Keiran Lee has been a top name in the adult industry since he began his journey 20 years ago. The hot British import has since made his home in LA and filled that home with love thanks to the addition of his wife and three children. With Father’s Day on our minds, we asked the zaddy-turned-father about what work-life balance really looks like as a working dad in the industry.
Congratulations on two decades in the adult industry! In your opinion, what has been the biggest change in the industry over the past 20 years?
The biggest difference in the last 20 years has only come about in the last 3 or 4 years. Performers are now producing their own content and reaping the benefits of making residual income, rather than just receiving a onetime payment from a studio.
People can often find it hard to believe that members of the adult industry are or want to be parents, but you're a proud dad of three! When did you know you were ready to be a parent? Did you ever second guess your choice because of your career?
If you had asked me 10 years ago, considering the way society judges the adult industry, I would have told you that I never wanted to start a family. Fast forward to the present day and I wouldn’t change it for the world. They are the best thing that has ever happened to us. We are raising three amazing children who are excelling in school, are well-mannered and respectful. Our biggest fear is still how other parents view us with my profession. I’m not saying we have conquered parenthood as I don’t think any parent ever will, but we’re learning day by day and with each one. We’re always present for them to love and guide them in every step of the way.
What have been the biggest changes you’ve had to adapt to in your personal and work life since you started raising a family?
For me personally it was a huge change. I was used to being on set 25 plus days a month, sometimes 15-hour days. Now I have my schedule set where I am always off on weekends so we can do activities and spend good quality family time together. This can range from taking them to sporting activities, the beach, parks, or just going for a family meal. We also like to travel as much as possible. Being from Europe I was able to travel all over from a young age, so we like showing them different places and cultures.
Is it true that all British dads love football, or as we say in North America, soccer?
Yes, football is huge part of British culture! I often travel all over the UK following my beloved Derby County with my eldest son. It’s a brilliant day out creating memories with my little one, and if they win it’s even better!
How has working in porn specifically prepped you to be a father? Are there any lessons you've learned from working in the industry that have affected your values and what you want to pass down to your family members?
Having 2 sons and growing up with only my mother and grandmother as roles models, I’ve always had huge respect for women. I find chivalrous men are a dying breed. I’m a firm believer in teaching my sons important little things about the way they treat the opposite sex. Things like opening a door or offering your jacket. And my biggest lesson for my boys is to never raise your hand at a woman.
You’re vocal about loving your job, being a husband and father – and we love to see it! Any words of wisdom for those who might not have the same perspective as you?
Don’t be afraid of the way you think society might judge you for being in the adult industry. Starting a family, like most people, was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I recently saw people trashing another fellow performer for being a mother - I can tell you this, alongside her husband, they are some of the best parents you will ever meet. Yes, our careers are a lot different to most, but does that make us bad parents? The answer is NO.
How do perceptions and attitudes differ when it comes to mothers vs. fathers in the adult industry? Have you ever noticed a difference in how people treat you vs. your wife who is also a performer, or other mothers in the industry?
I think it's very different for mothers in the industry. There’s still the old cliché that if a woman has slept with multiple partners on camera, she is a slut (remember she is working with roughly the same 15/20 guys), but if you are male then you are considered a stud. I know many female performers that hardly ever have sex outside of work, yet I’ve known many girls that aren’t in the industry that have had just as many partners if not more.
What's the biggest misconception about parenthood and the adult industry you want to debunk? What message do you have for your fellow colleagues who want to start a family, and what message do you have for the skeptics and critics?
That we are NOT bad parents. With our careers it means we can be more flexible with our time and be more present for our family members. No need to drop them at a day care or have someone else looking after them while we are away from 8-6 all day, then having no energy to spend quality time with them.
It’s prime time for all DILFs and Daddies! Is there a correlation between entering your daddy era and being more sought after? Do you find yourself getting more popular as you get older?
Well, I’ve rocked the dad bod for the last 10 years even before kids! But yes, I would say I am more desired now with both older talent and younger talent. I think it's because I finally grew up and no longer think I’m Peter Pan! Oh, and the grey hair giving that George Clooney vibe definitely helps!
After 20 years in the business, what’s next for Keiran Lee? What can your admirers look forward to in the coming year?
I'm afraid to say I think I have at least another 4 or 5 years left in me performing. Eventually I would like to move back to the UK and let my content keep providing a monthly income while pursuing different opportunities, alongside being the best parent I can be!
To all the future aspiring DILFs & Daddies out there, do you have any words of wisdom to bestow?
Do not color the grey - no one finds a Lego man sexy - embrace your inner George Clooney!
That was fun, wasn’t it? If you want a little more Keiran Lee in your life, check out this entertaining video where he responds in fatherly fashion to all kinds of comments on his top Pornhub videos!
Comments