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The former adult film star Tiffany Clark passed away this week.
Some might say this comes with the territory when you cover an industry that began almost 60 years ago. But while Tiffany started in the business in 1979, she was only 18 at the time and just 65 when she died of cancer.
Others might ask why I would be sad about somebody I interviewed once almost 10 years ago. But I lucked out with Tiffany. I got to know her for quite a while before we ever did the interview, and we’ve stayed friends ever since. Over the years there have been many dinners out and time spent with her family, both birth and chosen. Her home was full of people and animals and love.
And Tiffany was always at the heart of that home. She didn’t have it easy over the years. She grew up in an abusive household that she ran away from when she was young. She struggled with drugs and went to prison. Performing in adult films and briefly running Plato’s retreat with her then husband Fred Lincoln was about the least transgressive thing she did in her early years.
Then she met Barry who would go on to become her beloved husband until this day. They moved to Florida with Tiffany’s child from another father and started a new life, going on to have children of their own. And something remarkable happened – Tiffany, whose life had been the definition of instability, became a pillar of reliability. She was an anchor of love for her family and friends. She was a steadfast employee for companies that relied upon her. When her kids faced difficulties, she took in their children and raised them as her own. Tiffany and Barry renewed their vows in 2015 – a joyful event I was fortunate enough to be part of.
This is a reprise of my interview with Tiffany, in honor of my special friend who I loved dearly and will miss deeply.
For more pictures from Tiffany’s life, see here.
This episode’s running time is 124 minutes.
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Tiffany Clark
Tiffany Clark & April Hall
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April, in the last photo, you look like sisters, I’m not kidding! It’s the smiles you both have that make me think that. And your facial structures, a bit.
RIP to a beautiful lady.
I wish I could’ve met her. It’s hard for women to make friends as they get older. And April, you and she have nearly the same smile!
One of the best interviews by April (and that’s saying a lot!) and one of the most fascinating subjects ever to appear on your podcast.
RIP Tiffany Clark.
A sublime tribute to one of the finest.
Tiffany broke the mould and will meet be replaced.
We are fortunate to have The Rialto people ensuring that their legacy will be preserved.
Thank you. And we love you always Tiff.
Interesting enough, your dear friend Tiffany Clark mentioned David Allan Coe because he passed away as well. In 1982, he had his first X-rated Underground Outlaw Country album with a lot of colorful tunes including “Little Suzie Shallow Throat”, ‘Don’t Bite The D_ck”, “F____n’ In The Butt”, and very raunchy and racist too. (Track No. 3) She referred to a song on there but don’t know which one. She will be missed.
I shed more than a tear listening to the introduction. Very moving indeed.
Trust the Rialto to make it about the people, their stories, and not about the seedier elements of the XXX world. That’s what makes this unique and special.
Met her with Fred Lincoln when they made an appearance at the Pussycat Theater in NYC. Lovely woman. While I look forward to visiting this site every Sunday, I always feel a bit of trepidation wondering if someone has passed away.
Awesome Article And Podcast Keep Up Good Work
April, I just love you! What a heart. Your opening just broke me. Thank you for your skillful curations. You are just great! Thank you again.
Sobering to realize that death has become a frequent, unwanted contributor to the Rialto Report over the last few years. This brings home why Ashley’s dedication to recording the history this of art form and the pioneers who first bared their bodies, and now their souls has been so endlessly fascinating.
Another awesome job, RR! While it’s sad she died so young, very heartening to hear how she was able to overcome her difficulties and have a happy productive life.
Like Tonyrocc, I always have a feeling of trepidation when I come here or to music/film sites and see a favorite performer has passed on. And sadly, a lot of my favorites are in that age range; let’s appreciate all of those still with us while we can.
Warm thoughts to Barry, their children and friends.
Condolences to Tiffany’s surviving family, and also to Ashley and April upon reading this sad news.
What a beautiful, in depth interview. I cried at the end. I wish our paths had crossed but by the time I got into the business as a writer in the late 1980s, she was probably already in Florida. I really appreciate her blatant honesty. What a spark she had. Condolences to Barry and their family.
Oh April, thank you for this.
Tearfully,
Max
I just finished listening to this and I am in tears. What a life and what a beautiful woman inside and out. This is hands down the best interview April has ever done. You were so in sync with Tiffany. You got her to show her soft side while showing yours as well. I did see recent photos of Tiffany and she was still recognizable. Good for you letting her know she was still sexy. God bless you both and rest in Paradise Tiffany Clark.
Awesome interview. Thanks for sharing it again.
One of tbe tbings I absolutely appreciate most about April and the Rialto report is the treatment of everyone as people. Their time in the adult film industry for many was brief and although it is showcased in the interviews, you always humanize the people you talk about. Many of them went on to live average lives and had families and worked regular jobs for a living and you don’t skip speaking to that. Thank you.
Great interview. One striking recurring thing in these interviews is they are ostensibly about sex but actually end up on love (thinking of the woman with the surfer lover dream – I think the episode where cops made a movie – and she eventually found him in real life); Lisa B (yearning/with Ron Hudd/ sadly not connecting again); Joe Sarno and his wife (might have been other youtube video); now Tiffany Clark – how many found or closed on true love in their lives.
Many (like Tiffany and Sharon M.) had adopted backgrounds – which Sharon Mitchel mentioned somewhere when at AIM in a youtube video might apply to a large portion of performers.
It was a time, never to be repeated, much like the Silent film era, when for the first time in human history, visible sex was wedded to actual people through the films. Sadly, the Parade’s Gone By, as a critic wrote about silent films. But luckily Rialto is here to document it.
You can tell by the fans here, the performers meant much more to their audiences than critics could fathom. Or a quick get-off meant. And it’s nice to see people like Tiffany who felt the same in reverse.
RIP, Tiff. (I don’t recall Tiffany, but for my money, she’s much more luscious as a heavier blond in the last pic). Reminds me of a video I saw of an interview with Lisa Sparks in her actual kitchen, where she comes off as simply a real All-American housewife! Someone anyone would love to be with. Or would know as a neighbor.
Good job again, Rialto!