Mickey Squires (born Richard Bernstein; December 21, 1952) is an American adult film actor and model who became a defining icon of the "Castro Clone" and "muscle daddy" aesthetics during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s. As a primary star for the Colt Studio Group, Squires helped transition gay erotic imagery from the lean, mustachioed look of the post-Stonewall era into the hyper-masculine, bodybuilder-influenced aesthetic of the 1980s.
Early life He was born in Southern California, Bernstein was the youngest of three brothers and was raised by a single mother in North Long Beach. In contrast to his athletic siblings, he was drawn to the performing arts from an early age, frequently choreographing ballets and conducting imaginary orchestras as a child.
In the early 1970s, Bernstein began his professional career in film distribution with 20th Century Fox. He eventually relocated to San Francisco to work as a sales manager, arriving just as the city's gay sexual revolution was gaining momentum.
Career Adult Media and the "Colt Man" Aesthetic Bernstein began modeling under the pseudonym Mickey Squires after a friend encouraged him to pose nude. His career commenced with physique photography for clubs like The Probe, before he was recruited by Jim French, the founder of Colt Studio Group.
Founded in 1967, Colt Studio Group revolutionized gay male visibility by establishing a "hyper-masculine" ideal. In the 1980s, the studio moved away from the "pretty boy" imagery of earlier decades toward a rugged, muscular, and "butch" aesthetic, frequently utilizing uniforms and outdoor settings to communicate power and assertion.
Colt Studios heavily utilized Squires to project this rugged, blue-collar masculinity. During the 1980s, he became a central figure in the cultural shift from the lean "Castro Clone" look to the "beefy muscle daddy" archetype. Squires appeared on approximately 20 adult magazine covers, including prominent publications such as Mandate and Zipper.
Film Squires became a major star for Colt Films, Zeus, and J. Brian. He was noted by directors for his ability to maintain a rugged, "all-man" persona on screen. His notable works include Flashbacks (1980), Red Ball Express (1981), and the experimental, military-themed film The Brig (1982), directed by Norman Yonemoto, in which he performed under the name Jason Sato.
Bernstein has cited The Come On, co-starring Jack Packer, as his personal favorite performance due to the genuine chemistry shared with his scene partner. While most careers in the adult film industry are brief, Squires maintained longevity, appearing sporadically in videos as late as Butch Bear (2001).
Later life Mickey retired from adult performance in the early 2000s, Bernstein transitioned into a career in the hotel industry. A lover of theater and high culture, he frequently surprised fans and clients with his intellectual and gentle demeanor, which stood in stark contrast to the aggressive, silent characters he portrayed on screen.
Personal life Bernstein is a long-term survivor of HIV, having received his diagnosis in 1996. He currently resides in Palm Springs, California, where he remains an active member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Filmography Film YearTitleRole/StudioNotes 1980 Flashbacks J. Brian Iconic scene filmed in Muir Woods. 1981 Face To Face Mickey 1981 Red Ball Express Wolf PM Productions 1981 San Francisco Mickey Part of the "Clone" era series. 1981 The Come On Mickey With Jack Packer; Bernstein's personal favorite scene. 1982 The Brig Jason Sato Directed by Norman Yonemoto. 1983 Best Of Colt Films 2 Mickey Compilation; featured in "Sun Strokes." 1983 Blue Hanky Left Bodybuilder PM Productions 1983 Orange Hanky Left Musculer Bodybuilder PM Productions 1984 Fade Out Handsome Guy HIS Video 1985 Joys of Self Abuse Mickey Wings Video 1985 Safe Sex Mickey Released during the onset of the HIV/AIDS crisis. 1986 Best Of Colt Films 3 Mickey Colt Studios 1987 Best Stallions Mickey Bad Boys Video 1988 Stroke 26: Anywhere, Anytime Mickey Vidco Entertainment 1991 Best Of Colt Films 10 Mickey Colt Studios 1992 Best Of Colt Films 12 Mickey Colt Studios featured in "The Come On" segment. 1993 Muscle Club Mickey Squires Transition to "Muscle Daddy" aesthetic. 1995 Wettest Chris Live Video Inc 1996 Bear Classic Steve Entry into the "Bear" subculture genre. 1997 Big Bearded And Bulging Steve HIS Video 2001 Bear Country Bob Catalina Video 2001 Fire And Smoke Vance BIC Productions 2001 Leather Sex Underground Ricky Manhunter 2001 Butch Bear Rex Final major feature of the era. 2002 Boner's Manual William BIC Productions. 2003 Bodybuilders' Jam 5 Mickey Jimmy Z Productions physique documentary. 2005 Bodybuilders' Jam 9 Micky Jimmy Z Productions 2006 Bodybuilders' Jam 7 Mickey Jimmy Z Productions 2006 Tool Chest: An Erotic Collection Butch Bear Anthology release. 2007 Bodybuilders' Jam 25 Bodybuilder Jimmy Z Productions 2007 My Dick On Fire Mickey Uniform X 2022 Raw! Uncut! Video! Mickey Documentary subject. 2026 Mickey & Richard Mickey Documentary directed by Ryan A. White and Alex Clausen.
Legacy Bernstein returned to the public eye as the subject of the feature-length documentary Mickey & Richard. Directed by Ryan A. White and A.P. Pickle, the film premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and explores the deep dichotomy between Bernstein's shy, private personality and his towering, iconic screen persona as Mickey Squires.
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