LOS ANGELES—Jeanna Fine, the AVN Award-winning, Hall of Fame performer also known as Jennifer Payson, has passed away.
Fine was born on September 29, 1964, in New York City. Rumors of her untimely death the week following her birthday in 2025 circulated throughout the industry, and were finally confirmed by her son.
During her active career, from approximately 1985-2002, Fine appeared in around 500 titles from a variety of video companies. After that, she backed off from performing in favor of becoming an online presence for her fans for a dozen years, and since then retired from the public spotlight.
Her accolades were legendary. From AVN she garnered eight awards, including a Hall of Fame induction and an amazing four trophies for Best Actress (her first being Hothouse Rose from VCA in 1992 where she starred in 3 of the 7 scenes). She also won Best Actress – Film in 1996 (Skin Hunger, Cal Vista); Best Actress – Video in 1999 (Cafe Flesh 2, VCA); and in 1997 (My Surrender, Femme Productions); two AVNs for Best Supporting Actress—in 1998 (Miscreants, Extreme Video) and 1996 (Dear Diary, Wicked Pictures); and Best All-Girl Sex Scene in 1998 with P.J. Sparxx & Tricia Devereaux (Cellar Dwellers 2, Extreme Video). An additional eight awards were issued by XRCO, including Hall of Fame.
A fan favorite at multiple adult conventions, Fine was always there to pose for pictures, and autograph signings.
Fine tried her hand early on at directing—in 1990 for Video Team’s all-girl feature No Man’s Land 4. She also appeared as a dancer in the popular mainstream movie The Boondock Saints.
Other superstars from her era of performing were quick to weigh in on their feelings about this prolific award-winning performer.
Christy Canyon: “I am saddened by her passing. We lost touch about 10 years ago but I have nothing but love and respect for what she contributed to our industry. She was one of us; pioneers of the day and there will always be a place in my heart for her.”
Amber Lynn: “I am just devastated to hear this! I’ve known Angel (her nickname) from the beginning. We worked on many projects together. I was her first G/G in Wild West. She was in my movie 976-Lynn, Where The Boys Aren’t 6 with Christy Canyon, Janine, Julie, and Sarah Jane, and many others. She called me when Savannnah died. She was always the best co-star and put 100% into her scenes, knew her dialogue and character, and her sex scenes were real and hot as fuck. I don’t know anyone who did not love her as a person and respect her work.”
When asked if he remembered working with her in any particular productions, Mike Horner said, “Yes, but the movie titles are forgotten. During a dramatic dialogue scene, her work surpasses mine. But realizing I was trailing her in finding the drama’s truth was escaping me, she told me she admired my talent at comedy—something which I can’t do well.”
Horner continued, “Yes, Jeanna was one of the finest talents in porn, and a woman of quality, though troubled by drugs. Her personal standards rose above many, and certainly most of our anti-drug use politicians; her quality and human standards were superior to most anti-drug crusaders I’ve met. Later, when she attempted to return to performing, I gladly accepted being her first partner. She thanked me. I said, “You’re a good actress. We owe you.”
Anyone who really knew her knows that there is a wild streak about Jeanna Fine. Be it going to clubs, partying, whatever. She often ran with the fast crowd and was fun to be around. She epitomized serious ebulliency.
From Scotty Schwartz: “Angel has her wings now in heaven.”
Performer Lynn LeMay sums it up perfectly. “Jeanna Fine was a wild child. Just look at her deep eyes. There is a glow about her and you can’t tell what is going to happen next. She was a wicked soul with a heart of gold.”
Photos by Dirty Bob
