view, and enjoy, and learn from. I felt the pornography that existed reflected a society that had great conflict about sexuality and that there was no women's voice. We were not getting a whole lot out of these films other than easy jerk-off material. Of course, that got me to thinking that it would be interesting to create movies that had a woman's voice that actually had good information, and that people could actually learn something from. I knew that there would be people who would love these movies that are more intelligent with more craft and artistry. At the same time, women were starting to become more curious because of the feminist movement. We had received permission to explore our sexuality, and, quite significantly, home video and cable television were introduced into the culture. This really gave people a place to view and explore these movies and their fantasies at home. I saw all that come together and I thought it was a viable market that the industry was ignoring.
7
I worry about all of the young women coming into the adult industry now, and not having the wherewithal to go into therapy. I'm sorry, you can't do something that's this controversial and taboo without having some conflict about it, and in some way, it stays with people for the rest of your life. Even though we know that there's nothing wrong with what we did, a lot of people are going to judge you for it. If I had the wherewithal and the inclination, I would start some kind of place for women to come and get counseling because they're going to need it. It's not as if I'd be telling them "You're a sick person" or "You're a bad person." Just talk about it and make sure you're OK with it because it's the only way to stand-up to people's judgments. You've got to have self-respect, self-love, and self-understanding.
8
I think that pornography itself is a reflection of how we have perverted our sexuality and, for the most part, what would be described as "male" pornography makes sex look rather dirty, mechanical, and loveless. I think it's a reflection of what we've done to our sexuality through positioning it as something dangerous and bad, needing to be controlled and suppressed. I spent all those years looking into my soul and trying to look objectively at having been in the movies, and whether or not this was good or bad -- was this bad for society? I had to flesh it out for myself and I couldn't live with this burning question in my mind, "Oh, my god, did I take part in something horrible?". I don't think it was, but I don't think we'll see in our lifetime a society that doesn't condemn it while millions of people consume it.
9
[from an interview in 2012] I've sacrificed pieces of my life. I have very little relationship with the Italian side of my family any longer, a whole piece of my family that was a major part of my life when I was growing up. While it sometimes makes me sad to think about the huge family I lost, I accept it as an unavoidable consequence of choosing to break the rules and live according to my own beliefs.
10
When I made my choice to start into production, it was a great way to embrace my name and everything I had done and just say, "You know what? I'm not going to run for it. I'm going to take my fame and do something I'm proud of."
11
Everyone assumes I was probably given a hard time by the adult film biz but they always treated me fairly, even if they at first doubted me. They've come to respect that I was the first one with vision and recognition of what would become the "couples" market.
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Fact
1
Was survived by a sister, Cinthea.
2
In 1997 Royalle became the first woman to win a lifetime achievement award for directing from the Free Speech Coalition Awards.
3
She died from ovarian cancer at her home in Mattituck, NY. Her biological mother, Margaret O'Bannon, also died from ovarian cancer.
4
Co-founded the first porn star support group Club 90 in 1985 and remained an active core member of this group until her death at age 64 from ovarian cancer.
5
Received a Doctorate in Human Sexuality in 2014 for her life's work from the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality.
Was a much sought after public speaker who gave lectures at such venues as the Smithsonian Institute, the American Psychiatric Association's national conference, and the World Congress of Sexology as well as at various colleges that include Princeton, Columbia, Wellesley College, and New York University.
8
Profiled in the book "Golden Goddesses: 25 Legendary Women of Classic Erotic Cinema, 1968-1985" by Jill C. Nelson.
9
Attended the High School of Art and Design, the Parsons School of Design and City University in New York.
10
Founder of Femme Productions [us], through which she wrote, produced, and directed adult videos geared towards female renters.
Actress
Title
Year
Status
Character
Ecstatic Moments
1999
Video
One Size Fits All
1998
Video
Cameo appearance
My Surrender
1996
Video
Lovers, an Intimate Portrait 2: Jennifer & Steve
1994
Video
Lovers, an Intimate Portrait 1: Sydney & Ray
1993
Video
Club X
1989
TV Series
Tattoo Vampire
1988
Video
Three Daughters
1986
Waitress (as Candace DeCarlo)
Sex Appeal
1986
Hooker
Night Hunger
1983
The Starlet
Sexcapades
1983
Makeup (as Candida Royale)
I, the Jury
1982
Girl at Orgy (uncredited)
The Playgirl
1982
Fantasies
1981
Video
Olympic Fever
1981
Olympic Swimmer (as Candida Royale)
The Tiffany Minx
1981
Girl with Kitty
Blue Magic
1981
Natalie Woodhurst
Delicious
1981
Lady Caroline Dubier (as Candida Royale)
Outlaw Ladies
1981
Zelda
Limited Edition 3
1980
Video
Midnight Blue 2
1980
Sizzle
1980
Gwen
Ballgame
1980
Lolita Wanamaker
Blue Ecstasy in New York
1980
Melissa
Champagne for Breakfast
1980
Lesbian
Fascination
1980
Victoria Gordon
October Silk
1980
Renée (as Candida Royale)
That Lucky Stiff
1980
Massage Parlour Girl
Ultra Flesh
1980
Third Female Sex Performer
Pro-Ball Cheerleaders
1979
Tamara (as Candita Royalle)
Taxi Girls
1979
Last Hooker into Cell (as Candida Royal)
10
1979
Party Guest (uncredited)
The Tale of Tiffany Lust
1979
Guest #19 (as Jeanne Toller)
Hot Teenage Assets
1979
as Cyntnia Pleschette, credit only
Sissy's Hot Summer
1979
The Hostess
Sunny
1979
Sunny
Jungle Blue
1978
Orgy Girl (as Kathy Silverman)
Masterpiece
1978
Girl in Stag Film (as Cyntnia Pleschette)
Thoroughly Amorous Amy
1978
Ellen (as Candice Royalle)
Hot & Saucy Pizza Girls
1978
Gino
Sweet Sister
1978
as Cyntnia Pleschette, credit only
International Intrigue
1977
Candy
The Liberation of Honeydoll Jones
1977
Bobby's Sister
Kinky Tricks
1977
Candy (as Sharon Lucas)
The Starlets
1977
Mary Ann (uncredited)
Hard Soap, Hard Soap
1977
Linda Lou (as Candice Chambers)
The Ultimate Pleasure
1977
Hooker with Jim (as Bettina Mia)
Love Secrets
1976
Alan's Secretary
Her Last Fling
1976
as Bettina Mia
Easy Alice
1976
Girl in Laundromat (as Candice Ball)
Baby Rosemary
1976
Tracy (as Candida Royale)
Femmes de Sade
1976
Girl at Party (uncredited)
Honey Pie
1976
Dance Student - Black Leotard (as Candice)
The Pony Girls
1976
Ex-Nurse (as Mary Pearson)
The Analyst
1975
Anita Gartley
Carnal Haven
1975
Debbie (uncredited)
Producer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Under the Covers
2007
Video executive producer
Afrodite Superstar
2006
Video executive producer
Caribbean Heat
2005
Video executive producer
Stud Hunters
2002
Video executive producer
Eyes of Desire 2
1999
Video executive producer
One Size Fits All
1998
Video executive producer
Eyes of Desire
1998
Video executive producer
The Bridal Shower
1997
Video executive producer - uncredited
The Gift
1997
Video executive producer
My Surrender
1996
Video executive producer
Revelations
1993
Video producer
Christine's Secret
1992
executive producer
Sensual Escape
1991
producer
Rites of Passion
1987
executive producer
A Taste of Ambrosia
1987
Video executive producer
Three Daughters
1986
executive producer
Femme
1984
Video producer
Urban Heat
1984
executive producer
Director
Title
Year
Status
Character
Under the Covers
2007
Video
Afrodite Superstar
2006
Video sex scenes
Stud Hunters
2002
Video
Candida Royalle's Stud Hunters
2002
Video
Eyes of Desire 2
1999
Video
One Size Fits All
1998
Video
Eyes of Desire
1998
Video
The Bridal Shower
1997
Video
The Gift
1997
Video
My Surrender
1996
Video
Revelations
1993
Video
Christine's Secret
1992
Sensual Escape
1991
segment "2"
A Taste of Ambrosia
1987
Video segment "Nine Lives Hath My Love", as Candida Royalle
Three Daughters
1986
Femme
1984
Video
Writer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Under the Covers
2007
Video
Stud Hunters
2002
Video written by
Eyes of Desire 2
1999
Video written by
One Size Fits All
1998
Video
Eyes of Desire
1998
Video written by
The Bridal Shower
1997
Video written by
My Surrender
1996
Video written by
Revelations
1993
Video
Christine's Secret
1992
written by
Sensual Escape
1991
Part II
A Taste of Ambrosia
1987
Video segment "Nine Lives Hath My Love"
Three Daughters
1986
Femme
1984
Video
Urban Heat
1984
Blue Magic
1981
original screenplay
Editor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Eyes of Desire 2
1999
Video
One Size Fits All
1998
Video
Eyes of Desire
1998
Video
The Bridal Shower
1997
Video
My Surrender
1996
Video
Revelations
1993
Video
Sensual Escape
1991
A Taste of Ambrosia
1987
Video
Three Daughters
1986
Urban Heat
1984
Stud Hunters
2002
Video
Visual Effects
Title
Year
Status
Character
Christine's Secret
1992
title designer
Urban Heat
1984
titles designer
Music Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
Urban Heat
1984
vocals
One Way at a Time
1981
singer: title song
Art Director
Title
Year
Status
Character
Christine's Secret
1992
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
One Way at a Time
1981
performer: "One Way at a Time"
Miscellaneous
Title
Year
Status
Character
Pornucopia: Going Down in the Valley
2004
TV Mini-Series documentary footage - 1 episode
Thanks
Title
Year
Status
Character
Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon
2008
Documentary special thanks
Inside Deep Throat
2005
Documentary special thanks
Real Sex
1990
TV Series documentary thanks - 1 episode
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Mutantes
2009
TV Movie documentary
Herself - Interviewee
Todd P Goes to Austin
2009
Documentary
Herself (as Mary Pearson)
Xaviera Hollander, the Happy Hooker: Portrait of a Sexual Revolutionary
2008
Documentary
Herself
Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon
2008
Documentary
Herself - Former Adult Film Star
How to Make Love to My Wife
2008
TV Movie
Herself
Why We Wax
2008
Documentary short
Herself
SexTV
2000-2006
TV Series documentary
Herself
The O Tapes
2006
Documentary
Pornucopia: Going Down in the Valley
2004
TV Mini-Series documentary
Herself
The Real Linda Lovelace
2001
TV Movie documentary
Herself
Our Bodies, Our Minds
2001
Documentary
Herself
Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes
1999
Documentary
Herself
Porn... It's a Living
1998
Herself
Erotica: A Journey Into Female Sexuality
1997
Documentary
The Word
1992
TV Series
Herself
Real Sex
1990
TV Series documentary
Herself
The Morton Downey Jr. Show
1987
TV Series
Herself - Guest
Exhausted: John C. Holmes, the Real Story
1981
Documentary as Candice Chambers, credit only
This Is America Part 2
1980
Documentary
Plato's Retreat Swinger
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
I Made Daddy Do It
2015
Video
42nd Street Forever: The Peep Show Collection Vol. 3
2014
Video
Girl in Bed (segment "Don't Splash") (uncredited)
42nd Street Forever: The Peep Show Collection Vol. 2
2014
Video
Girl in Green (segment "Tongue Sisters") (uncredited)
Blue Vanities 274
1996
Video
Blue Vanities 193
1994
Video
Blue Vanities 536
1993
Video
Forbidden Worlds
1988
Video
Third Female (as Candida Royale)
Only the Best of Women with Women
1988
Video
Legends of Porn
1987
Video documentary
Babes in Joyland
1987
Video
Prudish Store Clerk (uncredited)
Classic Swedish Erotica 2
1986
Video short
Erotic Fantasies: Women with Women
1984
Video
Studio of Lust
1984
Video
Bizarre Thunder
1984
Video
Wine Me, Dine Me, 69 Me
1983
Video
Third Female Sex Performer
'Limited Edition' Volume Four
1980
Video
Girl with Sue and Aubrey (segment "Limited Edition #29 'Pajama Party'") (uncredited)
$900,000
