MISS JANUARY 2008

SUNSET THOMAS

Photos by Scott Santos/Strip LV Magazine

Sunset Thomas isn’t your average porn star. The 35-year-old blonde bombshell, best known by mainstream audiences for her appearances on the HBO series “Cathouse” and The Howard Stern Show, is a pioneer in her field.

Nicknamed the Princess of Porn, Sunset has performed in nearly 200 adult films and appeared in every major men’s magazine, including Penthouse an unprecedented four times. She was also the star of the first adult musical (“Misty Beethoven: The Musical!”), was the first box cover girl to have an interracial sex scene and the first to do a gang-bang film. The youngest inductee to the AVN Hall of Fame and a member of the Hustler Hall of Fame, Sunset was also the first triple-X star to work in Nevada’s legal brothel industry.

So it should come as no surprise that Sunset has a little something special planned as the climax to her 17-year career as a Porn Queen. Plans are for her final sex scene to be filmed with a lucky fan - one with a “perfect penis” that Sunset personally picks January 10 at the Olympic Garden Adult Cabaret (1531 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas) from a batch of potential suitors. Produced by Vavoom Films and distributed by Larry Flynt Productions, “Into the Sunset” will shoot this February on Valentine’s Day.

How does she plan to eliminate the many registered at Vavoom’s official site down to one, what’s the “perfect penis” and is Sunset really retiring? PollyStaffle.com gets these answers, as well as Sunset’s thoughts on her career, what Larry Flynt once told her and more in this Happy New Year’s edition of Polly’s Pinups.

GOING OUT WITH A BANG

CCF: Sunset, first I wanted to thank you for taking the time to talk with me. Right off the bat, let’s get into your retirement. Will the upcoming project be your actual last film? Is this it for real or are you just pulling a KISS, and a number of farewell films will follow? (LOL)

ST: Nope, this is really it. When I shot “Misty Beethoven” about three years ago I ended my contract with VCA. I never officially retired, I just moved on to other projects. Lots of fans kept asking me when I would shoot again and I figured that I owed them a grand finale! Plus, I was kind of missing all that salacious on-screen sex.

CCF: What makes you walk away from porn now and what do you plan to do with yourself?

ST: Let’s be honest you can only do something for so long. I’ve been lucky enough to hold my looks but I’m getting close to the MILF movie age!

CCF: (LOL)

ST: I’ve done TV, radio, print…you name it. Now I have an opportunity to really get creative with Vavoom. I’ll be doing my own radio show “The Hottie Handicapper.” I’ll be hosting and starring in some Vavoom TV projects like the “Adult Star Dating Game,” “America’s Naked Talent” and my reality show “Sunrise to Sunset.” I’ll get to be in front of and behind the camera — sexy without having sex. I’m really very excited about Vavoom. Plus, I’ve been contacted about endorsing some adult themed products. So I’m gonna still be a very busy beaver!

CCF: I see… Let’s talk about this contest you are holding for the final film. I’ve got a ton of questions about this… and I’m sure everyone that hears about it does as well. (LOL) So… It’s been said your goal is to find “the perfect penis” to perform a scene with. To begin with, where did that whole concept come from?

ST: I’ve always been a ground breaker. I love my fans and I’m always trying to concoct ways to interact with them and to keep them happy. Well, what could be better than turning one into a porn star? What could be better than to go out with that kind of a bang?

CCF: Right. So what exactly is “the perfect penis”?

ST: To be honest, it’s s great alliteration…really. I mean, in the script I’m seeking the so-called perfect penis for my final on-screen sex scene. The script, by the way, really mirrors my reality. Anyways, the “perfect penis” will be one that is attached to someone I can make a real connection with. Someone who is a fan. Someone who will enjoy the moment as much as me. I’ve had all kinds of cocks - big ones, little ones, fat ones, skinny ones - and honestly, it truly is how a guy utilizes what he has. So my “perfect penis” isn’t a stereotype.

CCF: I understand you’ve been getting a lot of emails from hopefuls. Is there an estimate on how many interested guys you might get total and what are some of the emails been like?

ST: There have been tons of emails and what’s really cool is that they are coming from all over the world. Now whether or not these guys actually show up is another story, but it is cool how they are responding. Some guys are sending pics of their pee-pees. Others have tales of woe - a virgin, a guy going blind - that sort of thing. But every one is welcome.

CCF: How do you plan on narrowing down the field? I picture in my head a Goldilocks and the three bears’ porridge scenario of “too hot, too cold, just right.” (LOL) But it’s not going to be anything like that, right? How do you see the elimination playing out exactly?

ST: That’s the million dollar question. To be honest, I think I’ll just have everyone show up at O.G. with a picture of their penis. I’ll chat with each and every one of them. And select my winner that way. I don’t know how to eliminate someone without actually meeting them in person.

CCF: As far as guys that are interested in entering your competition, is there a quick check list of qualities you can share that gives them an idea on whether they have an actual chance at winning or not?

ST: When I tell you that I have no preconceived vision or template for the ultimate winner, I’m serious. I love sex with men, and women of course, but men who are genuine. I’m not into the best looking or best body or anything like that. I want someone I can enjoy and be enjoyed in return.

CCF: Cool. With all that you’ve done, what do you feel is your biggest accomplishment and why?

ST: My biggest accomplishment in the industry would have to be longevity. I’ve never had to resort to drugs or booze to medicate myself so that I could come to grips with fucking for a living. So many of my peers don’t really like sex or men or themselves and they need to get fucked up to get them through their work. I’ve always been proud of what I do. I’ve always loved sex and I hope I always do. Larry Flynt told me he’s always been proud of me because I was never a faker and that means a lot.

CCF: Are there any favorite scenes or films that you’re most found of?

ST: Dang, that’s a tough one. I was always very honored to work for Michael Ninn. We made “Sex” and “Latex” together and those are two classics. Of course “Misty Beethoven” was awesome because not only was it a groundbreaking musical, but I actually sang in it. No dubs. It was me singing! And of course, I loved “Sunset’s Gang Bang.” Wow, what an experience.

CCF: (LOL)

ST: Hey, I had guys like Peter North and Sean Michaels at the same time!

CCF: You hear some women say they love doing porn and it is empowering, then others talk about how miserable it is and say it is degrading. How did the porn industry treat you for the most part?

ST: Like I said, I’ve never had a problem with the biz. Of course, in a way I kept my distance too. See I only lived in L.A. a very short time during my career. I’ve never been into cliques and stuff. So I’d come in, do my work and then go back to my family. I found this little separation is good for the mind and body.

CCF: Back in 1992, you were in the B-movie “Witchcraft IV: The Virgin Heart” with fellow Penthouse Pet Julie Strain. Both of you went on to successful careers – she as a Scream Queen and you as a Porn Queen. Did you ever think about taking the path she did or were B-movies just not your thing?

ST: Well, I came to Hollywood to become an actress but I hated the amount of effort it took to land a little role that paid next to nothing. Plus, the casting couch is for real. I figured if I’m gonna fuck some guy for a bit part in a movie, I might as well just get paid to fuck and star in a movie!

CCF: (LOL)

ST: So porn was a natural segue for me.

CCF: Lastly, what have you learned from your career? Do you have any words of wisdom you can share with the readers of PollyStaffle?

ST: Keep it real. Find a niche. Find something you can relate to and get some enjoyment out of in anything you do in life. Don’t worry about what anyone else has to say about your decisions. Follow your heart. I’ve been called a whore and bitch and you know what? I guess I am one - a really happy and healthy one at that.

CCF: (LOL) Okay. Sounds like good advice. Thanks again Sunset!

- CCF, January 2008