Actors in adult entertainment films are subject to stigmas. Yet, it appears that things are gradually altering. Thus, adult actors have occasionally found success in primetime entertainment. Not only some now-famous actors began in adult entertainment business, but after working in Hollywood, they went on to make adult careers. Sometimes it was a result of their regrettable financial difficulties. Sometimes they changed careers to regain their prior popularity. Who then made the change? Here are ten famous actors who have appeared in X-rated movies.

10. Maitland Ward

In 2019, the former star of "Boy Meets World" received a request to appear in her first x-rated movie, which immediately caught her eye. "I thought the script was very, really well-written when I read it," she said to In Touch. 

Long story short, we received a pretty watchable video, and Ward discovered some unexpected career opportunities in the adult industry. Surprisingly enough, she received much support from her husband and family.

9. Scott Schwarz 

Scott, most recognized for his role as Flick in "A Christmas Story," later switched from child to adult cinema stardom. However, puberty hit Flick like a ton of bricks, and he became much less adorable as a grown-up.

"I wasn't doing well financially at the time," he admitted. "Movie royalties are not particularly lucrative. I considered it to be out of the ordinary for someone with my background. But I chose to go down that road rather than go out and purchase some coke and drive 80 down Sunset with a sign that read, Arrest me." Schwarz was involved in the adult industry in front and behind the camera, doing any work required to make ends meet.

8. Dustin Diamond

Screech, everyone's favorite adorable loser, was played by Dustin Diamond on the adolescent sitcom "Saved by the Bell." However, the actor struggled to stay in the public eye once the series ended in 1993. The answer? Starring, of course, in his own adult film.

Diamond later regretted his strange decision. "The sex tape is the thing I'm most embarrassed about," he acknowledged. The actor also revealed that Paris Hilton, who he claimed made $14 million from her X-rated video, was his inspiration. But it wasn't that easy because he fabricated the entire affair.

7. Tom Sizemore

Tom Sizemore once held a prestigious position in Hollywood, appearing in "Saving Private Ryan," "Black Hawk Down," and "Pearl Harbor." Unfortunately for the A-lister, his frequent legal troubles and increasing drug addiction caused him to quickly become a tabloid regular. Therefore, his professional failure and entry into adult films were closely related.

Sizemore performed in the tape "with six ladies" on the instruction of the adult entertainment producer he was living with. "It was nasty, upsetting, and shows you what meth does to your judgment," Sizemore wrote of the encounter. He continued, "Of all the stupid things I did, that's the one I want to take back the most."

6. Jaimee Foxworth

Jaimee Foxworth became an A-lister after appearing on "Family Matters" as one of the Winslow family's daughters. However, Foxworth discovered herself put aside and written out of the series as cast members gradually vanished.

After four seasons, the former child superstar was reportedly jobless and needed employment. Therefore, she decided to work in the adult industry at 19 while dealing with alcohol and drug addiction. Foxworth explained how a bikini calendar was the catalyst for her entry into the sleazy business. As a result, she decided to shoot "an explicit sex scene with another actress" after realizing she might earn much more on camera.

5. Helen Mirren

"Caligula," a 1979 art film, is essentially an adult film given that Penthouse owns it and Bob Guccione, the magazine's founder, produced it. Surprisingly, the movie features luminaries from the industry, including Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren, both members of Hollywood royalty.

"Caligula" was deemed "shameless rubbish" at its premiere and was prohibited in England for 30 years thereafter. It turns out that no one, not even the main actors, expected the movie to be as graphic as it was. Guccione returned and independently shot more sexual scenes after the production ended, turning this movie into the biggest con in Hollywood history.

4. Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne transitioned from being a child actress in shows like "Shake It Up" on Disney Channel and "Big Love" on HBO to becoming an adult in the field. She also has a diverse resume, acting in blockbuster films such as "The Duff" and "Amityville: The Awakening."

She has performed music for films and even taken on producing duties. She just added directing the "Her & Him" short to her list of accomplishments, claiming she had problems securing funding for her project until Pornhub — known for its pop culture tie-ins — stepped in. The result was a short but sweet movie that earned Thorne a Pornhub award. 

3. Kelly McCarthy

The Miss USA of 1991, Kelly McCarthy shone on film in many TV series during her bright career. Beth Wallace, a character from the supernatural soap opera "Passions," is possibly her most well-known role. It turns out that McCarthy's decision to enter the adult sector was prompted by the cancellation of "Passions."

McCarthy stated in her interview that she "truly likes sex and enjoys acting," so this was the ideal opportunity to combine two of her passions. Given that the adult industry and mainstream television are beginning to converge, the transfer was relatively easy. Even though she downplays it, many people are upset by her career move.

2. Sylvester Stallone

The Italian Stallion may at least look like an adult entertainment movie star. Any woman can be seduced by him and go weak in the knees by his sculpted figure and blistering raw sexual energy. When Stallone starred in the x-rated film "The Party at Kitty's and Studs," he achieved fame or better infamy.

Even though it seems embarrassing, it got him a role as an extra in Redford's "Downhill Racer." He received his first leading part the following year in "Rebel," and with the release of "Rocky," he became a household name. With another successful performance in "Rambo," he enhanced his reputation as an action star. His path has been a real example of perseverance and embracing one's differences.

1. Jackie Chan

The strangest one was left for the top. Jackie, likely one of the biggest international stars, recently acknowledged in an interview that he had participated in soft-core films in the 1970s. His most notable performance is still from the 1975 movie "All in the Family," which launched his career and hastened to make him a household name.

The fact that he was in such a film was dismissed by Jackie, who said that's a natural part of an acting career. Furthermore, he reminded everyone that even Marlon Brando had been exposed as a part of his roles. Who knows, maybe Jackie wouldn't be a well-known actor if it weren't for his sleazy films.

There are numerous reasons why actors and even athletes turn to make adult material, though most of them are money-related. Some aspiring actors turn to adult business to make ends meet and launch a career in the mainstream. Yet, others try to make themselves more relevant by engaging in sexual acts on camera. Among them, there are some names you wouldn't expect. Thus, cinematography and adult entertainment are much closer than you'd think.

What's your favorite adult endeavor of famous actors? Which names would you add to the list?

Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney