RIP: Ron Sullivan

Another Good One Gone
Ron Sullivan, known the world of porn as Henri Pachard, passed away this weekend. He was 69 years old and has been battling cancer in recent years. Pachard’s career in porn spanned three decades his influence is irrefutable. If you want to read a REALLY well done piece on Pachard’s career, check out Mark Kernes’ fantastic piece over on AVN.com. Mark has done a perfect job on this piece and I only hope that Ron got to read it before he died.
As I did with the Paul Newman piece I am going to avoid repeating the history that others have documented so well. Instead I’m going to share with you my favorite Henri Pachard story. I got into this business as a fan and the name Henri Pachard was one I knew quite well. His Taboo American Style series was one of the first truly great pieces of erotic cinema I ever watched. A few years ago I was at the AEE show walking the floor. I was with Steph and Drew from AdultDVDTalk.com or perhaps they were already talking to Ron. I forget now. At any rate they introduced me to him. I knew him by name of course, but it was the first time we had ever spoken. Here was one of the true legends of an industry I had worked so hard to enter. Someone who managed to create hot sex flicks while still stimulating the film lover in me. I shook his hand and told him that I was proud to meet him and that I was a big fan. Totally true on both counts I can assure you. He shook my hand, thanked me and then repeated my name. Ron smiled, pointed his finger at me and said “I’ve read your site. It’s very insightful and you’re a good writer.” I wish I could say that I handled the compliment in a smooth and charming manning. In fact I don’t recall how I responded, but I’m pretty sure I came off as an awe-struck doofus. I never know how to handle a compliment about the site and this wasn’t a new starlet looking to charms the pants off of someone who might write something nice about her. This was a true legend and he was about to floor me. “I enjoy reading your reviews.” That is the single most flattering thing anyone could ever say to me and it was coming from someone I respect greatly and I will never forget it. I didn’t know Ron as well as I wish I had, but I know what he meant to this industry. I know what other people think of him and in this industry that can tell you a lot. I also know that he extended me a kindness that he didn’t have to and for that I thank him. I only hope that his wife and sons know that he was loved by the business he meant so much to.

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