What is retirement like for a porn star? Missy Martinez explores what happens when the pop-shots end.
At the end of most careers, there is typically an acknowledgment. A gold watch, a plaque or, at the very least, a quick party with cake in the employee break room.
In the world of porn, not so much. Usually, you’re just left with angry and confused internet comments. Rumors swirl and circle, as people speculate about the reason for your absence. Sometimes adult-industry performers don’t have a platform to discuss their decision to leave, and other times they’d rather not discuss it. Which doesn’t stop the conjecture—although it’s nobody’s business, after you have been a public figure for so long, the masses expect and feel they deserve an explanation.
My journey in the wild, wild world of pornography lasted ten glorious (and oftentimes sticky) years. I was able to explore my sexuality, learn more about myself and bring joy to millions of strangers (and hopefully drain a lot of balls in the process). The decision to retire wasn’t an easy one. I had just hit a peak, entering the MILF category. Work was steady and I was happy. I decided to “go out on top,” which is bizarre because my favorite position is doggy.
The decision to retire wasn’t an easy one. I had just hit a peak, entering the MILF category. Work was steady and I was happy. I decided to ‘go out on top,’ which is bizarre because my favorite position is doggy.
Missy Martinez
My decision was met with mixed emotions from fans and fellow performers alike. I was unfollowed by so-called “die-hard” fans that supported my decade-long career, and many performers unfollowed me because I guess that was the end of what we had in common. I’m now in a new career and am loving every second of it. There are moments when I wish I had shot more scenes and done more “firsts,” and there are performers I wish I had shot with. All in all, though, I can look back at my time on the XXX mattress and smile.
Still, I couldn’t help but wonder: What do other retired porn pros feel when looking back on their careers? Do they have regrets about the scene they never shot or the performer they never worked with? What are they doing now, and what lessons have they learned along the way? I reached out to a few retired performers and directors to see how they are navigating this new chapter in their lives.
