Adult performer Brad Knight passed away at the age of 36 on May 6, 2025, following an extended battle with cancer. Knight, a 2016 AVN Best Male Newcomer, died in hospice care in Los Angeles.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Brandon on December 29, 1988, in Richmond, Virginia, Brad Knight was a Virginia native. He majored in criminal justice and earned a college degree in Tampa, Florida, where he also worked as a bartender. Knight entered the adult film industry in 2011, driven by a long-standing interest in adult content. His early career, from 2011 to 2015, focused on building experience and establishing himself among producers and performers. He initially performed for Florida-based studios, quickly developing a reputation for reliability and versatility, averaging more than 20 scenes per month in his early years.

In 2016, Knight achieved a significant milestone in his career when he won the AVN Award for Best Male Newcomer. That same year, he moved to Los Angeles and signed with OC Modeling. His career included collaborations with major studios such as Brazzers, Digital Playground, Evil Angel, Reality Kings, and Wicked Pictures. He also worked with Immoral Productions. In addition to his AVN award, Knight received multiple XMA Europa nominations for his scene and clip work. He was also a 2025 XMA Creator Award nominee for Group/Orgy Collab Clip of the Year.

Battle with Cancer

Knight was diagnosed with stomach cancer in August 2023 while residing in Budapest, Hungary. According to his friend and frequent collaborator Dan Leal, also known as "Porno Dan," Knight returned to the United States in April 2025 seeking medical treatment and to complete filming commitments. He flew to Florida for production shoots but was unable to perform due to back pain. Doctors in Florida determined that the cancer had metastasized from his stomach to his spine, leaving few treatment options.

Knight, who initially thought his back pain might be the result of a gym injury, subsequently traveled to Los Angeles to enter hospice care. He passed away in hospice care in Los Angeles ten days after arriving from Florida. Leal, who remained in close communication with Knight after moving to Europe in 2017, noted that Knight fought cancer until the very end, going to the gym and laughing around others to try to mask his pain.

Leal described Knight as "much more than just the person you saw on camera," highlighting his humor, intelligence, and kindness. Leal and Knight shared a common love of football and became friends many years ago as members of the LA Galaxy supporters group, "The Riot Squad."

In late 2019, Knight left the U.S. adult industry and moved to China to teach school. In September 2022, he decided to return to performing, choosing to do so in Europe. Leal assisted him with the transition, noting the differences in working in Europe. Leal also stated that Knight made many changes when he moved to Europe, always striving to be kind and considerate to female talent and respectful in his scenes.

Industry Tributes

Julia Grandi, owner of Jul Models and director at Vixen Media Group, facilitated Knight's debut for Vixen Media Group, a studio he had always wanted to perform for. Grandi stated, "I had the pleasure of working with Brad early this year, not having the slightest idea how fate would change everything. It was Brad's dream to work for Vixen Media Group, and I'm very happy to have been able to make it happen for him."

Leal, in an email from Budapest, reflected on his friendship with Knight, stating, "Brandon, aka Brad Knight, was among the most thoughtful and caring people I have ever known. We became friends in 2015 when we would attend LA Galaxy games." Leal also mentioned Knight's pride in his XMA Europa award nominations and his plans to return this year. Leal concluded that Knight would have wanted people to remember the fun times and adventures they had with him.

Key Facts

  • Name: Brad Knight (born Brandon)
  • Age: 36
  • Date of Passing: May 6, 2025
  • Cause of Death: Cancer (stomach cancer metastasized to spine)
  • Place of Passing: Hospice care in Los Angeles, California
  • Awards/Nominations: 2016 AVN Best Male Newcomer, multiple XMA Europa nominations, 2025 XMA Creator Award nominee