Johnny Dawes

Johnny Dawes (born Brian Lee; March 22, 1955 – July 25, 1989) was an American actor, filmmaker, and model. A leading star in gay adult cinema during the 1970s and 1980s, Dawes was celebrated for his athletic "boy next door" aesthetic. He was a recognizable face of the "pre-condom" era of the 1980s, known for his distinctive mop of blond curly hair.

Early life and education Dawes was born Brian Lee in Akron, Ohio, as one of five children. He entered the adult film industry in 1974, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the "pre-condom" era.

In addition to his film work, Dawes was a prominent model. He appeared extensively in gay magazines and erotic publications, working with various adult publishers to establish his image as a quintessential 1980s blond icon.

In 1984, Dawes won the Best Actor award at the Gay Producers Association (GPA) Awards for his lead role in Pleasure Beach (1983), directed by Arthur J. Bressan Jr. He died of complications from the disease on July 25, 1989, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 34.

Filmography Film YearTitleRoleNotes 1978 F Truck Johnny Also known as Dirt Bikes 1979 Bad, Bad Boys B.J. Also known as Bad Boys 1982 Skin Deep Johnny Daws Emerson Films 1983 Games Bob Parker Surge Studio 1983 Pleasure Beach Steve VCA Pictures 1983 Knockout! Bobby Pan Pacific Pictures 1984 Trick Time John Cosco Studio 1984 Daddy Dearest Bob Argos Film 1984 Hot Stuff Handsome Teenager 1986 Soap Studs Marathon 1988 Boys Night Out! Sexy Boy 10/9 Productions 1988 Hard Line Matt 10/9 Productions 1988 Who's Dat Boy Alan 10/9 Productions 1989 Tasting Mr. Goodbar Brad Venus Video 1989 In the End Zone Leon Stallion Video 1989 3-Way Cum, Volume 1 Jon Rawhide Video 1989 Best of Cum 1 Teenager Boy Rawhide Video 1990 Bottom Boys (Hot Shots 31) Boy HIS Video 1995 It's Great Outdoors Nick Le Salon Video 1996 Lets Swap Meat Blonde Also known as Hot Pages: Bound for Lust 1997 Prized Pieces Johnny HIS Video 1997 Bare Boners Johnny HIS Video 2021 Falcon Icons: The 1970s Johnny Dawes Falcon Studios 2024 Custom Cock Commandos Johnny Dawes Posthumous release 2025 Daddy Dearest & Juice Johnny Dawes Posthumous release

Awards and nominations + Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Gay Erotic Video Awards 1984 Best Actor Pleasure Beach