Cherie DeVille x Original Magazine
I'm Cherie Deville, “The Internet's Stepmom,” a sex worker, performer in the adult entertainment industry, journalist, and sex worker advocate based in Los Angeles, California.
Original Magazine: can you remember the first time you watched porn? If so, can you remember what kind of scene it was, how it made you feel?**
Cherie DeVille: I do remember the first porn scene was saw. I was with some of my college roommates, and one of them had a DVD with Julia Ann and Janie Lindemulder in it; it was a beautiful scene where they were having sex with an ice dildo in the back room of a strip club. Before that, all I had access to was the occasional xxx magazine someone stole from their parents. I grew up in the 80s and 90s, so adult content was not easy to come across!
O.M: How did you first come about the adult entertainment industry? What is the process? Were you scouted or did you have a casting?
C.D: I started nude modeling in 2010, and pretty quickly, my current agent Sandra, at OCModeling, found my work online and asked me if I wanted to come to Los Angeles to shoot adult films. Even though I had no experience in this arena, I felt like I had to give it at least a try! I immediately loved everything about being on set. I love the energy, my costars the glamour, and, of course, the amazing sex. Years later, I moved to Los Angeles and have made up my full-time job ever since.
O.M: What was it about the adult entertainment industry that interested you to then want to work within it?
C.D: I've always been comfortable with my sexuality and interested in exploring it. The industry offered a platform where I could express myself, connect with others, and challenge societal norms.
O.M: Can you remember what your first scene was? How did you feel before and after? Is there a routine or process you have to follow before each scene?
C.D: My first scene was nerve-wracking but exciting. I was extremely lucky to get to work with a wonderful performer named Holly Michaels who I had the luxury of spending time with for several days as we were both living in the OC Modeling model house for out-of-town performers. Beforehand, I felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Afterward, I felt a sense of accomplishment. As for a routine, I always communicate with my scene partners, look up as much information about the company I’m working for and my scene partner as I can, stay hydrated, and mentally prepare myself beforehand.
O.M: It is safe to say you have had a very successful career, how has it impacted your everyday life, if at all? Have friends and family always supported your decisions? If not, how difficult is this to face?
C.D: My career has definitely impacted my life. Most of my friends and family have been supportive, but there have been challenges with people who don't understand or accept my choices. It can be tough, but I focus on the positive support I receive.
O.M: Do you feel over time that adult entertainers have become more accepted within society? Do you feel there is less of a stigma around the industry now or before you started?
C.D: I think there's been progress in terms of acceptance, but there’s still a long way to go. The stigma has lessened somewhat, especially with the rise of platforms like OnlyFans that have normalized adult content to some extent.
O.M: In 2023, Moneyshot was aired on Netflix and a lot was thought and said about PornHub. How have your experiences been with PornHub? Is there anything you look back on and wish you did not do?
C.D: My experience with PornHub has been good ever since they transitioned from a site with pirated content to a legitimate content platform. There are now pioneers in age verification, consent, and making sure that consumers and models alike are creating and consuming ethical content.
O.M: The adult entertainment industry has changed so much, especially off the back of Covid where there was a huge insurgence in OnlyFans users. How has this changed your career? Do you feel that platforms like OF offer more control to the professionals with the content they create and share?
C.D: The rise of OnlyFans has been a game-changer. It has given performers more control over their content and income. For me, having direct interaction with my fans and more creative freedom has been empowering.
O.M:How do you safeguard yourself within the adult entertainment industry and to an extent on platforms such as OF, if you use it that is?
C.D: Safety is paramount. I stay informed about best practices, vet talent I work with, maintain PASS-approved STI testing guidelines, use secure platforms, and set boundaries with fans. On OnlyFans, I control what I share and make sure to protect my personal information.
O.M: Since OF, there are so many ways now that you can create content. Have you changed the way you work with content creation? Does this offer more freedom and expression with the content you want to create?
C.D: Absolutely. OnlyFans and similar platforms have allowed me to experiment more with my content. I can create more personalized and diverse content that reflects my interests and connects more deeply with my fans.
O.M: What are some of the pros and cons of the adult entertainment industry? Is it hard to keep your professional and private lives separate?**
C.D: The pros include creative freedom, financial independence, and a supportive community. The cons are the stigma, privacy issues, and potential exploitation. Balancing professional and private life can be challenging, but I’ve learned to set clear boundaries.
O.M: Looking back at your career and what may still lay ahead, is there anything you would change or advice you would give your former self?**
C.D: I would tell my former self to stay true to her values and not let anyone pressure her into doing something she’s uncomfortable with. Every experience is a learning opportunity, so embrace the journey.
O.M: Finally, what would be your ideal date? Setting the scene off from the morning and throughout the day into the evening? Ideal location to go along with this?
C.D: My ideal date would include amazing conversation and an activity we both enjoyed. We could go to a gaming café or even for a relaxing picnic; the most important thing to me is to learn about the person I’m on the date with. The conversation and connection, the more likely I’m going to go on date!
