Anthony Spinelli

Anthony Spinelli (February 21, 1927 – May 29, 2000) was an American mainstream actor and producer, who later became a pornographic film director.

Spinelli was born Sam Weinstein, to a Jewish family. He was the brother of actor Jack Weston

Under his original stage name, Sam Weston, he produced the mainstream films Gun Fever (1958) and One Potato, Two Potato (1964). As an actor, he appeared on several TV shows in the 1960s, including Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Green Acres, and That Girl. After those films, he was unable to find further work in mainstream entertainment, and became an encyclopedia salesman to support his family. David Jennings, a cinematographer and director who worked with Spinelli during this phase of his career, describes him as a "master" and an "actor's director":

Spinelli knew just how much direction to add with each run-though so novice actors wouldn’t feel overwhelmed. He’d explain the significance of each line and gesture, acting them out himself for expert demonstration, and praising each positive step a cast member made. Knowing when a performer was reaching a peak, he’d always start rolling tape a rehearsal or two before the best takes.

Filmography Selected credits only.

Awards 1985 AVN Award – Best Director, Film (Dixie Ray, Hollywood Star) 1993 AVN Award – Best Director, Video (The Party) XRCO Hall of Fame inductee AVN Hall of Fame inductee