Lauren Brice

About Lauren Brice

Lauren Brice, born Marquita Kay Ward on September 29, 1962, in Decatur, Illinois, was an American adult film actress and exotic dancer. A graduate of Warrensburg-Latham High School in Warrensburg, Illinois, she began her career as a stripper at Shotgun Willie’s in Denver, Colorado, before entering the adult film industry in 1989 at age 27, debuting in films like Bush Pilots (1989), per IMDb and Boobpedia. Using aliases such as Markita, Markeeta, Jill Tuttle, and Lauren Bryce, she starred in approximately 87 films, including Married Women (1990, AVN Best Actress—Video 1991), Nightdreams II & III (1990), Back to Nature (1990), and Hate to See You Go (1988), known for her short red hair (sometimes black or auburn), blue eyes, 5’11” height, 138-pound frame, and natural 36-28-36 figure with no tattoos or piercings, per IAFD and FamousFix.

Fans praised her as “a sultry seductress,” noting her Married Women performance (comment: “Lauren’s eyes were hypnotic,” user: retrofan62). A 2024 X post called her “a 90s icon whose Nightdreams II scenes are unforgettable” (@RetroPornFan). AVN (1991) described her as “a throwback to 70s pornstars with real acting chops.” The Rialto Report lauded her “soulful presence and brief but brilliant career,” cementing her as a standout in late 1980s–early 1990s adult cinema.

Her acting ability, a rarity in the late 1980s porn scene, made her a favorite for roles requiring dialogue, often portraying MILFs or powerful women. She enjoyed learning and reading dialogue and directors felt she was a throwback to the 1970s pornstars where acting ability was still an important part of adult movies. She retired from adult films in 1991, and continued as a dancer, per Alchetron. Married to Daniel Lynn Kaufman from August 26, 1983, until their divorce in 2008. After hearing about her death in 2015, Nina Hartley recalled in 1990 how Brice had briefly separated from her husband. Hartley took Brice out with friends to cheer her up. They ended up back at Brice's place and, while bonding, ended up in bed and had sex. Brice briefly moved in with Hartley as they began a relationship, but after two weeks, left a note saying she was going back to her husband. Brice died on July 3, 2015, in St. Augustine, Florida, from liver failure, per IMDb and Boobpedia.

Awards & Honors: Lauren Brice
🏆 Award Wins & Honors
1991 – AVN Award, Best Actress – Video (Married Women)

🥇 Award Nominations
1991 – AVN Best Supporting Actress – Video (Shadow Dancers I & II)

🌟 Legacy & Recognition
Lauren Brice appeared in over 80 adult films between 1989 and 1995 and was widely praised for her commanding screen presence and natural charisma. Her standout lead performance in Married Women earned her AVN’s Best Actress award in 1991, and she was also nominated that same year for Best Supporting Actress. Often remembered for her striking beauty and feature-rich roles in cult titles, her sudden retirement followed shortly after her award-winning peak, leaving a legacy as a memorable and acclaimed figure of early‑1990s adult cinema.