Interview with Shane Diesel

This interview with Shane Diesel ran in the November issue of AVN magazine as part of a cover story on African American men working in the adult industry. Click here to see the whole issue online. Home State: Nevada | Age: 53 | Started in 2003 | Twitter: @Shane_Diesel What inspired you to pursue a career in adult film? For sure it was the opportunity to make money—that was my number one priority. I was already laying pipe to tons of girls so I figured why not make money doing it? Just so happened everything fell into place right when I decided to try it out. Had no idea it would take me to the level I’m at now, becoming a household name and having a replica line molded after my dong. What are the most challenging aspects of your job? I would have to say the most challenging is finding female talent that can handle my size! It’s almost always a problem on set. You would think most female porn stars would be able to handle my size but it’s always 50/50 if it will fit. So that can be difficult since a lot of time is spent preparing for shoots ahead of time.  What is the most rewarding part of your job? Finding female talent who can handle my size and actually enjoy it. Then getting paid to have sex with them is the most rewarding, and of course being recognized in public also. Who are your biggest influences? My father has always been the biggest influence in everything. He taught me so much when he was alive and I still hear his words of wisdom today.  What is the most common misconception about adult? The most common misconception is we all really have sex like that in real life with our partners. Sure, sometimes we go over the top with it but most of the times we are passionate and romantic with our lovers. Second would be we are all rich and that’s so not true for most performers, unless you have a big name then it’s possible but not always the case.  What do you think of the way IR product (black male/white female) is marketed? It’s fine. I feel if people are buying them, then that’s what they are looking for. I have seen some that were just plain derogatory and uncalled for but then it’s up to the performer to put a stop to it if he feels certain things are uncalled for.  What barriers, if any, have you encountered working in the adult industry? The only barrier I would have to say would be lack of creativity. I’ve suggested many things to some of the companies I have worked for in the past and most seem stuck on copying another company that is having success at what they are doing. Instead of coming up with something new they will try to replicate what’s new and hot. Other than that there has been no barriers.