Australia – from sxnews.e-p.net.au – From trials to controversies, Brent Corrigan has gained as much notoriety off-screen as he has with his films. But the young star takes it all in his stride. He spoke with SX ahead of his Sydney appearance. Interview by Reg Domingo.

Very few people in the adult entertainment industry have garnered as much attention and notoriety as Brent Corrigan (real name Sean Lockhart) has, whose journey to stardom and fame has been paved with media storms and controversies. From bestselling adult films and numerous accolades, to murder trials and uproar over his age, for the young actor, it’s been one eventful ride. These days, Corrigan, 23, is running his own production company while making inroads in mainstream film and writing, with several projects in the pipeline. But before then, he’s coming to Sydney in February to Sydney in February to appear at the Same Same Mardi Bar and Mardi Gras’ Queer Thinking. Ahead of his appearance, SX caught up with the Corrigan who spoke about his past, present and future.

Without a doubt, your name is one of the most popular in the business. What is the story behind the origin of the name, ‘Brent Corrigan’?

The name worked out extremely well for me, just by chance. My producer at the time pulled out a Playguy magazine with [porn star] Brent Everett on the cover and asked me what I thought about the name ‘Brent’. I said it was fine and agreed to it. Before the end of the weekend of that very first shoot, I pulled out a phone book to peruse some last name prospects. I wanted something that was consistent with my heritage, being a Scots-Irish boy. Corrigan is an Irish name, and Brent is a Scottish name. Though, I am told Brent is an uncommon Scottish alias.

Tell us about the difference between Brent Corrigan and Sean Lockhart. Is there a bit of Brent in Sean, and a bit of Sean in Brent?

The biggest difference between Brent Corrigan and the real me is the way I respond to people publicly. Sean Lockhart enjoys his anonymity and will even deny that he is Brent Corrigan when he’s recognized walking down the street or working out in the gym. Brent Corrigan will talk to anyone and everyone and respond to almost any social stimuli. Much of who Brent Corrigan is, without a doubt, inside Sean Lockhart. The difference is, Brent Corrigan lets it all hang out with pride. Sean Lockhart is more reserved; more observant. Sean Lockhart was, and will always be, the actor and the artist. Brent Corrigan is the entertainer.

There was some controversy regarding your disclosure of your age a few years ago. What can you remember about that experience, and the ensuing frenzy?

What I remember most is feeling like I was being tugged several different directions. What many people chose to ignore was the fact that the producer knew all along how old I was. My then-lover and soon to be business partner advised me to come out with the truth upon heading into a new business venture.

The underage work was wrong altogether and I was not of legal age or proper mind to make such a decision to be a part of the adult industry. Ultimately, the right thing to do was have it pulled.

Today, I am deeply apologetic about the decision I made as a 17 year old boy – the decision to adult work before my time. It put an industry in flux and sent a very dangerous message to many young people at the time.

With such a strong connection to the name ‘Brent Corrigan’, do you think there will ever be a day when you will no longer use it?

Oh certainly! I have no intentions of staying involved in the adult industry forever, or even much longer than I am now. My sincerest hope is that I can move forward enough with my mainstream work at a steady rate of evolution. Ideally, there will come a day in my career as an actor that directors and producers are giving me mainstream roles purely on the merit of my abilities or versatility as a real actor. But for now, I am primarily getting roles because I am Brent Corrigan.

Generally, openly-gay actors can encounter hurdles when it comes to casting. It must be particularly challenging for gay porn actors. Do you think your past will affect your mainstream career, and if so, how do you feel about that?

Yes, very true. Many gay actors have avoided the truth or topic of their sexuality altogether in an effort to remain relevant in the Hollywood. I have absolutely no designs on becoming the next big anything. I just want to act. I love queer films and I am perfectly at home playing a homo! I was very well aware that the second I stepped foot on an adult set all of those open doors to Hollywood, those possibilities, would be lost. As I developed myself as an adult star, all the while revealing and sharing with the world that there was so much more to me than the physical, roles in mainstream films presented themselves to me. I accept Brent Corrigan will follow Sean Lockhart where ever he goes; that is a conscious concession I made when I chose to become who I am today. Owning it has done far more for me than trying to live it down. Will I become the next big Disney Star? No, absolutely not. Do I care to? Double no. I like having an edge. I truly do believe it’s one of the things I have to offer that most actors don’t.

You have a very intimate blog and website. Tell us your relationship with the art of writing?

I’ve maintained a firm grasp of my voice and ability by writing almost regularly on a blog since I was 19. I know I have a lot to learn and I very much invite new challenges and opportunities to absorb more. Do I want to be a writer by profession? Not necessarily, but I do want to publish a few books. Ultimately, I want to take my affinity for the written word and apply it to writing screenplays.

You’re currently writing a book. Tell us about that.

I am working on a book chronicling, or detailing rather, much of my experiences since moving to San Diego at 16 years old. It will outline my life as an adult model my junior year in high school, starting my first adult company at 19, a civil suit and the onslaught of a producer hell-bent on leveling not only my reputation but my emotional foundation. Of course, people tend to be most curious about things like the murder investigation I was a star witness in as well as how I managed to segue into mainstream oriented films. Needless to say, I have my hands full with it.

Do you have any regrets?

Yes, the one true regret I have is the bareback work I filmed when I was 17 and 18. Part of me regrets trusting some of my former business partners, but at the end of the day it’s all life experience. A few hard knocks are just inherently a part of the process when you go into business with people at 18 and 19 without proper education or experience.

What’s next for Sean Lockhart/Brent Corrigan?

I release my book late Spring 2010. I’m looking at doing a handful of plays and independent mainstream projects. A film I’m starring in, Judas Kiss, is out in August. Until then, I’m doing a little bit of travelling and spending time with my loved ones. Life is too short not to diversify a little!

Is this your first time to Australia/Mardi Gras? What are you most excited about seeing/doing?

Primarily, I plan to go with the flow. I want to get a feel for your architecture, the food and your parks and beaches. I love the outdoors and I’m going to figure out a way to get to Obelisk or Lady Jane Beach while I am there in Sydney. We have a nude beach here in San Diego but most of the cute, young boys refuse to take their shorts off. I’m also going to Melbourne and would love to see the Yarra Valley – but who knows if I will have time to get out there. It would be a dream come true to go horseback riding out there.

Tell us about Queer Thinking. Are you excited about taking part at the Mardi Gras event?

I am very much excited to be speaking with the people of Sydney and Australia. I have never been to your fine country; let alone below the equator. I hope to learn something hands-on about your culture. I am extremely fascinated with how our community varies in relation to yours. Hopefully, in the process I can strike down some stereotypes and preconceived notions about actors or adult performers!

You’re also appearing at the Same Same Mardi Bar. Tell us about that.

I’m coming down under as a guest of the Cool Kids Club at Same Same Mardi Bar this year and just can’t wait. From what I hear, it was a lot of fun last year, and I’m really excited about being a part of it this year.