This weekend, The Nob Hill Theater's live shows will feature Jimmy Durano, a porn star of tremendous stamina who has filmed scenes with legendary All Worlds, Falcon, Hot House, Channel 1 Releasing and Raging Stallion Studios.
Born in southern Brazil and currently based in Las Vegas, is truly an international man, with a winning smile, open demeanor and warm, penetrating eyes that beckon you to let yourself go as he takes you over.
Revel in the exploration and exhibition of the unforced sensuality of both Jimmy and fellow native Brazilian Bruno Bernal, as their live shows together showcase physiques that celebrate the ideals of classically aesthetic proportions and uninhibited sexuality.
The Bay Area Reporter was able to ask Jimmy a few questions before he and Bruno set the Nob Hill Theatre stage alight.
Have you every performed in a live sex show, before a live audience? What was it like for you? If not, do you have any plans and/or fantasies about what will take place?
Yes, I have performed for a live audience before. Quite a few times, to be honest. And it's just as like being on set. The only difference is that there are a lot more people watching you live than when you are on set, where usually we have no more than five people at a time.
Are you ready to see your name upon the legendary Nob Hill Theater marquee? Are you ready to see yourself having sex on a 30ft. high screen?'
Actually, I am. I can't wait to be there. I already saw a picture of it and it is so amazing. We don't have marquees like that anymore. Wherever I go these days, the ads are printed and/or online, but, San Fransisco is known for its history and I know that The Nob Hill Theater is a legendary building in San Fransisco for the gay community.
You've filmed a tremendous amount of work for various studios, which indicates your professionalism and versatility. How do you do it and please explain the differences between each studio with which you've worked.
To be honest, there is not much difference between the studios. They are all so nice and professionals towards me. I have not worked with a "new" studio in such a long time, so I feel like I know most of the crew that I am working with, and the models are the ones changing. You've just gotta bring your A Game, and be as nice to them as they are to you.
The internet has forever changed how we look at porn. What do you think will be the evolution of porn and where do you see yourself within it?
Oh, I believe I won't be in the next "evolution" of porn. I've been in the business for about seven years now and, soon enough, in few years, all you will see of will be in the archives. It's time for the new kids on this block to shine.
Let's discuss your background. Where in Brazil were you raised? What was it like growing up there?
I am from southern Brazil. Growing up in Brazil was amazing. I miss a lot of things on my day to day about Brazil. I miss my family and close friends the most and some food that I can't find here (most of it snacks), and of course homemade food.
What stereotypes about the Brazilian people do you find amusing and/or annoying?
The main one is that I am "not dark enough" to be Brazilian. However, as I said earlier, I am from the south in Brazil, and those states were colonized by Europeans. My grandparents are from Italy. The other one is that I don't like soccer and people usually say to me "Come on! You don't like soccer? But aren't you Brazilian?"
What's your opinion of the US porn companies that film scenes in Brazil, positively and/or negatively? Is it diversity or exploitation?
I don't know how to answer that. Mostly because I have not worked with any studio that has shot in Brazil. And I don't think it is "exploitation." The studios I work for constantly go to Europe to shoot there. I don't see this as "exploitation," but as diversity. They are hiring new models, fresh faces for their websites and showcasing amazing locations.
What's your favorite sport(s) and your take on the Rio Olympics?
I think the Olympics in Rio this year was a great thing that happened for the country, economically. Yes, the country spent a lot of money for that to happen, not as much as the previous Olympics four years ago. But it's enough that we would make it back, especially from the tourists in Brazil for those two weeks, while the games were happening. The only negative thing I can think of was that Ryan Lochte scandal. What a shame.
When did you first come out?
I came out when I was 21.
What inspired you to do porn?
I thought it would be fun and I'd get to travel. And it's been fun for me and I got to travel to many places and visit many cities.
Contrast your hometown's culture with that of your current base, Las Vegas.
Well, you know that Las Vegas doesn't sleep. It's a 24/7 city with clubs, casinos and restaurants open 24 hours a day. The night life here in Vegas is amazing and not a lot of people live here. They are just passing by for the weekend. Where I grow up was a far more calm city, and greener than the desert I live in currently.
How has being a porn star affected both your personal and professional lives?
I did not close any doors. Luckily, I have an amazing partner in life, Christian Owen. We have been together for five years now and I met him in this business. Also, I am the art director for Hot House. Professionally and personally speaking, I am where I am today thanks to porn.
Please give my readers a workout tip, so that they'll be good to go when they have their "porn moment."
Work out tip: If you are not sore the next day, you did not work out the right way. Good posture, correct form and slow reps are a lot more important than the weight you are lifting. Maybe it can be used in porn, too. (laughs)
What seems to be the biggest misconception people have about porn?
That it's just sex. For me and the people I work with, porn can be fun, but after all, porn is work.
Are you socially active? Do you rock the apps? What seems to be the biggest mistake that you see gay men making with them?
I am socially active, and I use many apps on a daily basis. New apps are being created every single day to help us. I use apps at work, for traffic, travel, gym, games, etc. However, when it comes to hooking up, guys look for hook-up apps and I don't see any problems with that. It was created for a reason and it makes meeting people for sex far too easy.
Actually, there's always someone next to you, a few feet away. When it comes to meeting people and having real connections and conversations, guys are hoping to find that in hook-up apps, or when they go out to clubs and instead of walking around, having a drink and talking to the guy next to them at the bar, they will go to their phones, instead, and see who is online.
Who, in the porn world, inspires you (model, director, photographer, camera man, etc.)? With whom would you next like to work, either in front of or behind the cameras?
I think it would be François Sagat. We were in one project before and had B-roll for one scene in the movie, but never got to interact. He is also a great guy and inspiring artist, so I'd like to work with him one day. There are many other people, amazing directors and creative people who I've had the pleasure to work in this business and I am happy for that.
What did you do to, with and/or for the last man to whom you completely surrendered yourself?
I married him.
Please name the one physical, emotional, social things of yours upon which you'd like to improve?
In this business, we are all driven to develop the perfect body. Viewers and fans at home love us and follow us wherever we go, however we look. All of the performers (at least I believe so) always want to improve and look their best. I'd say that physically, I'd like to improve overall by gaining more size. Emotionally, I'd like to able to smile/laugh all day long. Socially, I'd like to be able to trust more people at first sight.
What's the first thing you notice about a man?
His chest, when he is walking towards me, and his ass when he is walking away.
What is your favorite movie and why? Describe the porn version (Cast, director, scenery, activities, etc.).
The Dom for Hot House, directed by Christian Owen and my scene partner was Mitch Vaughn.
The scene, from the beginning till the end, was amazing. The whole concept of the leather play house, dungeon-looking set for the film was amazing, and the director came up with this idea to make it rain the entire time for the scene, so, the set crew and PA made it happen.
When Mitch and I showed up on set for wardrobe and photos, they had this amazing warehouse transformed and this water system that was going on throughout the entire time Mitch and I were having sex. The scene is just amazing and one of my favorites to date.
When the curtains part, the spotlight comes upon you, and your eyes adjust to the light after you've gotten everyone in the mood, whom would you love to have seated in the front row, only to drag them onstage and have a torrid threesome?
Chris Evans.
Follow Jimmy Durano at www.twitter.com/jimmydurano and www.instagram.com/jimmydurano.
See Cornelius' photos at www.cuirphoto.net.