February 28, 2021 | Porn Stars

Bill Eld focus of new documentary

Filmmaker Toby Ross has decided to take a look back at one of the big names of early gay porn, releasing the documentary Bill Eld: American Pop Culture Icon.

The feature-length film explores the life, work and struggles of the celebrate physique pinup model Bill Eld, one of the earliest stars in the biz.

According to David-Elijah Nahmod from the Bay Area Reporter: "[Ross] worked with Eld back in the day and became well-known in his own right for writing and directing a series of artsy gay porn films.

"Ross serves as onscreen host and narrator as he shares the story of Eld's life. Ross did his homework. He connected with a nephew of Eld's, who gave his blessing to the production."

Eld started his on-camera work in the early days of the modern-gay rights movement, when the gay community was increasingly asserting itself.

"It was a time when being gay was not considered acceptable by the majority of mainstream society, yet Eld unashamedly shed his clothes and had sex with men on camera," Nahmod added. "Ross, who clearly loves his subject, tells the story of Eld's life; the good, the bad and the ugly. He shares some fascinating and unexpected tidbits about Eld, such as the fact that he worked as a physical education teacher and a shoe salesman before entering the porn world."

"The idea that in his own way he was an icon, a 'la Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, not just a gay icon [like] Al Parker," Ross said. "He transcends the gay frame."

Bill Eld: American Pop Culture Icon is available on Amazon.