As a recent college graduate that has often contemplated different career paths, getting the opportunity to sit down with an ex porn star and interview was probably one of the most interesting and unique experiences I have ever had as a writer. It was a girl whom I was friendly with in high school but she had graduated a few years after I did. I met with her with an open mind and a most curious disposition.
Her legal name is Amanda Lynn and she was born in Jersey City, New Jersey but raised in Miami, Florida. Amanda’s Mom had her at the age of 14, which would consequently have a significant impact on the rest of her (Amanda’s) life. Her Father was never around in her life which she also credits to be one of the reasons that she became involved in the porn industry. But her main reason for getting involved was the one that I most certainly did not expect.
“My Mom has Lupus and she was really, really sick. I saw her struggling with bills and not being able to receive the proper care that she needed. I knew that I had to do something”. Amanda decided to take a leap into a world she knew nothing about; nude modeling. She sent her photos to Hustler magazine who then forwarded them to Bang Bros.
“I didn’t believe them. I didn’t think that this could be real..I called bullshit on them. But they proved me wrong. They sent me copies of contracts and all sorts of legal agreements in regards to doing movies for them.” After realizing that this business proposal was actually legit, she decided to go on a whim and not tell anybody. Traveling to Florida as Amanda Lynn, she would return in just 2 weeks as “Jordana Heat”.
When I asked her where her name came from, she said it was simple. “I knew I wanted to have a name that nobody else had. I wanted something that stood apart from the regular names that were out there. I wanted people to know who Jordana Heat was. I am huge fan of the entire Fast & Furious series and my favorite character is Jordana. I also love basketball and my favorite team is Miami Heat. Instantly I knew- Jordana Heat was perfect.”
Partially for interview purposes and partially for my own curiosity, I asked her how much she made the first time she got involved. She told me that after only 2 weeks in Florida, she returned home with $30,000 in cash. She said the money was unreal but it meant the world to her that she was able to finally help take care of her Mother. “My Mom is my everything” she said with the most sincere tone in her voice. She talked about how at first her Mother did not know but eventually found out. “She was really upset at first, but eventually she got over it and has learned to accept me for who I am”.
Perhaps the most heart wrenching part of Amanda’s story was when she talked about the backlash she received from her fellow classmates when her movie went public. “My tires were slashed, I was receiving death threats on a regular basis, girls constantly wanted to fight me at parties.. all because I used to do porn. It wasn’t like I was going around stealing anybody’s boyfriend. It was a decision I made for myself that I honestly did not believe was going to affect me so tremendously”. Considering that Amanda and I are from the same small, suburban New Jersey town it really seemed outrageous to hear all the terrible things that had happened to her just because she decided to make an adult film.
Returning to present time, I was interested to learn what her next career move was. She was very adamant about the fact that more than anything “porn has ruined my love life.. I will forever be a playmate”. As somebody who is as far removed from the adult film industry as could be, I would imagine that for some guys that would be their dream. Amanda admitted that she has most certainly received more attention since her movies, but that not all of it is wanted. She openly admits to dealing with social anxiety due to the torment and turmoil she experienced when her movies became public.
While struggling with her anxiety and trying to still maintain a social life, Amanda is currently studying to become a Veterinary Technician. Once she completes the program, she will move on to Animal Behavior College (which could potentially take up to 10 years for her to complete the courses of study that she wants to pursue). She also has big dreams of one day becoming a movie star.. regular Hollywood films, that is. Amanda also notes that she has built up a fan base that is compiled of all different types of people but she “loves them all”.
Amanda Lynn, better known as “Jordana Heat” was not only open and honest; she was kind and sincere. She is young but very aware of the decisions she has made and the consequences they have had. She made social sacrifices but did it all for the sake of her Mother’s well being.
-Victoria Fisher
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