The XCritic Interview: Dante Colle

November 11, 2020
NSFW.ARMY

When Erika Icon from TheRubPR asked if I’d be interested in doing an interview with Dante Colle, my answer was an immediate YES! Even though I’m a straight guy, I keep up on everyone and everything, so yeah… Dante was on my radar. He’s an incredibly interesting guy, with or without the success he’s enjoyed as a multi-faceted actor in the Industry. Dante has won so many awards, I didn’t even really try to cover all of them when I was prepping for our conversation. In fact, after looking over all his profiles, and refreshing myself with his work, I decided to try and get to know the “real” Dante a little bit… as in- let’s forget porn for a minute. Forget gay, or bi, or TS… Forget about the cross-over work…. For a minute.

I’m gonna get a chance to interview Dante? I wanted to ask some questions that would give me an idea of what makes him tick, what floats his boat… I decided I was gonna act like I was sitting next to Dante at a food court, and just start a conversation… get to know the real guy. Turns out, that’s exactly what happened. In the end, I found a depth to Dante. I think I found out what drives him, what makes him happy. I struck up a conversation with the real Dante, and found out what I had long suspected... he’s an awesome guy.

It just so happens, that during this interview, I also found out quite a bit more about Dante Colle– Adult Performer Extraordinaire. We talked about his beginnings, awards he’s won, what his goals in the Industry are, and the benefits of silicone lubricant versus a “courtesy spit” … depending on the situation. I found out about a desire for the Industry to be more open to cross-over work as well as a whole other side to gay porn that most wouldn’t think about. There’s an art to it, a fluidity of thought and emotion... more on that later.

Jim Steele - Hey Dante, how’s it going?

Dante Colle - Great. Thanks!

Jim- What kind of bike do you ride?

Dante- Back in August, I got a 2020 Yamaha R1. I was riding R6s for like six years before that, and felt it was time to upgrade.

Jim- That’s awesome, I’m on a Harley Road King, but I’d bet you would get me off the line for sure. Probably even at top speed. How important is the bike, and the whole “good looking guy image” thing for you, or – is it an image at all? Is that dude I see in all your press photos the real Dante? Or, do you ever go home, put on a pair of ratty looking sweatpants, and flip the “way too cool” switch to OFF?

Dante- Dude, the day I got it, I went all out and ordered a full racing exhaust, a two-stage tuning kit, and a few other things. So, basically, it's just a track bike with a license plate. Haha. For me, it's really important, because that's one of the few things that really makes me happy, and I consider a hobby.

As far as physical looks go, I think it's important, but only when I'm talking about work like it's not important enough to where I would get plastic surgery, but important enough to be on a strict diet and at the gym like five days a week. But YES, when I’m not working, I’m hanging in gym shorts and a tank top, and more than likely not showered.

Jim- Nice!I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’ve got a great look. Shit, you’re an attractive guy. I can see where you get the tag line of “Hippie in the Streets; GQ in the Sheets.” It fits dude. Tell me though, in this business, how far can just “looking good” get you? I suppose it can get you in the door, but then you gotta step up to the plate, and hit homeruns. What else, besides you looking the part, seals the deal when you step in front of a camera or onto the set?

Dante- It's an interesting concept because looks can get you really far, at first. But that's why you see a lot of people "quick to rise but quick to fall,” because typically they won't have much to back it up with. From what I’ve seen, what brings the most success is being reliable, responsible, and professional. It might sound cliché, but if you start showing up late to all of your sets, the directors will refuse to hire you. And, if you’re not at least somewhat professional or kind of annoying, then other performers won't want to work with you. Regardless of how attractive you are.

Jim- Well, you’re good looking, I’m “so-so”, I’ll have to take your word for how all that goes down… Beginnings–you started out answering an ad at Back Pages, which is kind of a well-known urban legend at this point. Still, some of the younger crowd might not remember it. Before they shut it down, that Site was a big deal. How did the ad read, and did you know what you were going in for? Was that gig your first time stepping into a paid role? Lastly, I don’t know about you, but with that Website, I never knew how to take it… like if the people were legit, or if someone was out to knife you in a back-alley way. It felt a little sketchy at times, am I right? Did you have any apprehensions or misgivings about answering a classified ad?

Dante- That's funny! A lot of my friends were like dude, don't do it—they’re just going to fly you out and sell you into sex trafficking or something. Ha-ha. It definitely did feel sketchy because it was my first paid role, and I was only 18. So, I wasn’t exactly smart yet, but I kind of had a “fuck it” attitude, so of course, I did it anyway. It's been a while, but I think it read something like "looking for a young adult males for adult films.” They were pretty open that it was a gay studio, but they were also offering straight scenes, obviously to get guys in the door. But they did follow through with that, so it was nothing too sketchy really.

Jim- Happy you didn’t wake up in a hotel bathtub, minus a kidney. Alright, the question I always want to know, well– one of them, when I’m talking to a guy who goes both ways: what are you at your core, when you’re at home, by yourself, watching television? Gay; Bi; Both? Which was your first experience, and which do you… or, have you grown to enjoy the most?

Dante- I don't really identify with sexuality—I’m just generally open. Typically, I gravitate more towards women, especially in a romantic sense. Up until my first scene, I had never even kissed a guy.

Jim- Fair enough. But, at the end of the day, most people know, or I should say, categorize you as a gay actor. Certainly, there’s crossover work. But the guy on guy tends to over-ride a lot of other things. Does that bother you? Let me put it another way. Girls are somehow “allowed” to do girl/girl, girl/guy… girl plus whatever; and still, after all that, 99.9% of guys would still look at them like they could absolutely be straight? Is it frustrating that gay and male cross-over performers don’t get that same kind of pass on stuff? Or, does it bother you at all?

Dante- It definitely doesn't bother me. I do what I do, and I'm proud of it. I've been doing this for seven years, and only two of those years have I really been active doing bi, TS, and straight stuff, so it's understandable most of my audience comes from the gay side. If you're asking if a guy’s sexuality is more scrutinized than a woman's, then yes. I agree, and it can be a little frustrating because women are allowed to be more fluid with their interests without being judged. But, ultimately, things are quickly moving in the right direction, so I can't really complain.

Jim- I’ve seen some of your performances, but for those who haven’t– are you top, power top… a bottom? Do all guys, or I should say, the best guys, start out as bottoms, cuz that’s where you kinda learn what’s up?

Dante- I would say I'm versatile, but I'm mostly just topping now. Recently, I've had issues bottoming, so I'm taking a break. But as a gay performer getting into the industry, typically, you just start with what you're comfortable with. Everyone is different. Either way, I think any guy that's going to be fucking someone else's ass needs to bottom sooner than later, so that they know what they're doing to the other person. Guys have a tendency just to shove it in without thinking. Haha.

Jim- So, you’re getting down and dirty, getting into it. What are you reaching for off the nightstand that’s gonna last… as in lube? Silicone, water-based? Or, are you just so awesome that everyone shows up ready to go?

Dante- If we're talking about fucking butts, then some silicone lube is definitely needed. But if pussy is on the menu tonight, generally we're ready to go, but a little courtesy spit to start is always nice.

Jim- A courtesy spit? Love it, hey man, when you’re rolling, you gotta keep rockin! Let’s go back a couple questions. What does it take to perform at a level where you’re winning Performer of the Year at the 2020 Grabbys? Tell me, what goes into that. I mentioned learning and kind of working your way up in the sexuality department. But you’ve got presence too! I watch you walk onset and it’s more than just a physically fit guy, you’ve got some acting chops. Were you ever in High School plays, or did you take some theatre classes? I’m curious to know, how did you get so comfortable in front of an audience or camera?

Dante- I think everyone has a different story about that. Some people can win that in their first year of performing, but for some people (like me), it took seven years. Haha.

But in addition to the things I said before, I’d say always be open to learning something new each set you’re on and treat every performance like you're trying to leave a good impression. I actually never did any acting before this. I think it's just something that I enjoy doing, so I picked it up easier and figured out the little tricks that work for my method quicker. I was nominated for Male Performer of the Year at seven different award shows this past season. The only award that I really wanted to win was Best Actor at the GAYVNs, which I ended up getting so I was pretty excited about that.

Jim- Speaking of cameras, your OnlyFans is up and running. What’s that been like? I see a lot of performers going to that. Certainly, the Covid deal and just 2020 in general have contributed to that migration. Still, just because you’re a “Porn Star” doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to be able to retire from working online. I will say that in not such a long time, you’ve built quite the library of posts, and garnered a big following. Hell, your profile looks great. I get a couple good photos of Dante and can get into the club for $9.99 a month. Then, you’ve got the bundles, so that’s cool. I’m always curious to know from performers, when you’re on cam, because it’s so different than being on set, where does the energy… or inspiration come from? Is the OnlyFans an easy and fun thing for you to do?

Dante- I've actually had my OnlyFans for a few years now, but I really started taking it seriously back in February. But yeah, the whole content thing got pretty crazy when COVID hit. I feel like there's a big difference between filming some fun stuff with a friend for OnlyFans. Depending on your filming style, you can just set up a camera and have fun without worrying about all the details that you generally would on set for a professional studio.

Jim- So, I’m guessing, that even after film fires up again full blast– I mean, at some point, we’re gonna have to get back to normal right? When that happens, you plan to keep the OnlyFans? I guess when that time comes, you’ll just be able to add more content to your posts, right?

Dante- For the most part, I’m back to a full workload. But yeah, I definitely plan to keep my content sites. It’s a great source of income, and it keeps things diverse and interesting.

Jim- Smart! Plus, it’s great interaction with the fans. So, back to cameras, in general. I’ve read where you’re interested in mainstream acting – stunt work. With you racing around on that bike and doing backflips, it’s not a stretch. Forgive me here, for being an old guy, but if you got into stunt work, what are your thoughts on screwing up that perfect package of yours? Let’s face it, you look great, but would that impact your present gig if you showed up in a body cast? Has anybody sat you down, kinda like I’m doing right now, and said, “Look Dante, don’t fuck up this good deal you’ve got going by cracking your skull or something?”

Dante- Yeah, my mortality is something I’m definitely aware of, and people have sat me down to talk about. But at the end of the day, I’m here to live an enjoyable life, not necessarily a long life. The idea of death doesn’t really bother me, aside from the impact that it would have on my friends and family. It's an unfortunate thought, but I'm not going to live in fear just to try to ensure others' happiness when I can live a life I enjoy that just has some risk involved. I can just walk outside and get hit by a car or struck by lightning, and all of the fear I was living, instead of having fun, was for nothing. And no shit, a close friend of mine just got struck by lightning a couple of weeks ago, and he was INSIDE of his house. On top of that, most of the injuries or close calls I have usually happen when I’m not doing anything crazy or dumb. Just goes to show you. Haha. If I get into a bad accident, I just hope that it kills me, so I don't have to deal with the whole body cast scenario. Haha.

Jim- Is that the first time you’ve ever gotten some tough love in an interview? Haha

Dante- Honestly, yes, haha, it’s a nice change of pace though from the same usual questions that are asked in almost every interview.

Jim- I hate the same old questions. I get it though. You’re motivated, you want to keep climbing and moving, upward and onward. I’ll knock it off with the speech about not screwing up your moneymaker. But I want to know, what keeps you going? For so many, it’s just the sex; or the fame; or the partying… When you wake up, what is the ONE THING that motivates you to go out, and do anything better than everyone else?

Dante- I think it’s just the combination of what this industry has to offer. For me, it’s a career, and it’s something that I love because it’s finally a place that I fit in (I was kind of a lost puppy as a kid up until like 22), and it’s something I’m good at. When I find something that I enjoy or excel at, and especially makes a lot of money, then I'm going ALL IN.

Jim- Passion and money are terrific motivators. Still, kind of following up on that last question, what is the one… or maybe two or three things, that you– as in deep in your being– get out of this business? Friendship, personal satisfaction, fulfilling a dream? Or, maybe it’s just fucking hot guys and girls? Seriously, what’s the number one thing, other than money, that this business called show business does for you?

Dante- My last answer describes this pretty well. But I think it's a little all of the above. I mean, obviously, having sex with beautiful people is awesome, but doing it in a sense where you can grow yourself as a business and a brand is exciting and fun, especially in my situation, which I feel is kind of unique. So, I get to take this path that no one really has taken before.

Jim- Your new pathway is refreshing my friend; definitely love the way you carry yourself. OK, a couple more questions. What’s been your favorite film or scene so far; and a second part of that question, what helps to define a favorite scene? Is it the talent, director… location? A lot of people imagine there are clear cut answers for this kind of question like, “Oh, you know, the talent was great, and we had catered meals that day.” There’s a lot more that goes into a good production, right? Tell me, what makes a great experience on set for you?

Dante- I feel this question is always tough to answer because I've done something like 400 scenes now, and the vast majority of them have been great. But a recent one comes to mind was this scene with Adria Rae for Bellesa House. A big part of it was that I've never done anything like this before, and I thought the idea behind it was really cool, especially when it was with someone I've always wanted to film with. We don't see each other that day, and then they tell you to walk through the door and just go for it and have this natural moment. Like we talked for a bit first. She told me why she picked me as her performer for this, and I think that was a really cool moment. I don't know if I've ever been that nervous for a scene, and that was a really cool feeling as well. Haha.

Jim- I can’t picture you as nervous… But, when talking about working with the studios, what else are you looking to achieve. You’ve already done more than most could imagine. Forgive me if I read from your bio for a second. You’re worked with Adulttime, Bellesa, Babes, Burning Angel, Deeper, MissaX, Pure Taboo, SexLikeReal, Evil Angel, Falcon, Grooby, Kink.com, Men.com, Noir, TransSensual, and Trans Angels. You’ve also appeared, and won awards at … and don’t worry, we’ll try to include some of these links … AVN, XBIZ, GAYVNs, and Pornhub, to name a few. Whew! How’s that feel man?

Dante- When you list it out like that, you really made me think for a second. Haha. I guess the first thing that comes to mind is a grateful surprise that I've gotten so far. In the first few years, I never imagined taking it seriously like this, or that it was even possible to. I just want to see how much further I can take it now. Hhaha.

Jim- Take it as far as you can dude. You know, the thing is, that yeah, you can be prolific, but then again, we still live in what can be, at times, a very limiting atmosphere, even inside the Industry. Personally, I would love to see a guy, or even a group of guys, that can easily break down that “gay or bi” barrier, and cross over as they please, winning all the awards. Is that something you are looking to do, to tear down these walls, gay, bi, or straight, and carry all the trophies home?

Dante- Yeah, you pretty much hit the nail on the head I mean the trophies are fun, but just breaking down the walls and leaving as much of an impact as possible is the idea. And recently, it seems like a very achievable goal. I just need to start getting my friends to do the same thing, or hopefully, some of the “straight” male performers work up the courage to come over to our side. Haha.

Jim- I want to get back to your OnlyFans, and this kind of dovetails with the previous question. You’ve already got the gay crowd, along with tons of bi-sexual guys over there, subscribing monthly, which is great. But, let’s break down those online walls too. You– Dante, pitch me, make me want to come over and see what you’re all about. I’m a middle-aged straight guy, but not too uptight. I’m cool, but you know, not too cool to see what’s going on. Or, maybe you’ve got a bored housewife, looking for some entertainment. Let’s get everyone involved here. What’s in it for me? What am I gonna see that might float my boat by subscribing to your OnlyFans?

{Drumroll…...}

Dante- Well, sir/ma’am, we seem to be in a very weird and transitional point with the current state of the world, and pretty much anything is up for grabs. And, I don't think there's any better time but now to experiment with your sexuality, and BOY do I have just the thing! Check my page out and start off easy by watching me have sex with a cute girl. Then, slowly work your way up to one of my videos where I'm fucking a girl while I get fucked by some hunk. OR just go all in and watch me take one of my buddies to pound town in a cave. Or maybe, you simply want the boyfriend experience or companionship, well I offer that also. It may not be as exciting or exhilarating as everything in the news right now, but I'll tell you one thing there's a lot of talk of COVID in the media, and there's nothing worth cranking one out to about that. But my page is all kinds of sexy and has a little something for everyone.

Jim- Alright, alright, you might have sold me on the working it up from cute girls to taking a buddy to “pound town in a cave”! That’s a helluva array for choices… We’ll see how everyone else takes it. Damn, it’s been fun to get to know you a little better my friend. Tell me, have I missed anything? I’ve had fun with this. Leave me with something fun about Dante Colle.

Give me a question and answer that I should have asked you!

Dante- Let me think…oh, I’ve got one. What's your dating life like? Well, I’m as single as a fucking Pringle and have never been in an actual relationship. I'm low-key disappointed in myself. Haha

Jim- Hear that everyone, he’s available! Somehow, I don’t see you on the market for long! Haha … Dante– My Man! Thanks for a great interview. I’d also like to thank Erika Icon at The Rub PR for setting this up. I have been looking forward to this. I appreciate your time and wish you nothing but the best! We’ll all be looking for what you’re up to next, as well as following you on Twitter, Insta, and TikTok at @Dante_Colle. Everyone will also want to check out your links at OnlyFans, Pornhub, JustForFans, Amazon Wish List, along with your Official Site dantecollexxx.com.