Vanessa del Rio

And now for something completely different....

Today retired American adult actress Vanessa del Rio is 56. Born as Ana Maria Sanchez on March 31, 1952 in Harlem, New York, Vanessa is credited as being the first Hispanic porn star (she is of mixed Puerto Rican and Cuban descent) and since 1974, has appeared in over 200 adult films.
She's also appeared in several music videos and, in 1996, portrayed herself in an episode of "NYPD Blue."
Despite her retirement, Vanessa still remains active in the adult entertainment industry through her website and by attending award shows and conventions.


And last October, German art book publisher Taschen released a biography titled Vanessa del Rio: Fifty Years of Slightly Slutty Behavior. Only 1,500 copies were printed - each signed by Vanessa, and one copy contains a “golden ticket,” which allows the lucky recipient an all-expenses paid night out with the lady herself, along with a “world famous photographer” to document the occasion (eat your heart out, Willie Wonka). This deluxe, heavily illustrated magnum opus weighs about 12 pounds, and includes a 140-minute DVD documentary (200 copies of the special "Artists edition" also includes a signed watercolor lithograph of Vanessa by artist Robert Crumb). But it isn't cheap - the retail price is £400 / $790 (or £750 / $1,482 for the special edition), although one bookshop is offering it online for £277.50 - still too pricey for this blogger, though.
Many happy returns anyway, Ms. del Rio....a lady determined to grow old disgracefully (in the best possible taste).
Vanessa del Rio at the Internet Movie Database