Adult video director and reality television personality Stevie Forem, known as Cousin Stevie, passed away on Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 85. Forem suffered a medical emergency at home on Thursday, which doctors identified as a spinal cord stroke.

Early Career and Reality TV Prominence

Stevie Forem began his adult industry career as a salesman for a company owned by his younger cousin, Adam Glasser, who is known as adult director Seymore Butts. Forem gained prominence as a co-star on the Showtime reality series “Family Business,” which chronicled Butts’ life within and outside the adult industry. The show, which ran from 2003 to 2006, featured Glasser, Forem, and Glasser’s mother, Lila, as they managed Butts’ adult production business. “Family Business” was an early reality genre foray for Showtime and showcased the adult industry.

Industry veteran Kevin Blatt described Forem as having a "personality that was bigger than life." Blatt recounted meeting Forem at the Venetian, where Forem helped him secure a job at a company he was working for. Blatt stated that the commission from that job provided his first "nest egg."

Production Work and Industry Connections

Beyond his reality television appearances, Forem was also known for his production work, specifically his series “Cousin Stevie’s Pussy Party,” which comprised two dozen volumes. Dan Davis, Director of Operations for Exxxotica, recalled Forem as someone who "always one of the first to greet you with a smile and hug." Davis met Forem through his publicist, April, and noted their shared "East Coast, no-B.S. vibe." Davis also mentioned that Forem welcomed him on set and provided access to his projects when Davis was an editor for Genesis and Club magazines. Davis added that it was always "great to pick up right where we left off" at industry events such as Exxxotica and Nightmoves.

Producer and director Will Ryder commented that Cousin Stevie "always had a smile on his face and a fun little side story."

Medical Emergency and Passing

Stevie Forem was stricken suddenly last Thursday, in his sleep, by what doctors called a “spinal cord stroke.” This medical emergency left him unable to move his arms or legs. While he initially showed slight improvement in the hospital, Forem passed away early Sunday morning. Adam Glasser stated that Forem’s passing was likely due to organ failure. Glasser had planned to visit Forem again on Sunday but was delayed by hospital reception staff, who were waiting for a nurse to inform him of Forem's passing at approximately 4:30 in the morning.

Key Facts

  • Stevie Forem, known as Cousin Stevie, passed away at 85 years old.
  • He died on Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital following a medical emergency on Thursday.
  • Forem was a producer, director, and reality TV personality.
  • He co-starred on the Showtime reality show “Family Business” with his cousin, Seymore Butts (Adam Glasser).
  • Forem was known for his series “Cousin Stevie’s Pussy Party,” which included two dozen volumes.
  • His medical emergency was identified as a spinal cord stroke, leading to organ failure.