With over 60 porn titles under his belt and a mainstream documentary starring himself and his partner Colton Ford, (Naked Fame) Blake Harper will go down in porn history as one of the most alluring and vivacious performers of the last decade .  He has retired from making adult films, but his movies continue to titillate and electrify those who watch them.  In this revealing interview, Blake sets the record straight on this relationship status, discusses the up’s and down’s of being a porn star and shares what life is like after porn.  Many people only know this man as an object of desire, but I can assure you that Blake Harper is as beautiful inside as he is outside.     

GIO     Blake, thank you for taking the time to do this interview for the readers of my column and your fans! 

Blake Hi GIO, it’s a pleasure to talk with you.  I’m flattered you asked, let’s dive in.  What would you like to talk about? 

GIO     Let’s start out by going back in time, way back to just before the turn of the century (Laughs)…how did you get your start in porn in 1998? 

Blake Well, that’s one way to make us all feel old. (Laughs)  I wish I had a great discovery story for you but it was very simple.  I used to live in San Francisco.  I was working out at Market Street Gym and was approached by an acquaintance who was scouting for models.  I had an interview with Steven Scarborough of Hot House and even though I didn’t do my first flick with Hot House, that interview did set the ball in motion.   

© Photo courtesy of Hot House 

GIO     And what a ball it was!  In 2001, you were named the GAYVN Performer of the Year, how was that experience for you? 

Blake Being named Performer of the Year was great.  I was hopeful to win and surprised when they called my name.  Everyone at GAYVN had always been kind to me and that was a real compliment from them, it was an exciting moment. 

GIO     You then transitioned (with, who I have heard is your former lover, Colton Ford) over to a mainstream documentary called Naked Fame in 2005.  Tell me about the experience of doing that film and the impact that had on your career? 

Blake I’m so glad you brought this up.  It gives me a chance to set the record straight.  I don’t know where the rumors started but they’ve been flying around for quite some time.  Colton and I are still together.  We’ve never split up and I’m happy to say we’re approaching our 5^th anniversary.  But, to answer the question, I made the decision to transition out of porn long before the idea of the documentary was ever pitched to us.  Naked Fame didn’t have any impact on my career.  I could comment for hours about the making and experience of Naked Fame…that would entertain anyone interested in drama and gossip.  However, in my opinion, Naked Fame was a feeble attempt by the producer, Chris Long, to jump on the reality entertainment band wagon for his own selfish agenda.  Although I have to say, on a positive note, the entire experience revealed to me the kind of person I don’t want to be and that “fame”, naked or clothed, isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.  I am very happy, and healthy out of the spotlight.    

Colton Ford & Blake Harper

GIO     Wow, I can tell there was good and bad in all of that for you.  However, I am thrilled to hear that you and Colton are still together!  Congratulations on the success of your relationship.  Can you share with us how you and Colton have managed to make it work?

Blake Thanks; I’d love to tell you what has worked for us.  After dating Colton for a few months, I was reluctant to make a commitment because my track record for successful relationships was poor.  This time I swore it would be different.  I suggested that we go to couples counseling from day one.  As a nurse I learned that it is easier to prevent a complication than to treat one.  So I asked myself, why not apply that concept to building a healthy relationship?  How many couples seek help in the eleventh hour, scrambling to save a broken relationship?  This way people could learn about each other in a non threatening environment and an objective person could act as a coach instead of a referee at a boxing match.  It has been a fantastic approach.  Colton was all for the idea.  What I thought was going to be a lesson about each other really turned out to be a lesson about myself.  I started to learn what it meant to be an adult and behave like one.  The more conscious I became the healthier ALL of my relationships grew.  Both people have to agree and see the potential success in this approach in order for it to work.  It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been a welcomed challenge, a revelation of what I’m really made of, and probably the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. 

GIO     In the movie you leave porn and pursue your passion of nursing as a career.  Are you currently a nurse?  If not, what are you doing these days? 

Blake Again, the movie doesn’t really cross its “T’s”, or dot it’s “I’s”.  I’ve been            a registered nurse since 1989 and have always been a nurse.  I took          some time off due to burn out and was reluctant to return, afraid that I     would suffer the same abusive hospital setting again.  Once I found a   nursing job where I could feel my sense of pride, I jumped at the       opportunity.  I am currently nursing and very happy doing it.

GIO     Although you have retired from making porn films, you are still one of the most popular stars out there, why do you think that is? 

Blake (Laughs) Am I still popular?  That’s pretty wild.  If I had to guess I would say it is from mass exposure?  I don’t know, what do you think? 

GIO     Well you did do a ton of movies in a short period of time.  But, I think your popularity continues because you always gave great performances in your films.  What do you attribute your success to in making as many movies as you did? 

Blake (Hmm?) I think it was a combination of things.  I enjoyed the sex very much, I was told by producers that I was easy to work with and I probably didn’t hurt sales.  The phone rang and I answered.  

GIO     With all the success you were having, what made you decide to stop making movies? 

Blake After five years of selling my sexuality, I lost interest.  I promised myself that when it stopped being fun, I would exit.  It was time for me to grow from other sources.  I probably stayed in it one to two years longer than I should have.   

GIO     While you were making films, is there one particular movie that stands out for you as a favorite?  I know that is a tough one, as you made over 60 movies I understand. 

Blake I think, for me, Animus (All Worlds Video) will always stand out from the rest.  It was an atypical shoot.  I was on set for eleven days, which is unheard of.  It had a substantial script, was well thought out and directed by the great Wash West.  I did the best I could, with what I knew at the time and was awarded Best Actor, by GAYVN.  It isn’t my favorite in terms of the sex but it was the most fun to make.  I loved wearing the cop uniform.

Animus available at All Worlds Video 

GIO     I am ashamed to say, I have not seen that one yet.  But, now I will have to beg Rick Ford to send me a copy (laughs).  One of my favorite things to watch in porn is the bloopers that happen while filming.  What is the funniest or most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you while shooting a scene? 

Blake It’s the usual stuff, you know, like flubbing lines (because the dialogue is SO important), or falling off the surface you’re fucking on.  I was always thrilled to do a scene on a bed or comfortable surface.  Screwing poolside may look hot, but there is nothing hot about cement. 

GIO     That is too funny, I actually saw a guy get his ass burned on paver decking while shooting in the hot Florida sun once (Ouch).  For a period of time you lived in the Live and Raw Hotel presented by Chi Chi LaRue, tell me about the experience of being on a 24 hour live cam? 

Blake (Laughs) Now I know how a goldfish feels.  Seriously though, it was a fun experience to chat with fans and try something very different.  We were only there for 3 months.  (He was there with his partner Colton Ford) 

GIO     I understand that you also went behind the camera and got into production of porn for a while, tell me about that experience. 

Blake During the time the documentary was shot, I was going through many different changes.  I was testing the waters, so to speak, to see what my next move was going to be.  My attempt behind the camera was a bomb.  My heart just wasn’t in it.  

GIO     I totally understand, production is not for everyone.  Let’s switch gears for a moment.  Growing up in Canada, what were you like as a child?  Were you outgoing or more of the reserved type? 

Blake I’m a farm boy from Canada.  My physical energy was boundless, but I was an emotionally sensitive kid.  I still am in many ways.   

GIO     Did you play sports growing up? 

Blake I was athletic, but didn’t really get into team sports because I was so shy and intimidated by the other boys.  I never knew why, but I knew I was different somehow.  I was a gymnast until I hit a major growth spurt at the age of 14.  In high school I ran track and field; 110 meter hurdles and pole vaulting.  

GIO     I understand you are gearing up again for the California AIDS Lifecycle ride from San Francisco to LA, tell me about this experience for you and why you decided participate? 

Blake June 2004 was my first AIDS Lifecycle event.  It was, and is, one of the most intense experiences I’ve ever had.  I saw an ad at the gym one morning for the ride and was looking for something to motivate me to exercise.  Lifting at the gym is one of the most boring tasks and I needed to mix things up a bit.  So initially I did it as a goal toward personal health.  Then, as the training continued, I learned that there were many positive reasons why this was a great decision.  I made lots of new friends and I raised money for a great community center that reaches tens of thousands of people every year.  Plus, not just gay people, but ALL human beings needing HIV/AIDS related assistance.  I’m doing the ride again this year.  I’m in training mode and could always use a sponsor.  This reminds me, a big thank you to you and your hubby, for the donation.  I invite your readers to contribute, if they can, by visiting my ALC5 homepage at http://www.aidslifecycle.org/6367  

GIO     It was our pleasure to contribute to this great event and I wish you all the best in June.  I never ask anything of my readers, but I will ask those that are able to, to make a donation to either Blake or another charity that helps those in need.  The ride takes 7 days and 585 miles to complete, how did you prepare to do this ride? 

Blake The training program is varied but mostly focuses on cardio, endurance, flexibility and strength.  Oh, and diet.  Eating properly was extremely important.  However, spending time on my bike was the most effective.  Riding every weekend was fun and during the week I would visit the gym to work on the rest.  Mentally, you have to prepare as well.  I just viewed the ride as many small training session linked together.  With rest stops every twelve to twenty miles throughout the event, I was able to pedal every mile from San Francisco to Los Angeles, a total of six hundred miles over seven days.  Crossing the finish line was very euphoric. 

GIO     I can imagine how rewarding that must be!  I understand that Titan Media helped you out by sending out an Email to industry insiders and helped you gain additional dollars for your fund raising efforts.  How much did you raise and donate to the charity? 

Blake The first ride I did two years ago, I raised money independently, a total of $7500.  This year when I was sending out fundraising postcards I got a call from my buddy Jake Deckard.  He offered to donate 100% of his commission from video sales made via his website, from February to the end of April.  When he told Titan Media about it, they agreed to match his donations dollar for dollar.  Additionally, Titan offered to send out a press release to encourage other folks to participate.  That said, the traffic to my ALC homepage has skyrocketed, but the actual number of donations it secured, so far, has been disappointing.  I can count them on one hand, but hey, it’s more than I had before the traffic, right? 

GIO     That is true, every little bit helps.  Aside from Jake Deckard, do you still keep in touch with many of your co-stars, producers and directors in the gay porn industry? 

Blake I’ll run into a few of my buddies on occasion, but I don’t actively keep in touch with them.  It’s like losing touch with your high school friends.  That’s the best way I can describe it. 

GIO     What was the best part about being a porn star for you?  And, the worst? 

Blake The best part about being in porn was the ability to fulfill a fantasy.  The worst part was having to be “on” sexually, even when I didn’t want to be.   

GIO     Since retiring from porn, are you still recognized a lot in public?  If so, how is that experience for you? 

Blake I only get recognized when I attend gay oriented events.  Not many people approach me in those circumstances but there is a lot of ear whispering and elbow nudging that I can see in my peripheral vision.  It makes me chuckle.  Plus, I don’t go out that much anymore.  I’m a home body. 

GIO     Has there been any negative repercussions from doing porn on your current career? 

Blake Not one. 

GIO     That is good to hear.  Does your family back in Canada know about your career in porn? 

Blake My parents and three sisters all know.  Their concerns are always about my safety.  Not just about doing porn but because I left home at 21 and moved three thousand miles away on my own.  I’m the only one that escaped. (Laughs).  I have a very supportive family, unconditionally. 

GIO     What was the most positive thing that happened to you as a result of your porn career? 

Blake The most positive thing resulting from my porn career is recognizing and understanding what ego is and how to keep that in a healthy perspective. 

GIO     In Naked Fame there is a moment where you break down in tears after a crazed fan paws at your while performing live.  As a porn star, I can imagine it must have been tough being objectified all the time.  How was that emotional toll for you? 

Blake That particular incident caught me off guard.  We were at that club as patrons, not performers.  Regardless, when I clearly communicate a boundary under any circumstances, I expect that boundary to be respected.  Being objectified is part of the job and I would have unrealistic expectations if I thought I could control other people’s bad behavior.    

GIO     What advice do you have for anyone wanting to become a porn performer? 

Blake With the technology of today, I would suggest making your own at home.  It’s more fun. 

GIO     Who was the best director or studio that you ever worked for? 

Blake I have two favorite directors.  Wash West is a great movie maker.  The attention to detail and passion he possesses about a job well done shines through in the final product.  Chi Chi LaRue, in my opinion, is great at directing sex.  She always made me feel comfortable and is one of the most kind and caring people I know.  So, to those wannabe porn models, Chi Chi is a great place to start.  She will treat you right. 

Blake & Colton together in Porn Struck by All Worlds Video 

GIO     Do you ever think about returning to porn? 

Blake Nope 

GIO     Now that you are not doing porn, do you watch much porn?  Who is your favorite current porn star? 

Blake I don’t have a favorite porn star.  I almost never watch gay porn because I know what goes on, technically, behind the scenes and it has lost its’ fantasy appeal.  This may upset a few of the readers but I really enjoy watching straight porn.  You know the gangbang series?  It gets my pulse racing.

GIO     Is there anyone special in your life now? 

Blake Colton and I have a very special little girl.  Her name is Lola and she is a dachshund/beagle rescue puppy.  She makes us laugh all the time.   

GIO     What are you passionate about in life these days? 

Blake I am passionate about my spiritual evolution.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not a religious person and I am no angel.  When I say spiritual, I mean focusing on the work it takes to make significant, personal changes to become a better person in the world.  As I mentioned before, it’s that awareness that builds a healthy self esteem. 

GIO     If I were to ask your two closest friends what your best qualities are, what would they tell me? 

Blake Well, I asked two of my closest friends and they described me as compassionate and caring.  

GIO     What would they tell me is you greatest opportunity for improvement? 

Blake Well, I asked two of my closest friends and they wouldn’t answer me. (Laugh) Just kidding, I didn’t ask two friends…but I already know the greatest opportunity I look for to improve myself; confrontation.  With confrontation, I have an opportunity to practice expressing myself, listening to others and not taking things personally.  Some days it is really hard.  

GIO     What do you consider is your best physical feature and your worst? 

Blake (Laughs) I hate this question.  I’m told I have beautiful eyes and I think I could use a little more junk in my trunk.  

GIO     Oh, I have to mention that a few years back I saw one of your scenes in which you are getting a massage by Tom Vacarro and then of course it turns into a totally hot scene.  That particular scene is one of my personal all time favorites in porn for the sensuality that was captured.  How was shooting that scene for you? 

Blake Harper & Tom Vacarro © photo courtesy of Titan Media 

Blake That is one of my favorite scenes too.  The chemistry was perfect; Tom is a great man and a sexual dynamo.  He’s a great kisser, gentle, passionate, aggressive and boy can he fuck. Sucking dick is one of my favorite things and he has one of the most perfect dicks for sucking.  I’ll take a dozen to go please (laughs).  I would have paid them to let me be in it.  By the way, it was titled Boner: Man’s Best Friend. 

GIO     What is the most romantic thing you have ever done for someone else and the most romantic thing someone has done for you? 

Blake I think I’m more subtle when it comes to romance.  I’ve created a nice atmosphere through soft lighting, relaxing music, a nice candlelit dinner with good wine.  A fire, in the fireplace, pillows all over the floor and warm oil ready to massage him.  The thing that ties it all together is the intimate conversation that leaves you vulnerable, yet connected.  That connection is the thing I find most romantic and you can’t really plan that.  But it sure is spectacular when it happens.  The most romantic thing done for me is by Colton.  He has written and recorded a ballad for me called, Love Has Found A Way.  I hope it gets released, I think it will ring true, romantically, for a lot of people.  (For more information on Colton Ford’s music click HERE) 

The Happy Couple – Blake Harper & Colton Ford

GIO     That is very romantic (big sigh), I hope my hubby reads this! What is the best pickup line ever used on you?  What is your best pickup line? 

Blake Used on me: “I just got a new sling and I need to break it in.”  I’ve used: “Heads your place, tails mine … call it in the air.” 

GIO     Is there one particular fantasy that you have yet to fulfill in life?  If so, what is it? 

Blake There is one particular fantasy but I’m keeping it a secret. 

GIO     How has life changed for you since retiring from doing porn? 

Blake I feel more relaxed, calm, centered and peaceful.   

GIO     Do you still make live appearances or have you completely given up erotic performing? 

Blake No more live appearances, only dead ones. (Laughs)  

GIO     If you could pick any place to go on your next vacation, where would it be and why? 

Blake I would take a cruise around the world.  That way I could visit many places without packing and unpacking, meals are included and cruising is very relaxing. 

GIO     If there was one famous person either living or dead that you could meet with for an hour, who would that be and why? 

Blake I wouldn’t pick someone famous, I’d pick a relative who passed away 30 years ago.  I think I’d get more out of that in an hour than I would with a famous stranger. 

GIO     Dogs or cats? 

Blake If I have to pick … dogs. 

GIO     Boxers or briefs? 

Blake Briefs to work, boxers to lounge at home 

GIO     Lights on or off during sex?

Blake Strategically, on. 

GIO     Is there anything else that you would like to share with the readers that you feel is important to share about you? 

Blake I’m just a regular guy patiently trying to figure out how I fit into the grand scheme of things. 

GIO     I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to update all your fans on your life after porn.  I wish you continued success in all your future endeavors. 

Blake You’re welcome.  Peace and happiness to everyone reading this.