Desiree West

Desiree West broke into the adult film business in 1973 and soon became the industry's first black star. In addition to her volcanic sexual performances, she was noted for her ability to actually handle dialogue quite well, a fairly rare achievement for an adult film actress in those days. Her exotic looks - she appeared to be a combination of black and Asian - and spectacular body guaranteed her steady employment in the business, although she never reached the level of stardom that, frankly, she should have. She "officially" retired in 1980, although she would come back to make a video or two every so often just to see if she still "had it." She did.