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You’d be forgiven for thinking that Veronica Hart was a natural candidate for show business stardom.
She was born and raised in Las Vegas, and had a natural talent for acting and dancing.
But she was smart and adventurous too, and after graduating college in record quick time, she headed over to Europe where she settled in England. It was the time of Bowie and glam rock – and she wanted to be part of the music scene there.
So she managed a prog rock band, danced in shows, and did some modeling, before suffering a life-changing accident that threatened her growing performing career.
So what happened next, and how did she end up in New York where she became a stripper and live sex show performer in Times Square, before becoming one of the biggest stars in adult film of the early 1980s?
And how did she then go on to be one of the most successful female adult film directors of all time, and still finding time to act in mainstream films like Boogie Nights along the way?
Not a bad career for a woman who defines herself first and foremost as a mother.
The last decade has been a tough one for her, but she’s survived and she’s still active – in fact she’s excited about some important developments in the next stage in her life.
On this podcast, Veronica talks about her life in and out of films, with stories of Boogie Nights, Chuck Vincent, Club 90, Fred Lincoln, Georgina Spelvin, Hellfire Club, Jamie Gillis, Julianne Moore, Leonard Kirtman, Michael Ninn, Paul Thomas Anderson, Rob Black, Roy Stuart, Russ Hampshire, Seka and Suze Randall.
As a bonus Veronica Vera has kindly allowed us to include her article about Veronica Hart’s stage show. It was originally published in Adam magazine in July 1990.
For more of Veronica Vera’s writing, we recommend her blog, and you can also listen to her podcast interview.
This episode’s running time is 111 minutes.
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Veronica Hart, by Veronica Vera
Veronica Hart films
Candida Royalle, Shanna McCullough, Veronica Hart
At last……! (I have been anticipating this for the last 50 episodes.)
Can’t wait to listen to this one. Veronica is an icon.
I met Veronica in New York at a Club 90 reunion about five years ago: classy and intelligent woman.
Congratulations to the Rialto people for having now interviewed ALL the Club 90 women. A substantial histotical achievement.
How about the peripheral members – Kelly Nichols and the awesome Sue Nero?
Would really like to see/hear SUE NERO !
Veronica / Jane has been so ‘out-there’ for many years, but her true story has been a mystery, so I’m really looking forward to hearing this.
An original sex-positive feminist hero.
Veronica is an absolute favorite of mine. She was so sensual and her presence on film was great. The irony for me is that the first time I ever saw her was in a video in the late 80s in which she was in a non-sex role (Final Taboo). Needless to say, I was disappointed that I didn’t get to see such a beautiful woman in action in that video… but I was elated to learn she had plenty of work prior to that where she displayed her sexuality. I have always hoped I would get the chance to meet her someday. Fingers crossed!
Not only a favorite of mine but I found out years later that we have the same last name… if only it had been due to a marriage between us! ha 🙂
Great insight & interview. I would love to hear a podcast of Sue Nero & Lisa DeLeeuw. Seeing as Sue Nero was a member of Club 90, maybe It’s possible for you to track her down from one of the other Club 90 members?
Long live Veronica Hart!
Janie has always been one of my favorite people.
For me, a joy to hear her here speaking the truth.
Thank you, R.R for this podcast and, as always…in deep focus.
This is honestly the one podcast I’ve been waiting for. I thank you in advance for brightening a less-than-fun week.
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet Veronica/Jane twice, one at the Erotic Heritage Museum in late 2011 and again at the NYC screening of “Roommates” in 2014 and she was just what you’d expect–sweet, kind and a born storyteller. There are three people I really admire with links to the adult industry–Georgina Spelvin, Richard Pacheco and Veronica/Jane–and the opportunity to meet and chat with one of them was a real honor and pleasure.
Listening to the podcast tonight and knowing how great an interview subject she is, I’m sure this will be everything I expect from Rialto Report..and then some.
An absolute beautiful human being!
I would be a permanent slave to Veronica anyday. Have worshipped Her for 35 years. I would jump from a building to prove myself to Her
Bloody amazing interview with Veronica Hart/Jane Hamilton, April. You have a knack for asking just the right questions and you clearly listen to the answers before you ask the next question.
The two of you have great rapport on this interview.
This is a vivid, three-dimensional portrait of Jane, a woman of enormous substance, wit, and intelligence. Love her. Love you both.
M.
Thank you so much for the kind words Mark. Jane is so easy to talk to it was a real pleasure!
What an amazing podcast. April Hall is an exceptional interviewer. I had long been a fan of Veronica Hart’s, she was an incredible actress and director. So glad that things are starting to look up for her personally and professionally again. Femme is certainly in capable hands and looking forward to Veronica’s next movie!
Thank you Just J! We completely agree with your comment about Femme – Candida couldn’t have left her legacy in better hands.
She was making a guest appearance in a Video directed by Ron Jeremy when I meet her for the first time, she was a darling and make me feel relaxed> I was still a newcomer and needed all the help I could get
It’s altogether fitting that A Class Act: THE RIALTO REPORT bring A Class Act: VERONICA HART/JANE HAMILTON very perceptively, as well as at times, painfully, into focus. Although she may not consider it much of a compliment, the lovely/lusty lady is the one adult entertainment industry actress that I truly wish I would have had a chance to “work” with.
Just finishing listening and given the amount of interviews I’ve either read or heard with Veronica/Jane, I thought I knew a fair amount about her life and career. You once again prove I didn’t know the half of it. This has to be one of, if not the most, emotional podcasts you’ve ever done. I come away with more respect and affection for her talent and her humanity than ever before.
Had no idea what she was going through at the time I met her at the Museum.
I sound like a broken record, but you guys are truly in a class by yourselves.
Thank you so much Jim!
Beautiful interview. Such a wealth of unknown information revealed. Seems like many of us were a bit shaken by some of the things said. She is a wonderful lady and the Rialto Report remains that Cadillac of podcast interviews.
We really appreciate it Steve!
i think this just became my favorite rialto report. i ab-so-lutely love this woman.
thanks april
She is easy to love!
Been waiting for this! April just rocked this important interview. Classic. Veronica Hart is a tremendous talent. tremendous person.
Thank you dc for taking the time to listen and comment!
Always loved you! Always will. Drp
Veronica is classy, gorgeous and, has got a great talent..it is just impossible to thake one´s eyes´s off the screen whenever she is appearing. And I mean even when she is fully dressed.
Well, I could watch her act disguised as a shoebox. That´s how compelling she is.
Congraros on a superb interview, April. Your voice is soothing and us followers of the site can fell your genuine interest for the interviewees.
I could hear you read a ´How to build you Own freezer´ instruction book 24 hours a day and not get bored.
Well that restored my faith in the genre.
I’ve been consistently jaded by the recent sophomoric attempts at star ‘commentaries’ by equally sophomoric DVD-releasing companies (you know who you are) that I’d almost given up that there would ever be an intelligent conversation around how the industry affects someone’s life – and then this comes along.
Finally.
Excellent, excellent, excellent.
I have to agree. Vinegar Syndrome does a great job at remastering but apart from that…….
Veronica Hart was always (still is) my favorite adult actress. Her wanton enthusiasm in every role she played was just wonderful. I’m glad that we finally get to hear from her on the Rialto Report and hope she realizes how much she her roles affected a lot of us. Kudos especially to April who again shows that she is one of the best interviewers around regardless of the topic!!!
Thank you so much Alan – I so appreciate the feedback!
April – First Rate! You just keep getting better! You guide the story through all the rapids and calms, over the peaks, and down through the valleys. You provide the nudges and compassions and even the moments of “Whoa! What did you just say to me?” You provide wisdom and heart and oys that journalism rarely has time for in these daze of pursuing the sensationalist soundbyte. Just thank-you! Please give Sir Ashley a hello from me, too.
. . . and Janie! Oh, Jesus . . . hi, hello, and massive squeezes that are held just long enough to let the other person really know how much they’re appreciated! What so-much of yourself you give to us all. How I applaud your power, your effort, your tenacity, and your so very basic menschness. I’m honored to have shared a wee bit of the industry with you. What Hart you displayed and continue to display unto this day . . . in all things. You blur poetry and reality. You art the mundane. You put a twinkle in passion’s eye and honor commitment with a defiance. And all this before we even mess around with things like art and skill, humor and patience. I just love who you are. Thanks for sharing your story. Hope we cross paths again down the road.
Thank you so much Howie!
Wonderful interview Jane.
This is your best interview you’ve ever done by a country mile (and I should know, as I’ve been following your career for a loooong time).
I wish you all the luck in the future, and hope that you find every happiness.
Just stopped by after a long haitus to see what was new and what a wonderful surprise it was to see an interview with one of my favorite stars/actresses of the Golden Age! Thank you RR and April!
Such a wonderful interview with the beautiful and absolutely amazing Veronica Heart.
What’s the name of the british progrock band that Veronica was manager for in Birmingham?
Brilliant Hall!
I have always been in awe of Veronica Hart – not because she’s an adult film star – but because she’s an amazing actress. I think the first movie I saw her in was “Amanda by Night,” and I was blown away by her performance. And after listening to this podcast, I’m even more in awe of her. Such incredible strength she’s shown through so much strife and tragedy in her life, yet she’s managed to make it through the rain.
Thank you, April, for such a great interview. And thank you, Ms. Hart, for giving us a window into your life.
This is the one many of us have been waiting for! Great actress and a classy, intelligent lady. Another fantastic interview from The Rialto Report…thanks again for your excellent work, April and Ashley!
Thank you for the kind words Roger!
Let’s see if we can solve the mystery: in the late 1970s, VH was managing an English Prog-Rock band with a guitarist named Andrew who was her boyfriend? My guess is that Camel was the band (one of the best in 70s stoner-prog) and Latimer the twanger. Their “Mirage,” “Snow Goose,” “Moondances” albums are classics of the genre. Nimrodel/The Procession/White Rider from “Mirage” is maybe the best of all the Lord-of-the-Rings inspired songs from the hippie era.
Correction: “Moonmadness” not “Moondances,” that would be the plural of Van Morrison’s “jazz-rock” song. lol
That was one hell of an interview ! I’ve got mad respect for Veronica Hart, who has always been my favorite adult film actress. And now I find she is so much more than that. What passion she has as a director -wow ! Thanks so much, April Hall and RR !
Somehow I missed this amazing interview. Hats (and bloomers!) off to Veronica for her candor, her depth of emotion and her tears during it. I love her even more now.
Love Veronica Hart, brilliant podcast thanks April
Thank you Darren!
Wowww, What an Amazing Journey ofi Life. Thank you April. And Thank You Ms. Hart
I adore Veronica. My God, what a woman.