Hey guys, check out a brand new interview I just did with
JackManly.com below!
We're very happy to chat with RJ Danvers, multi-nominated performer and Raging Stallion exclusive. RJ is actually the youngest exclusive in the Raging Stallion stable of incredible performers and one of the most popular--not just among fans but also among his peers. He divides his time between colllege in Michigan and the adult industry and his interests and pursuits include art, comics, his incredibly entertaining blog and much more. We're very fortunate to get a chance to talk with one of the industry's busiest and nicest guys---as well as one of the most refreshingly honest and open. Jack Manly: First, thanks for taking the time to talk.
RJ Danvers: No problem!
JM: How did you get involved on the industry?
RJ: I got started after I had befriended a guy named Jeremy Lucido on LiveJournal during my freshman year of college. Jeremy worked with amateur porn site Randy Blue as a photographer. Jeremy suggested I send in an application to the site and although it turned out I wasn't right for Randy (too bad--we think he is! --JM), I did end up being referred to Howard Andrew at Fabscout Entertainment. Howard started representing me and marketing me to different studios, and eventually I found my way to Raging Stallion with a role in Grunts. I was signed shortly after that!
JM: Interesting--what was it like to start out so early?
RJ: Being so young in the industry has had it's ups and downs, but for the most part I've seen it as a blessing. I've had some really great "mentors", if you will, who have given me really great advice along the way, while still letting me make my own mistakes and figure things out for myself. I think it forced me to grow up a bit quicker, since I had a lot of responsiblity as far as representing not only myself but one of the biggest porn studios out there. I think Stallion took a risk signing someone as young as me, but in the end everything worked out perfectly and they are like a second family now.
JM: Obviously being one of the younger guys to get involved in the biz you had to rely on the advice of more experienced performers. You mentioned "mentors". Who would you say was your biggest help and why?
RJ: By far my manager Howard Andrew at Fabscout has had the most influence on my career and has been the biggest help. Howard and I bonded pretty quickly when we met and he kind of took a "dad" role with me, always looking out for me and kind of guiding me in the right direction with my career. He kept my head on my shoulders and I'm totally grateful for that. Without him I definitely wouldn't be in this business today!
JM: After that it seems you made quite a big leap from newcomer to RS exclusive. How did that happen?
RJ: I hate chalking it up to luck, but it really was just knowing the right people and being in the right place at the right time. Howard was able to get me a booking with Falcon pretty early on, and right after that I was flying to San Luis Obispo to shoot Grunts. I was told I was scheduled for one scene with Justin Christopher. I did something right during that scene, because as soon as it was done Chris Ward offered me my contract. I didn't even need to think twice about the offer!
JM: Well it was a hot scene for sure. In that scene and so many others it seems like you're always having fun and are pretty much up for anything in your movies. Would you say this is true?
RJ: I try to have fun with everything I do. I think it's important to remind yourself everyday that life is too short, and you really do only live once. As long as it's within reason, why not try everything once? You'll never know what turns you on unless you experiment with new things and get outside of your comfort zone. So yeah, for the most part I am usually up for anything in my scenes, which is probably how I ended up with a wrench up my ass in "To The Last Man" :-)
JM: OUCH! Well, in that regard, what would you say is on your "I won't do that" list.
RJ: As far as that list, it's pretty short! I'm not a fan of blood, pain or watersports.
JM: Seems reasonable! Since you had "mentors", what advice would you give others on getting into the biz? Things to do, this to avoid, etc
RJ: I would probably just remind the new guys that porn stardom doesn't last forever, and it is what you make of it. You've got to have a good attitude about it, and treat everyone with respect . . . after all it is a job, right? If you put in the work and the time, and you have the right focus and drive, then being a porn star can be something that's really great and rewarding. If you slack off and are just here for the ride, you probably won't last long. No one is going to do the work for you!
JM: That's very a very reasonable and candid approach. Speaking of which, you are always very candid and positive on your blog. Speaking as honestly as possible what would you say are your selling points that makes you a star?
RJ: I think my appeal comes from not pretending to be this porn superstar, because in reality I don't really view myself as that anyways, ya know? I think what separates me from other guys in the industry is that what you see really is what you get, there is no real divide between RJ and the real me. I let my fans have access to me through things like my blog, Twitter, Myspace or Facebook. Instead of pretending to be "RJ Danvers Superstar", what you get instead is a glimpse into the life of an average guy who just happens to make gay porn, and that is where I think the connection with my fans is made the most . . . they know that I'm just like them. It's a different (and admittedly, riskier) approach than most guys in this industry take, but for me it has worked out positively!
JM: It certainly looks like this approach has worked. You've also got the added complication of going to college too. How difficult is it to balance education with your career?
RJ: I think the hardest part is just finding the time to devote to both. The last couple weeks I've been traveling a lot and it's been hard to find time for homework, but I just remind myself again that porn isn't going to last forever and if I blow off classwork I'm really not hurting anyone but me in the end. It's definetly tough and something I struggle with, but I think I can handle it at least for a few more weeks until this semester is out!
JM: Cool. Do people recognize you on campus?
RJ: There was a local newspaper that ran an article about me which was circulated on campus, and around that time I was recognized a bit more than I am now. For the most part people are cool and respectful. I've gotten a few e-mails after I get home from campus from guys who say they saw me walking to class or eating lunch. I think everyone knows I'm there for the same reasons they are, and there is a time and place for everything. I've been pretty lucky and haven't had anybody ask for an autograph in the middle of class, thank God.
JM: What a relief! We assume you've got a full schedule of classes --what are you studying?
RJ: Right now I'm taking Business and Professional Presentations, Life Drawing, Business Anthropology, and Macroeconomics. I'm a Business/Marketing major.
JM: Ah, a Renaissance Man!
JM: So back to the biz, you've had some hot scenes with some of the biggest names in the biz. Who would be on your fantasy list if you could have a scene with non-Raging Stallion guys?
RJ: There are so many hot guys I want to work with, and it seems like everyday I stumble across a new guy on one of the amateur sites that I'm convinced will be my future husband. (don't we all!--JM). I'd love to do scenes with Diesel Washington, Alex Eden, Alex Collack, Aitor Crash, Park Wiley, Ashley Ryder, Johnny Gunn or Ross Hurston to name a few!
JM: Well we could definitely see you with any of those guys. Who would you say are your faves in the biz whether you've worked with them or not?
RJ: I'm still a big Caesar fan and have collected a lot of his movies. I'm also a big Joey Stefano fan. I think he was just an absolutely beautiful guy and so talented. I'd have loved to have gotten the chance to meet him. I'm also a big time fan of Ty LeBeuf, Ashley Ryder and Johnny Gunn. My taste is ALL over!
JM: Maybe so, but we see a pattern---good taste! On your blog you've often listed other guys you like, many on so-called amateur sites like Randy Blue. Since our focus is mostly these sites which ones do you follow?
RJ: I follow Sean Cody more regularly than the others.
JM: Are there guys on SC and other sites you'd like to have a scene with?
RJ: I have a huge hard on for Mitch at Sean Cody, the guy who does the ads for Fort Troff. He has the hottest ass I think I have ever seen! Absolutely stunning.
JM: Well, have you been approached by websites like these to do stuff?
RJ: I'm under contract for a good while longer so until then I'll only be doing DVD work for Stallion.
JM: If you were doing online video sites which one would be a good fit for you?
RJ: Hmmm . . . good question! I think it would be fun to do a scene for Bound Gods one day. They produce some really high quality, edgy stuff. I'm a big fan!
JM: Sounds hot. Speaking of hot, you've also posted your own "amateur" videos on XTube...what was that like?
RJ: Posting those videos and not making people pay to see them like a lot of porn guys on Xtube do is kind of my way of still being just a regular guy instead of this porn star person, ya know? I have fun making those videos and I love reading peoples reactions. I used to charge people to watch me on webcam, and it just took the fun out of it. I'm an exhibitionist and I love knowing people are getting off to the videos I post.
JM: We have to say that we definiteky relate to the "regular guy" you've been successful at retaining. We're also avid comic readers and we enjoy your take on comics. Obviously you list your favorites and make comments on your blog. Who is your all-time favorite character? Who would you like to be? Our immediate guess is Wolverine.
RJ: Wolverine would be a close second! I know it's kind of weird since she's a chick, but Ms Marvel is my all time favorite comic character. She's got a really unique history, and she's always fighting for what she thinks is right. Plus her power set is pretty bad ass!
JM: We should have figured that out. You were very open about being bummed about her demise. Besides, you took her secret identity's last name as your stage name--Danvers.
JM: So, is there a role coming up for you that features you more prominently?
RJ: We'll see!
JM: Is a "star vehicle" type of production something you're looking for?
RJ: My acting skills aren't Oscar quality, so I'll be happy being in supporting roles. It would be cool to be in the forefront more often, but in reality I'm happy with the way things are going now and I can't complain!
JM: Are you going to be in this year's big RS film?
RJ: I sure hope so.
JM: Speaking of which, you have been in story-oriented films and those without---which do you prefer?
RJ: I think the straight sex scenes are just easier, there is less work with the B Roll and all of that. If you have good chemistry with a scene parter and the crew is on point, then a great scene can be filmed really quick. All the acting and different camera angles always take a lot longer though, and I can get impatient sometimes (haha). Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but I think I prefer the sex only scenes.
JM: Where do you see your career in adult films going? Would you like to do behind--the-camera stuff?
RJ: I'd like to keep making movies for as long as I'm still having fun. As for what comes next . . . I have no idea! I haven't thought about it all that much!
JM: Well you have a lot on your plate right now. Speaking of which, you're dating someone outside of the biz and living together. How hard is it to juggle school, your films, etc and a bf?
RJ: Grant came into my life at a time I really needed some stability, and we just clicked right off the bat. I never would have pegged myself as a relationship type of guy and had always said as long as I was a porn star/escort that I wouldn't put a guy through the stress of dating me . . . but Grant changed my mind. He's a really, really amazing guy and I'm lucky to have him!
JM: You're very upfront about it. In fact, you're pretty up front about everything as we've seen on your blog. But what would you say is a common misconception about you? And what would you say is the most accurate impression people have about you?
RJ: I think most people have a pretty accurate view of RJ Danvers and his non porn counterpart. I put myself out there more than most other porn stars, and while some people see that as a risk, I have definitely seen the benefits. I think there is a misconception that I am just this perfect, cookie cutter, clean cut boy next door thanks to all the talk about school and what not on my blog as well as being type cast as the boyfriend in a lot of my films. There are other sides to me that aren't so wholesome :-) Hopefully I'll get to show those sides off a bit more this year! (Hint hint write Chris Ward a letter and let him know you guys want me in a sling! Hehe)
JM: Finally, congratulations on your nominations at the GayVN and Grabbys. Whether or not you win, it's extraordinary that you've had these honors so early in your career. Best of luck and thanks for the chat.
RJ: Thank you so much! I felt really lucky and privileged just to be nominated and be able to bring my boyfriend to the awards. I didn't need to win, just being there and being a part of the whole thing was enough. I know how lucky I've been and I'm going to enjoy every minute of this crazy experience to the fullest!
