When did ‘the true king of hardcore’ start to cry? Investigating Rocco Siffredi’s stardom

With a career in the adult industry spanning 40 years, Rocco Siffredi is undoubtedly one of the most important male porn stars to date. Despite his undoubted importance, however, he has not been the subject of extensive research in the fields of porn studies and adult film history. This article is intended to be the first step in a long-term research project dedicated to the Italian porn star. Combining reflections on the cultural positioning of pornography with the theoretical framework and methodology of star and celebrity studies, we will first analyze the construction of Rocco Siffredi as a pornographic star; secondly, we will examine Siffredi’s image in the public sphere (specifically in the Italian context). In both cases, we will draw on a variety of sources – such as hardcore productions, trade journals, mainstream media, public appearances, general press, social media, and so on – selected for their theoretical and historical relevance.