Shawn Mayotte
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
April 1, 1965
Shaw Mayotte
- Actor
- Model
- Musician
- Author
Shawn Mayotte | |
|---|---|
| Born | Douglas Probst April 1, 1965 |
| Died | November 4, 2022 (aged 57) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Doug Probst Shaw Mayotte |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1982–2022 |
| Agent | Falcon Studios |
| Children | 1 |
Douglas Probst (April 1, 1965 – November 4, 2022), better known by his stage name Shawn Mayotte, was an American musician, survivor advocate, author, and adult film performer and model.[1] Probst rose to fame in the 1980s as one of the era's most recognizable nude models and adult film stars before transitioning into a career as a professional musician and a prominent advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse.[2][3]
Born in Sacramento, Solano County, California, Probst experienced a childhood marked by severe trauma.[1] He was raised by an abusive father and an alcoholic mother who failed to protect him and his sister from domestic violence.[1] At age 12, he was entered into the LA County Probation System and placed in various Catholic-run boys' homes, where he later reported being subjected to years of systemic sexual assault by priests and staff.[2] He was emancipated at age 17 in 1982.[1]
Career
The "Shawn Mayotte" Era (1982–1989)
Probst adopted the name Shawn Mayotte in 1982 and became a highly recognizable figure in the adult industry during the decade.[4][3] He appeared in numerous adult films, often credited as Dirk.[1] Throughout the 1980s, his image appeared on the covers and centerfolds of numerous pornographic publications.[1] He appeared in several notable films for studios such as YMAC Video, including 7 Up & Cummin (1982), Hot, High and Horny (1983) alongside Scott Sedgwick, and Peep Show (1984).[5][2] He was a top nude model whose image was featured on dozens of magazine covers and centerfolds.[3][6]
Probst operated an elite male escort service.[2] His clients reportedly included high-profile industry figures such as music mogul David Geffen, actor Robert Reed, and producer Michael Filerman.[1]
In his later years, Probst was critical of the adult industry's treatment of performers during the HIV/AIDS crisis, specifically accusing producers like William Higgins of negligence regarding safer sex practices.[3]
Music and Advocacy
Beyond the adult industry, Probst was a gifted keyboardist and songwriter.[1] He collaborated with several major artists, including Billy Preston, James Ingram, and Neil Young.[1]
In 2007, he became a lead spokesperson for 508 victims in a landmark lawsuit against the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese.[2][1] His direct confrontation with Cardinal Roger Mahony during stalled negotiations was instrumental in achieving a historic $660 million settlement for survivors.[1][2]
Personal life
He married Marie and had a son named Joshua.[3]
Death
Probst died from complications of throat cancer on November 4, 2022, in Los Angeles, California.[7][3] He is survived by his wife, Marie, and his son, Josh.[3]