Stevie Forem, known as Cousin Stevie, an adult video director and early reality television star, passed away on Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 85. Forem suffered a medical emergency at home on Thursday.

Early Career and Reality Television Prominence

Forem rose to prominence within the adult industry through his starring role in the Showtime reality series Family Business. The show, which aired from 2003 to 2006, chronicled the behind-the-scenes operations of his younger cousin, Adam Glasser, known professionally as adult director Seymore Butts. Family Business featured Glasser, Forem, and Glasser’s mother Lila, as they managed Butts’ adult production business. Forem began his adult industry career as a salesman for the company.

The series, also known as Porn: A Family Business in the United Kingdom, was produced for the cable network Showtime and focused on the pornography industry and the life of Adam Glasser. Based in Los Angeles, the show featured Glasser's son, Brady, alongside Lila Glasser and Stevie Glasser, who helped Adam run the "family business" of a porn video production and distribution house in the San Fernando Valley, known for the "Seymore Butts" line of videos. The series first aired on February 21, 2003, and concluded on June 30, 2006, running for four seasons and 37 episodes. It was an early foray into the reality genre for Showtime and was noted for showcasing the adult industry. The series won the 2005 AVN award for 'Best Alternative Release'.

Stevie was also known for his series Cousin Stevie’s Pussy Party, which comprised two dozen volumes.

Medical Emergency and Passing

Adam Glasser informed AVN that Forem was suddenly afflicted last Thursday, while sleeping, by what doctors identified as a “spinal cord stroke.” This condition rendered him unable to move his arms or legs. Although Forem initially showed slight improvement in the hospital, leading Glasser to hope for a recovery, he passed away early Sunday morning from what was likely organ failure. Glasser had planned to visit Forem again on Sunday. Upon arrival, the reception staff delayed him, waiting for a nurse to inform him that Forem had passed at approximately 4:30 in the morning.

While AVN.com and mkultramagazine.com reported Forem's age as 85, ladirectmodels.com stated he passed away at 82.

Industry Tributes

Industry veteran Kevin Blatt described Stevie as having a "personality that was bigger than life." Blatt recounted meeting Stevie at the Venetian, where Stevie put in a word for him at a company, leading to Blatt's hiring. Blatt stated that the first significant commission he earned was from that job, suggesting it was foundational to his career.

Dan Davis, Director of Operations for Exxxotica, noted that Stevie "was always one of the first to greet you with a smile and hug." Davis mentioned meeting Stevie through his publicist, April, and forming an instant friendship, sharing an "East Coast, no-B.S. vibe." Davis appreciated Stevie's candor, stories, and conversations. Davis also recalled that while he was an editor for Genesis and Club magazines, Stevie always welcomed them on set or provided access to his work. Davis added that at industry events like EXXXOTICA or Nightmoves, it was always easy to resume their conversations.

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

Key Facts

  • Stevie Forem, known as Cousin Stevie, passed away on Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital.
  • He was 85 years old, according to AVN.com and mkultramagazine.com, while ladirectmodels.com reported his age as 82.
  • Forem suffered a "spinal cord stroke" at home on Thursday, leading to his inability to move his arms or legs.
  • He was a star on the Showtime reality series Family Business, which ran from 2003 to 2006.
  • Forem began his adult industry career as a salesman for his cousin Adam Glasser's production business.
  • He was also known for his series Cousin Stevie’s Pussy Party, which included two dozen volumes.