Robert Charles Kerman (December 16, 1947 – December 27, 2018),[1] also known as R. Bolla, was an American actor who had a pornographic acting career during what is considered to be the "golden age" period of the porn film industry during the mid-1970s to the early/mid-1980s. As Bolla,[2] he appeared in well over 100 pornographic films, most famously Debbie Does Dallas (1978).[3] He was one of few adult performers to have an appreciable mainstream acting career, with a leading role as Professor Harold Monroe in the controversial horror filmCannibal Holocaust (1980).
Kerman's onscreen sex appearances began with director Roberta Findlay's Anyone But My Husband.[3][5] He adopted the stage name 'Richard Bolla' after a box of Bolla wine he was overlooking while being asked for a stage name.[2] His name was abbreviated to 'R. Bolla' after being called "Dick" by his peers, which annoyed him. He became one of the most prolific male stars of the Golden Age of Porn. He performed in 230 films, and was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame in 1998.
Unlike many of his adult-industry peers, Kerman bitterly regretted his participation in the adult film industry, especially being in the film Debbie Does Dallas, which he felt ruined any prospect of him attaining mainstream acting success. He stated: "In retrospect I'm really sorry that I did it, because I probably ruined the best years of my life as an actor."[6]
Aliases
During his adult film career, Kerman was variously credited as Richard Bolla, R. Bolla, R. Bollo, Trevor Manmak, Bobbie Ball, Tom Triplett, Martin Spellman, Neil Ronds, Bob Kerman, R. Bola, Robert Kerns, Robert Brown, Richard Bollo, Richard Bola, Robert Kerr, Robin Hoock, Richard Balla, Richard Lair, Robert Bolla, Richard Bolla, Richard Bocca, Richard Bollar, and Sam Speed.[7]
In 1985, attempting to work solely in mainstream productions, he obtained a Hollywood agent and went on to play supporting roles in television series such as Hill Street Blues and Simon & Simon. In 1987 he appeared in the film No Way Out with Kevin Costner. However, he also continued to appear in pornographic cinema and was dropped by his agent. Unable to find work and feeling betrayed, he slid into years of depression and substance abuse.[3][6]
Cannibal Holocaust
In the DVD commentary for Cannibal Holocaust (in interview with Sage Stallone and Bob Murawski), Kerman described film director Ruggero Deodato as "remorseless" and "uncaring". Incensed by the realization during filming that an animal's death was not being faked, Kerman physically tackled the director and stormed off the set. He was not present when other animals, including a coatimundi, were killed.[8] Kerman was also a guest-of-honor for the film's 35th-anniversary screening at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Yonkers, New York, on February 28, 2015.[9]
Later career
In the 2000s, Kerman played a sea captain in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, and Dr. Monroe in the drama short Vic, directed by Sage Stallone.[5] He made personal appearances at horror conventions to speak about his experiences on Cannibal Holocaust.[4]
Death
Kerman died on December 27, 2018, at the age of 71 of complications of diabetes.[4]
Filmography (selection)
1975: Anyone But My Husband (as Robert Kerr) - Director: Roberta Findlay
1976: Blow Dry (as Richard Bolla) – Director: David Secter
1976: Sex Wish – Director: Zebedy Colt & Victor Milt
1977: Punk Rock (as Richard Bolla) – Director: Carter Stevens
↑"Archived copy". www.avnawards.com. Archived from the original on April 15, 2009. Retrieved January 12, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
