Jake Corbin (born John Michael Avino; July 7, 1964 – September 27, 1992) was an American adult film actor, dancer, and HIV/AIDS activist. He was a prominent figure in the New York City gay adult film scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his work with adult film directors such as Christopher Rage and his frequent appearances on public-access television. Corbin utilized his entertainment platform to support grassroots activism, working closely with the advocacy group ACT UP during the height of the AIDS crisis.
Early life and military service John was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and raised in Providence. Following his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. During his military service, he was subject to a disciplinary incident in which his pay was docked after he punched a sergeant.
Avino's transition into adult entertainment began while he was still enlisted in the military. After visiting a medical clinic, a nurse suggested that his physique and disposition made him well-suited to pursue dancing at a local nightclub. He subsequently secured his discharge from the military following an encounter with an Army colonel.
Career Adult film and stripping In 1988, Avino relocated to New York City to pursue a career in entertainment. He adopted the stage name Jake Corbin, which he reportedly took from a movie credit. He found regular employment working as a stripper and escort in Manhattan gay venues, including The Works and The Break. As a dancer, he also toured various gay clubs across the United States.
Corbin's adult film career began in 1988 with a solo performance in the video While I Was Shooting Stars, directed by Christopher Rage. He became a frequent guest on public-access television's The Robin Byrd Show, where he gained popularity for his "street tough" New England accent and candid, humorous commentary regarding the adult entertainment industry. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Corbin performed for major adult studios, including Falcon Studios and Catalina Video.
Activism Corbin was a dedicated member of ACT UP/New York (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) during a period of intense public demonstrations demanding medical research, healthcare access, and government action regarding the AIDS epidemic. He regularly leveraged his public profile within the adult industry to support AIDS awareness and fundraising efforts, frequently performing as a dancer at community AIDS benefits.
Corbin actively participated in several major political demonstrations organized by the group. These included protests at the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York City Hall, and the historic December 1989 "Stop the Church" demonstration at St. Patrick's Cathedral He also traveled to demonstrate at the V International Conference on AIDS in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and participated in actions in South Carolina.
Death He got diagnosis with HIV/AIDS, Corbin's health began to decline. After suffering a severe bout of pneumonia, he moved back to Rhode Island in January 1992 to be cared for by his family. He died of AIDS-related complications on September 27, 1992, at the age of 28.
Filmography Film YearTitleRoleNotes 1988 While I Was Shooting Stars Jake Debut 1988 Screen Test 2 Boy Catalina Video 1988 Cruisin' 1: Men on the Make Beautiful Teenager Falcon Studios 1988 Boys on Fire Slick HIS Video 1989 Runaways Troy Catalina Video 1989 Men of the Tropics Leo Satellite Video 1989 Dreaming About Dick Danny Cinderfella 1989 Undercover Marco 1989 Three Little Pigs Hans 1989 The Night Boys Billy Cinderfella 1989 Frank Vickers 3: Man after Man Edward 1989 In His Corner Jake 1990 Mystic Museum John 1990 The Men of 550 Jake Spur Productions 1990 Queer: The Movie Jake 1990 Secret Asian Man Tom True Blue Productions 1990 Full Service Johnny Catalina Video 1991 Scum Alex 1991 Best of Frank Vickers Chris Live Video Inc. 1991 Pacific Fever Irwin True Blue Productions 1997 Hammer It Home Jake Corbin Posthumous release 1997 Incredible Sex Parties Jake Corbin Posthumous release 1997 Awesome Gay Orgies Jake Corbin Posthumous release 2014 Crazy for Raw Cock, Falcon Bareback 21 Jake Corbin Posthumous release
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