Kagney Linn Karter has passed away at the age of 36, according to the reports from industry representatives and family members.
Carter reportedly committed suicide on February 15 at her home in Parma, Ohio.
Carter was born in Texas and grew up in Missouri and Pennsylvania. She began dancing at adult clubs in Missouri, where she was selected “Déjà Vu Showgirl of the Year” in a statewide competition in 2007. She then moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting and music career, and in 2008 began performing in the adult industry, quickly becoming a top and in-demand actress.
Her IAFD page lists nearly 1,000 works between 2008 and the early 2020s, in a long career that earned her seven XBIZ Awards nominations, including three in the Performer of the Year category between 2011 and 2013.
Carter has performed for major studios such as Vivid, Wicked, Brazzers, Jules Jordan, New Sensations, Naughty America, Elegant Angel, Evil Angel, Twistys, Zero Tolerance and many others.
Carter was also Penthouse’s favorite of the month in June 2009 and was featured on the cover of Holly Randall’s photography book, Erotic Dream Girls.
While she continued to dance on top national club networks, Carter recently put her acting career on hold and lived in Ohio between Cleveland and Akron, where she worked as a fitness instructor.
“I worked with Cagney for many years,” director Mike Quasar wrote on X, calling on the community to help with mourning expenses. “She was our contract girl at Zero Tolerance. She was always like the sunshine in the room. A kind soul that we will miss.”
Movie colleague Chad Alva called Carter a “legend” and posted his tribute on Instagram, “Cagney was one of the performers I was most afraid of when I was cast in my first few years in the business when I was still naive and trying to prove myself. I assumed an A-list sex bomb like her must have an inflated ego, but she actually seemed the opposite. Cagney didn’t seem to care about most of the ego-driven elements of existence. She seemed incredibly authentic and eccentric, with a really quirky, dry sense of humor, and I loved that about her. It’s sad to realize that reality didn’t help her, but I hope she has found peace now, wherever her soul has gone.”
Many other set partners in the industry posting on social media agreed with Carter’s vibrant presence on set. “Sweet” and “kind” were universal characteristics of the late actress.
The Brazzers team wrote on X: “Cagney was an amazingly talented actress, singer and dancer with a great sense of humor who will be remembered not only as a beloved performer, but also as a kind and gentle soul. Our thoughts and condolences to her family, friends and fans during this difficult time.”
Producer and fellow filmmaker Dan Leal told XBIZ, “Cagney was one of my favorite models, her smile always brightened my day. I have worked with her many times, including one of my last shoots I did before moving to Europe with Shawna Lenee. Heaven has truly gained an angel in the form of Cagney.”
“She had an infectious smile and the gift of kindness,” her family wrote in a statement. “She was very humble and loving and touched the hearts and souls of so many people, some with just a smile and a wave of her hand and some with deep meaning and guidance. She was simply amazing.”
