Home / Arts and Entertainment / Gay Film Pioneer Tom DeSimone Dies at 87
Gay Film Pioneer Tom DeSimone Dies at 87
26 Oct
Summary
- Tom DeSimone, director of cult films like Hell Night, has died at age 87.
- He began his career exploring gay relationships in adult films.
- DeSimone also directed mainstream cult hits and television episodes.
Tom DeSimone, a filmmaker who transitioned from pioneering gay adult cinema to directing cult mainstream films, has died at the age of 87. He passed away on October 17th in Palm Springs, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer and choosing medical assistance. DeSimone began his career in the adult film industry, where he aimed to explore "gays in love or at least relationships," moving beyond typical genre tropes.
His directorial work later included notable cult films such as the horror movie 'Hell Night' (1981) and women-in-prison features like 'The Concrete Jungle' (1982) and 'Reform School Girls' (1986). He also helmed the notorious comedy 'Chatterbox' (1977). DeSimone's career extended to television, where he directed episodes for 'Freddy's Nightmares,' 'Swamp Thing,' and other series.
Born in Massachusetts in 1939, DeSimone studied film at Emerson College and UCLA. His early feature, 'Terror in the Jungle' (1968), was marred by production issues. Under the pseudonym Lancer Brooks, he directed 'The Collection' (1970), recognized as an early gay adult film with narrative depth. He also directed for Hand in Hand Films, a prominent gay production studio.
Later in his career, DeSimone directed every episode of the telenovela 'Acapulco Bay' during a period in Mexico in the mid-1990s. His work showcased a consistent interest in relationships, whether within the gay adult film space or in broader cult genres. He is survived by his brother, Bob, and other family members.
