Sasha Grey

About Sasha Grey

Sasha Grey, born Marina Ann Hantzis on March 14, 1988, in Sacramento, California, is an American former adult film actress, model, musician, and writer of mixed Greek, Irish, English, and Polish descent. Raised in a working-class family—her mother a state worker, her father a mechanic—she experienced her parents’ divorce at age five and grew up primarily with her mother and stepfather in North Highlands. A strong student, she graduated high school at 17 and attended Sacramento City College, studying film, dance, and acting before dropping out to pursue adult entertainment.

Grey entered the adult industry in April 2006 at age 18, moving to Los Angeles with a clear intent to become a porn star after researching the field online. Inspired by a desire to explore her sexuality and challenge norms, she contacted agent Mark Spiegler via email, debuting with a scene for JM Productions that included oral and anal acts. Adopting the stage name Sasha Grey—nodding to Oscar Wilde and a Bauhaus song—she quickly rose to prominence, signing with Evil Angel in 2007 and retiring from performing in 2011 at age 23.

Her adult career, spanning 2006 to 2011, included over 300 scenes with studios and websites like Evil Angel, JM Productions, Vivid Entertainment, Digital Playground, Bang Bros, New Sensations, Hustler, Wicked Pictures, and Adam & Eve. Notable movies include The Fashionistas Safado: The Challenge (2006), Throat: A Cautionary Tale (2009), Sasha Grey’s Anatomy (2008), Pirates II: Stagnetti’s Revenge (2008), and Anal Acrobats 3 (2008). She won the 2007 AVN Award for Best Three-Way Sex Scene (Fuck Slaves), the 2008 AVN Award for Best Oral Sex Scene (Babysitters), and the 2010 AVN Award for Best Anal Sex Scene (Anal Cavity Search 6), alongside XBIZ’s 2008 Female Performer of the Year. Nominations included Female Performer of the Year (2007–2010) across AVN, XBIZ, and XRCO.

Pornstars she worked with include Rocco Siffredi, Belladonna, Stoya, Manuel Ferrara, James Deen, Erik Everhard, Ian Scott, and Steve Holmes, spanning solo, girl/girl, and boy/girl scenes with a focus on intense acts like anal, double penetration, and throat gagging—earning her the nickname “dirty girl” for pushing boundaries. Grey identifies as bisexual, although her first sexual experience with a woman was in porn with Belladonna. She has no tattoos or piercings, maintaining a natural look that contrasted with her bold performances.

Fans admire Grey for her fearless authenticity, intellectual curiosity, and versatility, finding her sexy for her expressive brown eyes, pouty lips, and confident demeanor in extreme scenes. Physically, she stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm), weighs around 110 lbs (50 kg), and has dark brown hair with a slim, toned build (34A-26-35). Her natural 34A breasts and youthful, girl-next-door appeal stood out, amplified by her willingness to engage in gangbangs, facials, and BDSM—acts she approached with a performative artistry. Her mainstream crossover—modeling for American Apparel, appearing in Smash Cut (2009), and launching a music career with aTelecine—further distinguished her.

Controversies include her rapid rise sparking debates about exploitation, though she asserted agency over her choices. Her 2011 retirement announcement on Facebook surprised fans, with some speculating burnout, though she cited a shift to writing and activism—evidenced by The Juliette Society (2013) and her PETA work. A 2011 school reading event drew criticism from parents over her past, which she addressed calmly. Her net worth, estimated at $3 million to $5 million, reflects earnings from porn, books, music, and DJing. As of 2025, Grey remains a cultural figure, focusing on creative and philosophical pursuits.

Grey is considered one of the most successful adult stars to find success post-porn. She became a successful author and travel vlogger. She also became a respected gamer and has become one of the biggest female streamers on Twitch with many of her fans not even knowing she had an adult career.