Riley Reid has opened up about why she thinks she quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the world's most famous adult stars.
Reid started making adult movies in 2010 when she was 19 years old and quickly forged a successful career.
Reid has built a significant profile, recognized by publications like LA Weekly and CNBC as one of the field’s leading performers.
In 2021, her career achievements culminated in her induction into the X-Rated Critics Organization Hall of Fame.
She also became the most-searched performer on P*rnHub in 2017 and remains in the top 10 to this day.
In an April appearance on the Shadow Banned podcast, host Jackson O'Doherty asked Reid to share her thoughts on how she became such a widely recognized name in the industry.
Reid said: "I think it's just like I'm relatable and I smile in my videos,” she said.
She went on to note that her natural, approachable demeanor made her performances stand out.
Reid added that she doesn't take things too seriously, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in her success.
While Reid’s success is undeniable, she has previously spoken about the challenges associated with life in adult entertainment.
Speaking candidly on Logan Paul’s imPaulsive podcast in 2018, she discussed how her career often created strain in her personal life.
Reflecting on a past relationship, she described how an ex-partner’s behavior left her questioning her career.
“He made me feel like maybe I should quit,” she shared. “He didn’t want to kiss me when I came home from work, so it made me feel like a disgusting person.”
The experience, she explained, left her feeling “horrible” as she grappled with the stigma tied to her profession.
Over the years, Reid encountered ultimatums from partners who could not accept her career in adult entertainment.
In a now-deleted Instagram post from 2021, she wrote: “Never have I ever had a boyfriend who was proud of my job. I’ve had two ‘normal’ boyfriends in my adult life, normal being they don’t do p*rn. Both of which ended in an ultimatum, p*rn or them. I always chose p*rn. I’ve struggled with that choice though, wondering if I’ve made the right decision.”
In a 2022 interview on the No Jumper podcast, she reflected further on a past relationship, stating: “My ex was so anti-p*rn, I almost quit p*rn because I thought I hated p*rn, but then I realized I just hated him.”
Today, Reid has moved past these uncertainties, finding stability in her family life. She is happily married to Latvian free-runner Pasha Petkuns, and together they have a daughter, Emma.
Reid has expressed her gratitude for her newfound family on social media, sharing a heartfelt message alongside a photo with her daughter:
“Forever thankful for my newly founded family. I love you and appreciate you endlessly, [Petkuns]. You’re such an amazing husband to me and an even better father to Emma.”