News of Jesse Jane’s recent and untimely passing was as oddly-timed as it was tragic. Especially since, in part, the news unfolded during this year’s AVN Awards in Las Vegas.
Jesse Jane In Memoriam
Then came the criticism on social media that Jesse (who hosted the awards in 2013) was only given a couple of seconds during the “In Memoriam” segment. Others pointed out she’s one of the only adult stars to ever have an obituary in the New York Times.
If the NYT cares, maybe more of us should have, too.
Feeds were full of her adult industry friends paying tribute, sharing selfies, and wishing her a peaceful journey. While I did not attend AVN this year, it must have been comforting that so many of Jesse’s colleagues were able to support each other, together, so soon after the sad announcement.
The Legacy of Jesse Jane
Jesse Jane was a big deal. Many years out from her last onscreen porn appearance, news of her passing spread through popular culture in a way most of her contemporaries wouldn’t have in terms of industry news.
I saw a lot of myself in Jesse from the start. Beautiful, talented, quick to the front of the starlet line – and just a little more than wild.
The fact she was featured in the highly successful 2005 film, “Pirates“, which was praised for its high production values, comparable to mainstream Hollywood films, was no accident. It remains one of the highest grossing adult films of all time, and her remarkable performance – while still very early in her career – solidified her as a true adult star.
2013 AVN Awards
Let’s go back to 2013 again for a moment in time. I attended the awards that year, and between everyone’s booth signings, dinners, shows and hotel room parties – was introduced to Jesse by a mutual friend. And introduced for a very specific reason.
While I had a lot of fun that week, it was also my 13th year of sobriety.
A difficult struggle which I’ve spoken about here, in print and on podcasts many times. I was told Jesse had some serious potential issues lurking and that I may be able to help her. So of course, as I would do that for any industry sister or brother, I said I’d be happy to meet with her in private.
Jesse Jane, Interrupted
Jesse and I had a meaningful conversation in the middle of all the insanity that weekend. Sadly though, I never got the ongoing, long-term, chance to support her. After several unanswered outreach attempts, it got back to me that others in the industry had dissuaded Jesse from connecting with me. Likely the same people who wanted her to remain weak, dependent and making them all that “IT girl” money.
Maybe, because she was so popular at the time, I foolishly assumed there’d be someone else among her entourage to keep Jesse Jane on the rails. That would help her set herself straight. Unthwarted by other party-people in her camp.
I was wrong, I regret it, and when I saw her name trending a few weeks ago I immediately knew why. Not suggesting I could have made any difference. Just beating myself up a bit for not trying harder. May you sleep peacefully, Jesse.
Amber. You’re still a knock out . Question: with all the interest in real incest videos, why didn’t you do some scenes with Buck. It would have been huge seller. Also, growing up w 8 brothers in the house, you must have experimented w sex w one of them? My fantasy as you can tell. All best Jay
Thank you for the compliment, Jay. And I think you already know the answer to your question. Let’s not be gross.
Wow! I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Jesse Jane (Cynthia a Howel)I had seen her of course in numerous adult movies (“Pirates I+II” of course being the most famous) but also outside the industry, in mainstream tv shows, movies, talk/entertainment shows. She seemed sweet and down to earth, funny, didn’t take herself too seriously and always seemed to be quite self-deprecating, but also beautiful and sensual. Of course these are very superficial observations of an outsider.
Honestly I had no idea about her struggles or addictions. It had been years since I had seen or heard anything about her. I think she left the business in or around 2017.
This is really sad. Especially at such a young age…and yes 43, is definitely way too soon. If nothing else, all I can say is that her passing is a reminder of how fragile and flawed we all are and how short an unpredictable our existence on this small blue little planet. Hard enough pm especially whenever there are soo many judgmental people who pass out sentences on morality and righteousness looking down on and condemning all those who don’t prescribe to some specific narrative or set of “values”.
We are all vulnerable, one mistake away, one wrong turn, one accident or catastrophe away from falling through the cracks, spiralling out of control and hitting rock bottom. Perhaps we shouldn’t forget that
You have nothing to feel sorry about. At least you tried to reach out. Which is most than anything others do. Being honest about your own shortcomings and issues speaks more about you and your character than anything else.
As I’ve said before, you are an exquisite woman. Thank you
🙏 RIP Jesse Jane. Be well angel.
So nice of you to say all of that, Pedro. How quickly anyone’s life can turn on a dime. Jesse will be missed.