Jon King

John Nelson Gaines (January 12, 1963 – March 8, 1995), known professionally as Jon King, was a prominent American adult film actor and model. He was one of the most recognizable figures in gay cinema during the 1980s and early 1990s, known for his "boy-next-door" aesthetic and athletic physique.

Early life Gaines was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to Thomas Ronald Gaines and Katherine Lackey Gaines. His interest in the adult industry began at age 12. As a teenager, he attempted to enter the industry by sending photos to producer Jack Deveau of Hand in Hand Films, though he was initially declined. However, after his partner secured employment, Gaines remained in California. His professional debut came in 1981 in the film Brothers Should Do It, produced by William Higgins. In his early appearances, he was marketed as the younger brother of established performer James Leonard Waldrop; despite a strong physical resemblance, the two were not related.

His early career included work with directors such as Kristen Bjorn. During this period, he also worked "civilian" jobs, most notably as a waiter at the Zodiac Room in the Beverly Hills Neiman Marcus. His appeal was defined by a unique combination of a tight, boyishly muscular body, thick black hair, and deep dark eyes. Critics and fans often cited a sense of youthful innocence and vulnerability in his performances and photos, which made him exceptionally popular across a broad audience.

He modeled for numerous high-profile gay lifestyle and adult magazines, frequently appearing on covers and in multi-page spreads. This modeling work cemented his status as a "superstar," making him a recognizable face even to those who did not follow the adult film industry closely.

Legal issues and hiatus In 1982, at the height of his initial popularity, Gaines was involved in a criminal incident in which he stole a Corvette during a test drive and robbed a Burger King in Gainesville, Florida. Following a car wreck, he was apprehended and served 11 months in a Florida prison. He later remarked that spending his 20th birthday behind bars was a sobering experience. He became a staple of 1980s gay media, appearing on numerous magazine covers and in high-profile films such as Kip Noll Superstar (1984). His work during this era was characterized by what critics described as a "youthful innocence" and "sexual energy".

Retirement and culinary pursuits In 1989, Gaines retired from the industry and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to be near his family and attend culinary school. While he sought a career as a chef, he eventually returned to the adult industry in the early 1990s for a final string of films, including Fade In, Fade Out and Pumping Iron (1995).

Personal life Gaines was known to be private and he liked the fame but occasionally was uncomfortable with his fame, stating in interviews that he preferred to be seen for himself rather than his "Jon King" persona.

Death Gaines died of AIDS-related complications on March 8, 1995, at the age of 32.

Filmography Film YearTitleRoleNotes 1981 Brothers Should Do It Little Brother Debut 1981 Kip Noll Superstar Beautiful Boy 1982 Bore 'N Stroke Steve Fox Studios 1982 Main Attraction Jon Nova Films 1982 Members Only Jon King 1982 Printer's Devil Mike 1982 These Bases Are Loaded Jon Laguna Pacific 1983 Biker's Liberty: Big Summer Surprise Jogger Falcon Studios 1984 Biggest One I Ever Saw Prostitute 1984 Boys of West Hollywood Boy 1984 Fade In Johnny 1984 Fade Out Johnny 1984 Giants 2 Handsome Lad 1984 Hot Off The Press Dennis La Solon Inc. 1984 Hotel Hell Jon 1984 Screen Play Jimmy 1984 Trick Time Vincent 1985 Flip-Flop Fuckers Jon 1985 Getting It John 1985 Hot Shots 1: All Star Revue Will 1985 Inevitable Love Gym Workout Friend 1985 Wild Oats Jon King 1986 Daddies Peter 1986 Hot Shots 4: The Contest Continues Jon 1986 Star Shots 2: Jon King Jon King 1986 Tyger Tales Waylon 1987 Gotta Have It Miles 1988 Perfect Summer Summer Boy 1990 Best of Jon King Jon King 1991 Bi-guy Jon King 1991 Magnum Griffin Collection 12 Jon King 1992 Boys On Call Logan 1992 Latin Tongues Latino Boy 1993 Assholes and Tongues Jon 1993 Solid Intake Jon King 1993 Wild Country Country Boy Falcon Studios 1994 Forever Hold Your Piece Jon King 1994 These Bases Are Loaded 2 Jenkins Catalina Studios 1995 Pump it Up Jon 1997 Best of Dave Logan Jon King Posthumous released 1997 Hairy Hole Hounds Jon King Posthumous released 1998 Directors' Best William Higgins 2 Jon King Posthumous released 1998 Locker Room Sex Jon King Posthumous released 1999 Catalina Orgies 3 Jon King Posthumous released 2002 Young Men of the 80's 1 Jon King Posthumous released 2003 Pre-Condom Mania Jon King Posthumous released 2003 Young Cum Pumpers Jon King Posthumous released 2004 Old School Man Tools Jon King Posthumous released 2006 Butt Pirates Jon King Posthumous released 2006 I Wanna Be Fellated Jon King Posthumous released 2007 Cock Value Jon King Posthumous released 2008 Hole Wreckers Jon King Posthumous released 2008 Journey To The Center of the Ass Jon King Posthumous released 2012 Flip Flop Boys Jon King Posthumous released 2019 Old School Threesomes and Moresomes Jon King Posthumous released 2020 Old School Threesomes and Moresomes Jon King Posthumous released 2021 Best of Manville Retro Jon King Posthumous released