YNOT – Hyapatia Lee, one of the first Native American adult stars and a standout during the Golden Age of Porn, has returned to the industry after a two-decade absence. She hopes to reconnect with fans both in person and online.
Lee began her career at age 19 with a win in the 1979 Miss Nude Galaxy contest. After a stint as an exotic dancer, she snagged her first significant adult role in The Young Like It Hot (1983). The following year she created a minor sensation by appearing in Penthouse, and her notoriety escalated in 1985 with the release of The Ribald Tales of Canterbury. Lee not only starred in the film directed by then-husband Bud Lee — whom she introduced to the industry — but also wrote the script based on Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.
As her career ignited, Lee became increasingly volatile and prone to substance abuse, confrontations and blackouts. Eventually she was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (sometimes called “multiple personality disorder”), possibly as a result of childhood abuse. She left the industry in 1993.
Years of therapy later, the AVN and XRCO Hall of Fame member hopes to rekindle the high-intensity performances for which she was known. She plans to appear daily on live cam via Streamate daily from 3-5 p.m. PT. Additional appearances are scheduled from 9-10 p.m. PT every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (except March 8 ) and Sunday.
“I moved from Southern Indiana [to Los Angeles] so I could get a better internet connection just so I could do these shows and talk to my fans personally,” she said. “I missed not being in contact with all my fans and friends.”
Lee also appears regularly at Porn Star Karaoke, which takes place Tuesday nights at Sardo’s Grill and Lounge in Burbank, Calif.
“I am very excited to be back home in California with all my dear friends from ‘the good old days,’” she said. “I am amazed at how little some have aged.”
