Traci Lords, American actress and singer
Traci Lords, born Nora Louise Kuzma on May 7, 1968, is an American actress, singer, and former adult film star whose controversial entry into the pornography industry sparked nationwide attention and legal reform. At just 16, Lords used a forged birth certificate to appear legally of age, allowing her to participate in adult films. During her brief but intense tenure, she quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most in-demand performers in the industry.
However, her underage status was later discovered when an anonymous tip led the FBI to investigate. The revelation that she had been underage during the production of most of her films resulted in significant legal fallout. Federal authorities launched prosecutions against the producers and distributors of her material, deeming the content illegal under child pornography laws. Consequently, all but her final adult film—made just days after she turned 18—were banned and pulled from distribution.
Following her abrupt departure from the adult film world at the legal age of eighteen, Lords redirected her focus toward legitimate acting. She enrolled at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, where she studied method acting, signaling her commitment to a complete reinvention as a mainstream performer. Her first significant break came in 1988 with a leading role in Roger Corman’s science fiction remake Not of This Earth. Her breakout role, however, came in John Waters' cult classic Cry-Baby (1990), where she played Wanda Woodward alongside Johnny Depp.
Over the years, Lords built a steady career in both film and television. Her television credits include popular shows such as MacGyver, Married... with Children, Tales from the Crypt, Roseanne, Melrose Place, Profiler, First Wave, Highlander: The Series, Gilmore Girls, and Will & Grace. On the big screen, she appeared in a mix of genre films including Skinner (1993), Virtuosity (1995) with Denzel Washington, the Marvel hit Blade (1998), Kevin Smith's Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), and the horror drama Excision (2012). Her performance in Excision garnered critical acclaim, earning her multiple awards including the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Supporting Actress, a Fright Meter Award, and a CinEuphoria Award.
In addition to acting, Lords ventured into music. Her entry into the music scene began with the track “Love Never Dies,” which featured on the soundtrack for the horror film Pet Sematary Two (1992). This exposure led to a contract with Radioactive Records and the release of her debut album 1000 Fires in 1995. The album received generally positive reviews despite modest commercial performance. Its lead single, "Control," became a club hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The song’s inclusion in the Mortal Kombat (1995) soundtrack—certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)—further elevated its popularity.
In 2003, Lords turned author with the release of her memoir, Traci Lords: Underneath It All. Candid and deeply personal, it was praised for shedding light on her tumultuous early life and transition into Hollywood, debuting at number 31 on The New York Times Best Seller list.
As of recent years, Lords has continued to act, notably starring in the comedy series Swedish Dicks, airing on Pop TV. Her career, now spanning decades, is marked by resilience, reinvention, and a multifaceted talent that has allowed her to maintain lasting relevance in American pop culture.
What is Traci Lords best known for?
Traci Lords is widely known for her controversial entry into the adult film industry as a minor and for her subsequent successful transition into mainstream film, television, and music.
Did Traci Lords face legal consequences for appearing in adult films as a minor?
While Lords herself was not prosecuted, the producers and distributors of her adult films were targeted in federal investigations. Most of her films were banned under child pornography laws.
What are Traci Lords’ most notable film and TV roles?
She garnered attention for her roles in Cry-Baby (1990), Blade (1998), and Excision (2012), as well as television appearances on series like Gilmore Girls, Will & Grace, and Highlander: The Series.
Did Traci Lords release music?
Yes, she released her debut album 1000 Fires in 1995. Her single "Control" achieved dance music success and was featured on the popular Mortal Kombat film soundtrack.
Has Traci Lords written a book?
Yes, her autobiography, Traci Lords: Underneath It All, was published in 2003 and received critical praise, debuting on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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