Steve Taylor (actor, born 1939)

Steve Taylor
Born
Richard Cole

(1939-11-12)November 12, 1939
Dixfield, Oxford County, Maine, U.S.
DiedSeptember 9, 1986(1986-09-09) (aged 46)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other nameSteven Taylor
Occupations
  • Actor
  • photographer
  • producer
  • entrepreneur
Years active1977–1986
Agent(s)Falcon Studios
Surge Studios
PartnerAl Parker (1973–1986)

Steve Taylor (born Richard Cole; November 12, 1939 – September 9, 1986) was an American adult film actor, producer, photographer, and entrepreneur.[1] He was a central figure in the gay adult film industry during the late 1970s and early 1980s, primarily known for co-founding Surge Studios with his long-term partner, adult film star Al Parker.[2]

Early life

Steve Taylor was born Richard Cole on November 12, 1939, in Dixfield, Maine.[1] As a child, he survived a serious accident in which he swallowed bleach.[1]

Career

Acting and modeling

Taylor was known for his "bearded bear" aesthetic and muscular physique, which led to modeling work for various gay and adult magazines.[3] He appeared as a model in various gay and adult magazines of the era.[1] Unlike many of his peers, he was noted for his ability to deliver convincing dialogue.[4] His most prominent acting role was in the 1979 film Inches, where he played the lover of Al Parker's character during the conclusion of a failed relationship.[5]

Taylor played Lee, the older lover of Parker's character, Doug.[4] The film's narrative centers on Lee leaving Doug, sparking the film's events.[4] Taylor appeared in Wanted (1980) and he played the character Rick.[6][7] This film is noted for a particularly famous scene featuring the two performers together.[7] In 1981 he was credited as Mr. Ross, Taylor appeared in this early Surge Studio production Flashback, which Al Parker produced and starred in.[8]

Surge Studios and production

In 1980, Taylor and his partner Andrew "Drew" Okun (professionally known as Al Parker) founded Surge Studios.[9] While Parker was the "artist" and primary on-screen star, Taylor was widely regarded as the "business brains" behind the operation.[9] In addition to his business and production roles, Taylor served as the still photographer for Surge Studio films.[9] Despite his influence, Taylor was rarely pictured in print media and was often credited less frequently than his collaborators.[9] He was a key figure behind the scenes as the studio transitioned toward promoting safer sex practices in the early 1980s.[9]

Personal life

Taylor met Al Parker in 1973 while cycling in Hermosa Beach, California.[9] The two remained domestic and professional partners for nearly 14 years until Taylor's death.[10][11]

Death

Steve Taylor died on September 9, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from AIDS and his remains were cremated and scattered at sea.[10]

Filmography

Film

Actor

Year Title Role Notes
1979InchesLeeDebut
1979Weekend LockupSteve
1980WantedRick[7]
1981FlashbackMr. Ross
1981PerformanceSteve
1983GamesLover[12][13]
1983DangerousSteve
1984Love a Man with a BeardSteve
1985The Young StimulatorsBill
1985Scared StiffSteve
1985TherapySteve
1986Oversize LoadSteve
1988Rough Riders: Stroke 11Steve TaylorPosthumous release
1990Love a Man with a MustacheSteve TaylorPosthumous release
2010Superstars RisingSteve TaylorPosthumous release
2012Men in Uniform: Sir, Seed My Ass!StevePosthumous release
2021Falcon Icons: The 1970sSteve TaylorPosthumous release

Producer

Year Title Role Notes
1982Turned OnProducerSurge Studios Films[14]
1983A Few Good Men...Executive ProducerSurge Studios
1986Oversize LoadProducerSurge Studios

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Behind the Camera" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 7. FirstHand, Ltd. 1990. p. 22.
  2. ↑ "Video Views: Wanted" Stallion Vol. 5 No. 1. Stallion Publications. 1986. p. 46.
  3. ↑ "Behind the Camera" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 8. FirstHand, Ltd. 1990. p. 6.
  4. 1 2 3 "Inches" Studflix Vol. 1 No. 3. Hudson Communications Group. 1982. p. 14.
  5. ↑ Ten Percent - Volume 1, Issues 1-3. University of Georgia Libraries. 1979. p. 1.
  6. ↑ "Classic Videos: Wanted" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 7. FirstHand, Ltd. 1990. p. 49.
  7. 1 2 3 "Wanted" Skinflicks Vol. 1 No. 3. Fan Magazines Inc. 1981. p. 33.
  8. ↑ "Al Parker's Flashback" Skinflicks Vol. 1 No. 6. Fan Magazines Inc. 1981. p. 14.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Close Up: All Parker - Still Here!" Manshots Vol. 1 No. 2. FirstHand Ltd. 1988. p. 45.
  10. 1 2 "Richard Cole Obituary". Bay Area Reporter. March 14, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Steve Taylor". GLBT Historical Society. January 20, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Games" Skinflicks Vol. 3 No. 5. Fan Magazines Inc. 1983. p. 37.
  13. ↑ "Classic Videos: Games" Manshots Vol. 2 No. 2. FirstHand, Ltd. 1989. p. 45.
  14. ↑ "Turned On" Studflix Vol. 1 No. 2. Hudson Communications Group. 1982. p. 6.
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