‘I want James Deen to Deen me with his Deen’: the multi-layered stardom of James Deen

This chapter examines the alternative economy of porn stardom through the career and performances of James Deen. It draws attention to the previously un-acknowledged acting and performance involved in doing sex for the camera, and analyses Deen’s multi-layered performance style in his pornographic scenes. It also looks at Deen’s effort to expand his stardom outside his film performance which is little valued, by discussing his involvement in adult industry activism and various charity work, and his use of social media and engagement with his fans as a way to supplement or correct his onscreen persona.