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Robert Kerman

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Robert Kerman
Kerman inDebbie Does Dallas(1978)
Born(1947-12-16)December 16, 1947
New York City,U.S.
DiedDecember 27, 2018(2018-12-27)(aged 71)
New York City, U.S.
Other namesR. Bolla, R. Bollo, Trevor Manmak, Bobbie Ball, Tom Triplett, Martin Spellman, Neil Ronds, Bob Kerman, R. Bola, Robert Kerns, Robert Brown, Richard Bollo, Richard Bola, Robert Kerr, Robin Hoock, Richard Balla, Richard Lair, Robert Bolla, Richard Bolla, Richard Bocca, Richard Bollar, Sam Speed[1]
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[1]

Robert Charles Kerman(December 16, 1947 – December 27, 2018),[1]also known asR. Bolla,was an American actor who had apornographic actingcareer during what is considered to be the "golden age" period of the porn film industry during the mid-1970s to the early/mid-1980s. As R. Bolla (named after a box of Bolla wine he was overlooking while being asked for a stage name),[2]he appeared in well over 100 pornographic films, most famouslyDebbie Does Dallas(1978).[3]He was one of few adult performers to have an appreciable mainstream acting career, with a leading role as Professor Harold Monroe in the controversialhorror filmCannibal Holocaust(1980).

Early life

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Born to a Jewish family in theBrooklynborough ofNew York City, New York,[1]he grew up in a middle-class Italian neighborhood ofBensonhurst.[3]Kerman graduated fromBrooklyn Collegein 1970.[4][5]While in college, he began his acting career and appeared in numerous Off-Broadway plays.[4][5]Later he also studied acting at theAmerican Academy of Dramatic Arts.[5]

Adult film career

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Kerman's onscreen sex appearances began with directorRoberta Findlay'sAnyone But My Husband.[3][5]His name was abbreviated from Richard Bolla to R. Bolla after being called "Dick" by his peers, which annoyed him. He became one of the most prolific male stars of theGolden Age of Porn.Unlike many of his adult-industry peers, Kerman bitterly regretted his participation in the adult film industry, especially being in the filmDebbie Does Dallas,which he felt ruined any prospect of him attaining mainstream acting success. He stated: "In retrospect I'm really sorry that I did it, because I probably ruined the best years of my life as an actor."[6]He was inducted into theAVN Hall of Famein 1998. He performed in 230 films.

Film career

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Although his professional career began in adult films, Kerman was a trained actor who played minor parts in such mainstream productions such asThe Goodbye Girl(1977) andConcorde Affaire '79.In the 1980s, he starred in severalItalianhorror films, includingRuggero Deodato'sCannibal Holocaust,andUmberto Lenzi's cannibal filmsMangiati ViviandCannibal Ferox.[5]Still, he remained active in pornography throughout the first half of the decade, with roles including Lawyer Quim inLiquid A$$ets(1982), and Fritz von Holenwohl in theHenri PacharddirectedPublic Affairs(1984). In 1985, attempting to work solely in mainstream productions, he obtained a Hollywood agent and went on to play supporting roles in television series such asHill Street BluesandSimon & Simon.In 1987 he appeared in the filmNo Way Out.However, he also continued to appear in pornographic cinema and was dropped by his agent. Unable to find work and feeling betrayed, he slid into years of depression and substance abuse.[3][6]

Cannibal Holocaust

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In theDVD commentaryforCannibal Holocaust(in interview withSage StalloneandBob Murawski), Kerman described film directorRuggero Deodatoas "remorseless" and "uncaring". Incensed by the realization during filming that an animal's death was not being faked, Kerman physically tackled the director and stormed off the set. He was not present when other animals, including acoatimundi,were killed.[7]Kerman was also a guest for the film's 35th-anniversary screening at theAlamo Drafthouse CinemainYonkers, New York,on February 28, 2015.[8]

Later career

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In the 2000s, Kerman played a sea captain inSam Raimi'sSpider-Man,and Dr. Monroe in the drama shortVic,directed bySage Stallone.[5]He made personal appearances at horror conventions to speak about his experiences onCannibal Holocaust.[citation needed]Kerman died on December 27, 2018, at the age of 71 of complications of diabetes.[4]

Filmography (selection)

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Awards

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References

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  1. ^abcd"R. Bolla (Robert Kerman) bio".Internet Adult Film Database(IAFD).RetrievedFebruary 18,2017.
  2. ^https://www.therialtoreport.com/2018/12/28/robert-kerman/[bare URL]
  3. ^abcd"R. Bolla: Adult Film's Method Actor" Podcast 12 "(Podcast). TheRialtoReport.com. June 2, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on January 13, 2016.RetrievedJanuary 15,2016.
  4. ^abcKernes, Mark."Remembering R. Bolla".Adult Video News.Adult Video News.RetrievedJanuary 12,2019.
  5. ^abcdefLentz, Harris M. III (2019).Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2018.McFarland. pp. 196–197.ISBN978-1-4766-3655-9.
  6. ^abInterview,Debbie Does Dallas Uncovered(2005Channel 4documentary).timestamp???
  7. ^"Cannibal Holocaust" with Robert Kerman
  8. ^Event Report: "CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST" in 35mm at Alamo Drafthouse Yonkers with Robert Kerman Q&A
  9. ^ab"Rame awards list".RetrievedMay 1,2008.
  10. ^"AVN Hall of Fame".Archived fromthe originalon March 31, 2008.RetrievedMay 1,2008.
  11. ^"Archived copy".www.avnawards.com.Archived fromthe originalon April 15, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 12,2022.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. ^"XRCO Announces 2008 Award Winners".Archived fromthe originalon May 2, 2008.RetrievedMay 1,2008.
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