Cherie DeVille is the Total Package. Not just because her fans nominated her and voted for her but because she’s created a brand and legacy that sets an example for sex workers and people coming into the industry.
As I thought about what it means to be a total package, I became increasingly excited to interview Cherie DeVille. Yes, she is a legendary porn star, and as an adult actress, she is the total package. She is stunning. Even over a video call, her energy is captivating, her laughter is lovely, and we all know her beauty is remarkable. She is remarkable.
Cherie DeVille has been spoiling us with her adult work since 2011. But her acting is only one of the many things that make her a Total Package. Cherie is also a writer and an educator. She uses her experience and knowledge to help women have the best experience possible in the industry.
What does “Total Package” mean to you?
“Maybe it’s because I’m a MILF, but that’s incredibly special to me. As you may notice from all the other award shows, they don’t really hand out awards like this to MILFs. We have our own category, “MILF,” and we’re supposed to stay in it. It seems like we’re never nominated for overall performance awards like “Best Female Performer,” “Best Total Package,” or best all-around anything, so to win that… it’s my first win of its kind. It’s extra special that somebody noticed me as a performer outside of my niche.”
What have you been working on since your win last year?
“Well, like a lot of performers, since last year and before the pandemic, a lot of us were forced to re-evaluate how much time we’re spending working for companies and how much time we’re spending working for ourselves. And like a lot of performers, even though I am still contracted and happily working for Brazzers, I have been putting more energy into my products. I’ve also been putting more energy into some advocacy and journalism work, doing interviews about sex work, but outside of the sex work sphere… I feel like I’ve branched outside, a little bit outside, of the porno world, and it’s been good. It’s been very good.”
Cherie DeVille is proud to have the chance to write for a mainstream outlet. She knows that not many sex workers get that opportunity, so she talks to friends to see how people feel and then tries to bring up some of their troubles and things they’re going through, whether it’s politically, with social stigmas, etc.
“I try to say, ‘hey, people that are not in sex work, here are some of the things that you might not know we are going through.’ Perhaps, next time they are voting for someone or thinking about these topics, they might take us into consideration or, at the very least, humanize sex workers and pornographers a little bit more. The social stigma is pretty real.”
She and I agree that social media, an increasing number of interviews, and exposure to/interaction with sex workers on fan sites have created a place where sex workers have a voice and can be heard. Cherie mentioned what happened last year when OnlyFans said they were banning sex work and then reversed their decision. There’s no way for us to know what really happened, but we can only hope our voices (and fans' voices) were heard.
As a porn star, Cherie DeVille is a Total Package. But being an advocate and an educator makes her a well-rounded, Total Package as a person:
“I’ve been doing this for 12 years, and I do feel really passionate about, not just my job, but as I’ve gotten used to performing, I’m like, hey, there are a lot of things in the world that could be a little better for us. That could be easier for us, and even if I can do just a little bit, then I’m motivated to do that.”
Cherie DeVille has advice for girls coming into the industry:
“It’s such boring advice, but I feel like the most important advice is to be professional, show up on time, and be consistent.”
Watch the video to hear all of Cherie’s advice.
Twelve years is a long time, and Cherie has garnered innumerable lessons and experiences from which sex workers can benefit. She always encourages people who want advice to please reach out to her. Even if it’s on a small scale, she wants to share her knowledge on “creating content, paperwork, hygiene, set etiquette, how to prep your butt for good anal, anything!”
Cherie DeVille also has valuable advice for content creators that don’t have the benefit of the knowledge you can acquire through working with professionals in the industry. She has noticed a lack of understanding regarding paperwork and the long-term impact that not having adequate paperwork can have on their business. Watch the following video for all of Cherie’s advice for content creators who use fan sites.
Because sex work will inevitably limit any future employment options, Cherie encourages sex workers to have a backup plan and consider what they need to ensure longevity in their careers:
Part of being a Total Package is well-being, and I was shocked when Cherie DeVille mentioned that an emotional aspect influences longevity in the industry. Having a long career requires more than good business practices and brand growth. That is what you learn when you’ve spent over a decade growing roots and blossoming in an industry. Watch and learn how Cherie DeVille has joyfully expressed her sexuality on screen for 12 years.
“Don’t get burnt out doing things that aren’t genuine to you. I’ve seen that cause emotional distress for colleagues.”
I KNOW we are all familiar with Cherie’s work and impressive role-play skills. She has been nominated for an incredible 140+ awards and has over 20 wins, including Fleshbot’s 2021 Total Package (Female). That’s why she is in a privileged position to give us all a lesson in sexual education and how to be kinkier at home.
Cherie DeVille has a message for all her fans and supporters:
Talking to Cherie DeVille was an absolute pleasure. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to chat with someone I admire. And even more thankful for her generosity in sharing information and advice. Knowledge is power. And this Total Package is all about empowering sex workers.