Where Are They Now: Bret Wolfe on His Meteoric Rise to Porn Fame, Going Mainstream, & His FulFilling Advocacy Work

The oh-so-cliche phrase of “A Star is Born” is not really that cliche, because from time to time there is a performer who literally bursts onto the scene and achieves great success. One such performer was Bret Wolfe. In the early 2000s, Bret was literally everywhere, working for all of the different major studios, performing with some of the hottest men in business, and winning dozens of awards and millions of fans in the process.

So successful was Bret’s adult career, that he became one of the few performers to successfully transition into “mainstream” movies. He also became a successful businessman. He joined us for an interview to share his journey in business and how everything is going today.

Could you share with us your journey from first joining the industry to becoming a star? 

I met Chad Hunt at a bar. I honestly had no idea who he was. I was not a big adult film watcher; I just saw a cute guy that I wanted to go home with. He turned out to be a pretty “big” deal. And there was a spark of magic and the following morning, impressed with my “abilities” he introduced me to the people at LiveandRaw.com and Chi Chi (La Rue).

I started doing live shows, gained a following and transitioned into movies. White Trash was my big breakthrough film. I took the industry very seriously and approached it from a business perspective. I had several goals that I knew I wanted to accomplish if I was going to take it all the way.  1. Work with Falcon (Aftershock) 2. Work with Chi Chi (Aftershock) and 3. Win Newcomer of the Year at both the Grabbys and the GayVNs (achieved— tied with the amazing Matt Summers at the Grabbys). I, for some time, held the record for the most awards won by a newcomer in his debut year—I believe breaking a record held previously by Kurt Young. I am sure that it has since been justifiably broken. I was very fortunate in the industry and as a former fat kid…I loved that I could embrace and celebrate my sexuality in such a unique forum.

It was a whirlwind of fun, insanity, joy, craziness, friendship, passion, and love. The biggest difference in my journey was that I was never exclusive to a studio—a rarity at the time. I appreciated the freedom to work how and when I wanted to, but knowingly missed out on some opportunities had I gone exclusive.

As you said, you worked with several different studios during your time. How does the culture of some compare with others?

The misconception is that the industry was/is a mess. The exact opposite was true for me. Almost every studio I worked with was gracious, welcoming, friendly, and had my best interest at heart. I thoroughly appreciated everyone I worked with and don’t recall any truly negative experiences culture-wise. I know that is not always the case for all performers, but I was fortunate to have amazing friends, great support, and remarkable experiences.

What was your favorite scene and why? 

I enjoyed many of the people I had the great opportunity to work with. Chad Hunt, Michael Brandon, Tom Chase, Sam Dixon, Rod Barry, Michael Soldier, and a beautiful slew of amazing talent.

My scene with Michael Soldier in Dirty Director still to this day was my favorite scene ever to shoot. Michael is one of the best people I know. There was a spark that was so alive between us before, during and after that scene. There is no acting at all— no emoting to camera. It was organic and amazing.

Who were some of your favorite fellow performers and why? Still in touch with any? 

I still talk with Chad Hunt, Michael Soldier, and Derrick Hanson (Honestly, three of my favorite people in the world).

Anybody you didn't work with, but wish you had?

I had some amazing scene partners over the years. I never got to do a scene with Nick Capra (who I had dated for a bit). We had great chemistry that I think would have been great on screen. I have a huge soft spot for Derrick Hanson, and I consider him one of my dear friends—I adore him. We also were never able to take our chemistry to the screen. Although we would have probably been goofing off and laughing the entire time

What caused your exit?

I had achieved the goals that I personally set out to accomplish; roughly at the same time I was offered back-to-back mainstream film roles, and it felt like a natural evolution. I was blessed with incredible opportunities and wanted to take a moment and live and breathe a new path in my career.

 How do you look back on your time in the business?

Fondly. But it feels like a distant memory. A lifetime ago. It had its advantages and disadvantages, and it certainly colored all my relationships moving forward in both positive and negative ways. It was an incredibly unique learning experience. A huge exploration of self, self-worth, self-love, loss, friendship, and humility.

How are you today? Where are you at in your career and in life?

I am fantastic. I have a career in boutique hospitality focusing on training, education, and development. I do workers’ rights advocacy with a concentration on creating new legislation that will benefit employees in substandard/hostile work environments. From the $15 Dollar Wage Initiatives, Wage Theft, Harassment, and retaliatory practices by employers. I have had the opportunity to advocate for workers and speak to State Representatives in the State Capitol and in DC.  I pursued acting for quite some time and still act from time to time. I followed the adult industry with a few moderately successful independent films as well as continuous work as an actor in the theatre for over 15 years.

 Do you follow the industry today? Do any of today's performers impress you?

Not at all. I couldn’t tell you anything about today’s industry or the performers

How do you think the industry today compares to your time in business?

It’s a different playing field. There has been such an incredible evolution over the past 17 years. The move to almost strictly online platforms was just really starting to happen when I was leaving. The whole medium and its delivery is so vastly different. I can’t even fathom how the industry and its performers make money now. I get the gist of the personal subscription and the OnlyFans approach, but I am in the dark as to how the studio system still works with so much free, inexpensive online content from a variety of performers.

Would you ever consider a comeback?

I would never want to work out that hard again LOL! No. I am blessed that I will always have that unique and extraordinary chapter in my life. But I feel that the door is closed and there are even more exciting journeys to look forward to. The ability to share and swap the multiple stories of one’s life is the greatest gift.

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