James Leonard Waldrop Jr. (July 21, 1955 – December 15, 1986), known professionally as J.W. King, was a prominent American actor and model in the gay adult film industry during the early 1980s. He rose to national fame as a Playgirl centerfold before becoming one of the most recognizable stars of the "Golden Age" of gay cinema.
Early life James Leonard Waldrop Jr. was born on July 21, 1955, in Dallas, Texas, to James Leonard Waldrop Sr. and Anita Louise Stephens. He was the eldest of three children and grew up in Dallas with two younger siblings Timothy Michael Hunnicutt, a younger brother and Susan Kathleen Davis Culberson, his youngest sister.
In September 1979, Waldrop competed in the Mr. Dallas Contest, where he placed as the first runner-up. Shortly after the competition, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career in modeling and acting.
Career Modeling Waldrop's career began in the physique and gay adult magazine circuit under the name Jim Waldrop. His tall stature, athletic build, and tanned complexion made him a popular subject for photographers. His mainstream breakthrough occurred when he was selected as the "Man of the Month" centerfold for the January 1981 issue of Playgirl magazine.
Adult Film Industry Adopting the stage name J.W. King, he entered the adult film industry in 1978. Over a seven-year career, he appeared in many films in 1980s. He was known for his versatility, sometimes appearing clean-shaven and other times sporting a beard, as seen in Gold Rush Boys and Tightropes at the Officers Club. Despite the frequent billing as the "older brother" of Jon King, it was purely a marketing strategy used to boost the popularity of films like Brothers Should Do It.
Personal life Waldrop lived in the Hollywood Hills during his time in Los Angeles. He was romantically involved with fellow adult film actors R.J. Reynolds and John Murphy. Around 1985, Waldrop retired from the adult film industry. In the final 30 months of his life, he worked as a waiter at the Sheraton Premiere Hotel in Universal City. He maintained close friendships with fellow performers Kip Noll and Jeremy Scott.
Death Waldrop died on December 15, 1986, at a hospital in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, due to complications from AIDS. He was 31 years old. His death followed that of his partner, John Murphy, by only one month. He was returned to his hometown and buried at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas.
Filmography Film YearTitleRoleNotes 1978 Big Men on Campus: The Fraternity Sean Debut 1980 Big Man on Campus Shaun 1980 Closed Set Shaun 1980 Ballgame Spectator #22 1981 Pacific Coast Highway Tom 1981 Rawhide Foreman Rick 1981 Palace of Pleasures Lifeguard 1981 Brothers Should Do It Big Brother Marketed as brother of Jon King 1981 The Class of '84 Part 2 Draft Teacher 1981 San Francisco James Credited as Jim King 1981 Performance J.W. King Credited as Jim King 1981 Jockstrap J.W. King Credited as Jim King 1981 Man to Man Heat: Three Is a Dream J.W. King Colt Studio production 1982 Wet Shorts Jack Carpenter Credited as Jack Carpenter 1982 Turned On Jim 1982 Three Day Pass Petty Officer 1982 These Bases Are Loaded Mike 1982 Nighthawk in Leather Tom 1982 Caught from Behind Man in First Orgy Credited as Tom Cartwright 1982 California Boys Handsome Guy Credited as Jim King 1982 A Night at Halsted's Beautiful Boy 1983 Gold Rush Boys Sheriff Credited as Jim King 1983 Tightropes at the Officers Club Officer 1983 Choice Cuts J.W. 1983 Sun Strokes Jim Featured in Best of Colt 1 & 2 1986 Kink: Hot Shots 6 J.W. King 1991 The Best of Colt Films: Part 10 J.W. King Posthumous released 1996 The Best of Jon King J.W. King Posthumous released 1999 Bucky's XXX Rated All-Male Beavers: Locker Room Loops Vol. 1 Man Posthumous released 2010 Blue Vanities: Classic Gay Smut from the Past, Vol. 333 J.W. King Posthumous released
Legacy He is also commemorated on Block #01357 of the AIDS Memorial Quilt under his birth name, Jim Waldrop.
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