Early years

Vanessa del Rio was born Ana Maria Sanchez and raised in Harlem, New York, the daughter of immigrants from Cuba and Puerto Rico. Her mother would take her to see movies of Isabel Sarli whom Vanessa credits as a big influence in her life. She left a job as a computer programmer in her early 20s and became "a waitress, then barmaid, then go-go dancer" becoming a porn actress because "they paid $150 a day, which was exactly my half of the rent". Prior to adult films, she also worked as a streetwalker and call girl.

Career

Del Rio began appearing in adult films in 1974. In the span of about 25 years, del Rio has appeared in over 100 pornographic films and in several music videos, notably "Get Money" by Junior M.A.F.I.A., who also refer to her in their song "I Need You Tonight." She is known for having a particularly large clitoris.

Though del Rio retired from adult films in 1986, in part due to the AIDS scare prevalent at the time, she returned shortly thereafter, and continued her porn career until 1999. Afterwards, she remains somewhat active in the adult entertainment industry through her Web site and by making special appearances at award shows and conventions. During and after her porn career, she appeared on many TV shows as herself, including a 1996 episode of NYPD Blue.

Popular culture

In 2007, the German art book publisher Taschen released a deluxe, heavily illustrated biography, Vanessa del Rio: Fifty Years of Slightly Slutty Behavior.

A feature film based on del Rio's life is expected to begin production in 2013. Actress Zulay Henao will portray del Rio in the biopic.

Filmography

• Let Me Die a Woman (1978), Sandy (uncredited)
• Tigresses and Other Man-eaters (1979), Tigress
• Dracula Exotica (1980), as Vita Valdez
• Then and Now #15 (1996) (V), herself
• Give Me Your Soul... (2000), herself (uncredited)
• Soul Men (2008), Full-Figured Neighbor

Selected television appearances

• NYPD Blue, herself - in the episode "Head Case" (1996)
• When Rated X Ruled the World, herself - a VH1 documentary (2004)
• SexTV, herself - in the episode "UFO Sex: The Raelians/Jackinworld.com/Vanessa del Rio" (2005)
• Dave's Old Porn Season 2 Episode 4 Artie Lange, Vanessa Del Rio - herself (2012)

Awards

• CAFA Award for Best Supporting Actress of 1980 - Dracula exotica
• CAFA Award for Best Supporting Actress of 1981 - Dancers
• Adult Video News - Hall of Fame
• X-Rated Critics Organization - Hall of Fame

[ Source: Wikipedia ]