Sasha Grey

About Sasha Grey

Sasha Grey, born Marina Ann Hantzis on March 14, 1988, in Sacramento, California, is an American former adult film actress, model, musician, and writer of mixed Greek, Irish, English, and Polish descent. She is also at least 25% Japanese, having a Japanese grandmother. Raised in a working-class family—her mother a state worker, her father a mechanic—she experienced her parents’ divorce at age five and grew up primarily with her mother and stepfather in North Highlands. A strong student, she graduated high school at 17 and attended Sacramento City College, studying film, dance, and acting before dropping out to pursue adult entertainment.

Grey entered the adult industry in April 2006 at age 18, moving to Los Angeles with a clear intent to become a porn star after researching the field online. Inspired by a desire to explore her sexuality and challenge norms, she contacted agent Mark Spiegler via email, debuting with a scene for JM Productions that included oral and anal acts. Adopting the stage name Sasha Grey—nodding to Oscar Wilde and a Bauhaus song—she quickly rose to prominence, signing with Evil Angel in 2007 and retiring from performing in 2011 at age 23.

Fans admire Grey for her fearless authenticity, intellectual curiosity, and versatility, finding her sexy for her expressive brown eyes, pouty lips, and confident demeanor in extreme scenes. Physically, she stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm), weighs around 110 lbs (50 kg), and has dark brown hair with a slim, toned build (34A-26-35). Her natural 34A breasts and youthful, girl-next-door appeal stood out, amplified by her willingness to engage in gangbangs, facials, and BDSM—acts she approached with a performative artistry. Her mainstream crossover—modeling for American Apparel, appearing in Smash Cut (2009), and launching a music career with aTelecine—further distinguished her.

Controversies include her rapid rise sparking debates about exploitation, though she asserted agency over her choices. Her 2011 retirement announcement on Facebook surprised fans, with some speculating burnout, though she cited a shift to writing and activism—evidenced by The Juliette Society (2013) and her PETA work. A 2011 school reading event drew criticism from parents over her past, which she addressed calmly. Her net worth, estimated at $3 million to $5 million, reflects earnings from porn, books, music, and DJing. As of 2025, Grey remains a cultural figure, focusing on creative and philosophical pursuits.

Grey is considered one of the most successful adult stars to find success post-porn. She became a successful author and travel vlogger. She also became a respected gamer and has become one of the biggest female streamers on Twitch with many of her fans not even knowing she had an adult career.

As of April 2025, Sasha has amassed 1.9 million followers on Instagram, 370,200 followers on TikTok, 503,000 subscribers on YouTube and 1.2 million followers on her Twitch platform.