All time? Shauna Grant [mod edit: we don't use real names here]. A one of a kind force of nature. Her life story was basically "Good girl goes to Hollywood, goes bad, but nonetheless retains a bit of that "Little Girl Lost" vibe. And that's exactly how she comes off on camera. Current? Sofa Weber-- for many of the same reasons. Probably not that long out of high-school, but makes the impossible seem effortless. Semi Obscure? Dana Lynn. Worked for about a year in the late 80's.
I second that nomination. I was astonished to see someone so beautiful dabbling (temporarily) in porn. I know a lot of people dislike the phrase, but if there was ever someone who was too pretty for porn, it was Mia Melano.
The only other porn star who I think potentially matches her in terms of pure good looks is Lana Rhoades.
^Yes, but I don't think that's what the phrase actually means. A lot of people seem to wilfully misconstrue it, presumably in an over-zealous attempt to defend the honour of female porn stars. It really just means 'wow, isn't she an unusually attractive porn star'. No one believes it literally means anyone is too pretty to do porn.
^ It's still a problem, even though most people don't take it literally.
The fact that the phrase exists implies that we think, somewhere in our collective consciousness, that there is an upper limit on the beauty of porn stars, or at least that there ought to be.
Here are some phrases that not only don't exist, but would make people confused if you said them:
"too pretty for modeling" "too pretty for acting" "too pretty for beauty pageants"
Why do those phrases make no sense? Because it's assumed that those jobs contain pretty women. It's an asset to be pretty in those professions.
Here are some phrases that, while they don't really exist in regular conversation, would probably convey meaning to most people:
"too pretty for accounting" "too pretty for computer programming"
Because there is a stereotype that people in those jobs aren't particularly good looking, or at least, that their beauty is somehow "wasted" by not being seen more.
That's why "too pretty for porn" sucks. There is an underlying understanding that if you're pretty enough, you're somehow above porn.
And that needs to be stopped. If you're pretty you should do all the porn you want, and people will love you for it. It's the perfect job for someone who's unbelievably good looking (as long as they're into it of course).
I do realize it's meant as a compliment, but, to me, it sounds too much as a compliment with a derogatory tone towards both profession and person.Yes! And pretty Mia Melano was only into it for a short time, apparently. Her choice, her decision, and - even though I was/am sad about it - I respect and accept that.
(But she deserves a good spanking for it, of course. )
No offense, but I think those who object to the phrase are too defensive of the industry. Porn is a tough job and it doesn't lead to great prestige in our society. I think those are just facts.
I could add the phrase "too pretty to work at Starbucks" to your list. I like my Starbucks baristas. They are great people. They do a great job. Once in a blue moon, you come across a barista who is simply dazzling. You figure she won't be there that long and usually she is not.
Now some very pretty women with the right demeanor and tenacity have simply rose to the top and crushed it in porn. I don't necessarily think it is easy.