Derek Kage has had a booming start in the adult entertainment industry over the past year. The 39-year-old OnlyFans-turned-studio model made his onscreen debut in Trent Ducati’s Trailer Trash Boys opposite Grant Ducati in 2022. Since then the adult film star has added over 64 studio films to his portfolio and a multitude of OnlyFans scenes with the likes of Josh Moore, Rocco Steele, Alex Grant, Eli Shaw, Fabi Divani, and Jordan Starr.
In our latest conversation with Kage, he opens up about his journey into the adult entertainment industry, what it’s like dating as a sex worker, and how he’s using his distinct voice to entertain his most ardent fans.
Everyone remembers their first time. With the amount of work you’ve done, do you recall your first time in the industry? How did Derek Kage step into the limelight?
DEREK KAGE: My journey started with my great sense of timing—which I say sarcastically—as I launched my OnlyFans account days before the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. My first collaboration was in February 2020 with Scott Demarco. Some of the first big names I worked with included Drew Valentino, Rick and Griff, and Ray Diesel. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and lockdowns were imposed, I didn’t collaborate much because I wanted to avoid catching the virus. I mostly did solo work, but the lockdowns significantly limited my content creation.
My first time in a studio was during a difficult point in my life. I was coming out of a horrible depression and I was also on the fence about staying at my day job or pursuing porn as a career. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but once I got on set and my genuine personality and talent were allowed to shine—I knew I was in the right place and the decision was made.
You started working in porn at 36, which is later than many in an industry dominated by 20-somethings. What led you to join the industry at this stage in your life rather than in your early twenties?
DK: Many of the people in my life hindered me from exploring my sexuality and pursuing a career in this industry earlier on. They attempted to suppress any sexual exploration or deviation from heteronormative relationships. I tried to live a “socially acceptable” life based on the expectations of society, my family, and my relationships. Once I broke free from these restrictions, I was able to fully embrace my career in porn.
On Mars Radio Coffee Talk, you’ve talked about your career and personal life. But I believe the first thing anyone notices about you is your voice. It’s clear, deep, strong, and sexy. When did that start, and how has it impacted your career?
DK: My voice changed when I was 11. Initially, I got made fun of for it. But it started to affect my work when I began using dirty talk, which I’ve always enjoyed. My voice helps my dirty talk be more commanding and impactful.
You’ve hinted at having a few degrees. Can you tell us more about your academic background?
DK: I have undergraduate degrees in finance and economics and graduated with honors in 2007. I also have a master’s degree in political science and a professional degree from the Air Force. However, I didn’t serve in the Air Force or overseas.
Does your family know what you do? How did that change your dynamic with them?
DK: They do. I told them relatively early on after starting studio porn because I left my other job in the Air Force to pursue this. I wasn’t going to lie to my family. I told them, “Yeah… I left my job and I’m doing porn.”
For the most part, they were okay with it. I don’t know who my father is. I have no siblings or a step-father. Believe it or not, most of my family is either aged out or dead. So, it’s pretty much just me and my mom.
The generational gap in my family was very big. My mother’s a boomer, born in the fifties. I was born in the early ’80s. I’m a millennial. I think my mom was okay with it because she saw how happy I was. But I don’t think that she really liked that that’s what it was.
I think she was conflicted but, I’ve never been, and she knows this, someone to not go after what I want. When I’ve made a decision, it’s, “This is what’s going to happen. So you either are with me on it or you’re going to be left in my dust.“ That’s my philosophy.
Many people view popular porn actors and content creators as celebrities, placing them on a pedestal. Has this perception impacted your dating life or personal relationships? Is there anyone special we should know about?
DK: That’s a thoughtful question. As you might expect from our conversations on Mars Radio Coffee Talk on Twitter Spaces, I try to stay humble and low-key. I’m aware of my status, but I don’t flaunt it or pretend to be someone I’m not.
In terms of dating, I’ve been enjoying my single life. Prior to my debut in the porn industry, my husband left me due to my burgeoning interest in this field. That was a tipping point in our relationship. After that, I dove headfirst into the porn world.
I’m currently enjoying the freedom to move at my own pace and have fun. There’s been some casual dating, but nothing serious. After my marriage ended, I doubted if I could open my heart again. But recently, I discovered that I still can. I am more than just a sexual being.
Content creators and porn actors get asked this a lot: When you meet someone who doesn’t know about your career, when do you tell a prospective date or someone special about your work in porn? How do you navigate that in your personal dating life?
DK: Oh, I am as subtle as a gun when it comes to this. If there’s someone that I am potentially interested in and they don’t know what I do, I tell them flat out, right off the bat. I say, “This is what I do. This is what I love doing. I will be doing this for as long as I possibly can.”
So far, no one’s had a problem with it. But overall, I’m not going to hide it. I won’t shy away from talking about it because I’m very happy doing what I do. I love what I do. If someone doesn’t want to be with me because of that, it’s best to cut that off before I get more involved or waste anyone’s time.
Has your newfound public recognition increased as you’ve grown in the business? How do you handle being recognized in public?
DK: Interestingly, I don’t get recognized often. Living in Utah, a state with unique views on porn, I generally fly under the radar. When I travel, it’s usually for work, so recognition in that context makes sense.
If someone does recognize me, I’m always gracious and appreciative, expressing gratitude when they share their admiration. I’m not a shy person, so I handle the attention well. However, I’ve noticed that even if people recognize me, they often don’t approach me.
Given your demanding schedule and frequent travels, how do you relax and unwind on your days off?
DK: I prioritize sleep whenever I can. Other than that, I enjoy reading, cooking, and just relaxing at home. Even though it might sound mundane, this downtime is crucial for me to recharge.
Despite your busy schedule and constant travels, how do you maintain your physique?
DK: I adhere to a strict diet and exercise routine. I intermittently fast, rarely drink and avoid drugs, except for Descovy for PreP. I also limit myself to water, protein drinks, and the occasional dark chocolate treat. My workout regimen focuses on high cardio and outdoor exercises. I’m not striving for extreme muscularity, but rather maintaining a healthy physique.
When you’re not in front of the cameras, what else do you do? Any side projects?
DK: Currently, I’m taking voice acting classes. I just finished a master’s class in voice for learning to do voiceover for commercials. Kind of like a truck commercial, a phone carrier, or, “here’s a bag of stuff. Buy it” kind of thing. I would like to get into animation as well as audiobooks but those are much more difficult. They require a lot more education and knowledge to be able to perform well too. I guess the five-year plan is to either transition into it being a side hustle or whatever.
You’ve worked with many actors in your extensive career. Who are some performers you’ve had especially good chemistry with and would consider working with again?
DK: It’s hard to pick just one. I’ve had incredible chemistry with Christian Wilde, and I seize every opportunity to work with him. Rick and Griff played significant roles in introducing me to OnlyFans and content creation, so I owe them a lot. There are many others I’ve connected with as well.
Is there something about Derek Kage that you’d like our readers to know, something they may not be aware of?
DK: If you’ve seen any of my work, you’ve seen the real me. What I present on camera is genuine. When I’m performing, I’m truly being myself and enjoying what I do. There’s no pretense or falsehood in any of it.
Lastly, what can we expect to see from you in the future?
DK: I’m excited about expanding into pansexual content. I love exploring every facet of my sexuality, including working with trans men, trans women, and cis women. In fact, I recently collaborated with the fantastic Sophia Lock. So, in the future, you’ll see me working with individuals of all gender expressions.
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