Buster (actor)
American actor and model (1958–1991)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jeffrey Wayne Cole (August 23, 1958 – May 10, 1991), known professionally by the stage name Buster, was an American adult film actor, model, and political candidate.[1] A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he became a prominent figure in the "Golden Age" of gay adult cinema in the 1980s before running for the West Hollywood City Council in 1986.[2][3]
August 23, 1958
Buster | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jeffrey Wayne Cole August 23, 1958 South Hill, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | May 10, 1991 (aged 32) West Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Jeffrey Cole |
| Education | Albuquerque High School |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1978–1991 |
| Agent | Falcon Studios |
Early life and education
Jeffrey Wayne Cole was born in South Hill, Virginia, into a military family.[4] Due to his father's career as a professional military officer, Cole moved frequently during his youth.[4] He attended school at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas and later graduated from Central High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.[4]
Following high school, Cole enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for three years.[4] During his service, he was frequently stationed in and near Oceanside, California, a location that would later play a significant role in his entry into the adult industry.[5][6]
Career
Adult film and modeling
In the late 1970s, Cole was discovered by industry figures in Oceanside.[7] He began a career in gay adult cinema and physique modeling under the name "Buster".[8] The name was reportedly a result of a clerical mix-up by director Mark Reynolds during the production of Buster and Bill; the name was intended for another performer but ultimately stuck with Cole.[9] He was a prolific model for gay adult magazines and erotic publishers, appearing in numerous physique pictorials of the era.[10][11]
Active from 1978 to 1991, Cole was marketed as a "free-spirited surfer" with signature curly blonde hair and a lean-muscled physique.[12][13] He worked for major studios including Falcon Studios, Catalina Video, and California Choice.[10] His filmography includes over 30 titles, many of which were posthumous compilations and "anniversary" editions of his early 1980s work.[4]
1986 City Council Campaign
In 1986, Cole ran for a seat on the West Hollywood City Council.[14] Living at the time with his mentor and friend Richie Silverman, Cole ran an open campaign.[14] When questioned about his past, he famously admitted to his work in adult films, stating, "Maybe some of them were X-rated. Anyway, I'm not making them anymore".[14] Despite the publicity, his bid was unsuccessful.[14]
Personal life
In the early 1980s, Cole lived in Los Angeles and was involved with Richard Moore.[4] During this period, he worked as a property manager for Harry Weiss and was a frequent guest at Weiss's compound in Palm Springs.[4]
Later in the decade, Cole struggled with substance abuse.[4] He was aided in his recovery by Richie Silverman, who provided him with housing and stability during his political run and his subsequent health decline.[4]
Death and controversy
Cole died of AIDS-related complications on May 10, 1991, at a hospice in West Hollywood.[4] He was 32 years old.[4]
Burial dispute
Following his death, the U.S. Marine Corps initially agreed to provide him with a military burial.[4] However, according to family accounts, the military rescinded the offer after learning of his sexual orientation and his career in the adult industry.[4] As a result, Cole was buried in an unmarked grave in Oceanside, California.[4] His family, lacking the financial means at the time, was unable to purchase a headstone.[4]
Filmgraphy
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | The Big Surprise | Buster | Debut |
| 1982 | Buster Goes to Laguna | Buster | |
| 1983 | Sailor in the Wild 1 | Surfer | |
| 1984 | The Bigger the Better 1 | Blonde | [15] |
| 1984 | Buster: The Best Years | Buster | |
| 1985 | Night Flight | Chris | |
| 1986 | Hot Numbers 1, 2, & 4 | John | |
| 1988 | Blue Vanities Tape 32 | Buster | |
| 1989 | Sex in the Great Outdoors 1 | Buster | |
| 1990 | For You 4: Signature Solo Series | Buster | |
| 1993 | Bet Your Buns on It | Buster | Posthumous release |
| 2002 | Young Men of the 80's 2 | Buster | Posthumous release |
| 2008 | Buster Goes to Laguna: 25th Anniv. | Buster | Posthumous release |
| 2011 | Falcon 40th Anniversary | Buster | Posthumous release |
| 2021 | Falcon Icons: The 1980s | Buster | Posthumous release |
Legacy
Cole is remembered as a quintessential "surfer" icon of 1980s gay media.[13][4] His image continues to be used by studios like Falcon and Catalina in "Icon" and "Classic" collections.[16][4] He was survived by his parents and his brother, Steven Cole.[4] He is memorialized on The AIDS Memorial and in various archives documenting the history of West Hollywood's early political and social landscape.[4]