Bobby Astyr, a trailblazing figure in the adult entertainment industry, earned the nickname "Clown Prince of Porn" for his unbridled on-screen antics, always willing to look foolish to elicit a laugh. As one of the pioneering generation of actors who made a name for themselves in blue movies during the 1970s, Astyr thrived in an industry where, aside from the legendary John Holmes, women were the star attractions.
Born into a Jewish family, Astyr believed that his faith instilled in him a sense of community and a desire to help his fellow performers, many of whom struggled with addiction and personal issues. This empathetic nature, coupled with his uninhibited on-screen presence, endeared him to fans and colleagues alike.
Astyr appeared in over 140 known blue movies, and possibly many more that are now lost to time. His most memorable performance may be his iconic role as a non-plussed maitre d' in the 1977 classic "Barbara Broadcast," where he would take out in trade any perpetrator of breakage caused by waitresses or restaurant patrons.
In 1978, Astyr met and fell in love with adult film actress Samantha Fox, with whom he shared a long-term relationship, living together in adjacent apartments for nearly 24 years. Tragically, Astyr passed away in 2002 due to lung cancer, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved figure in the adult entertainment industry.
