'WRANGLER: Anatomy Of An Icon' Filmmakers Comment on Stars Passing

Jack Wrangler, iconic adult and musical theater performer passed away today from complications from lung disease. He was 62 years old. BroadwayWorld reported the sad news of his passing in an earlier news article.

With piercing blue eyes, unruly blond hair, a chiseled physique and cocky swagger, Jack Wrangler was the king of ‘70s gay porn. Forging a gay sexual revolution, he wasn't the typical object of homoerotic desire but an intelligent, full-bodied, self-confident male. Exulted for his 80-plus adult films, the openly gay superstar even conquered the straight adult world and legitimate theater. Mr. Wrangler eventually married pop vocalist Margaret Whiting and their relationship would last for the rest of his life.

The documentary Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon, recently won the 2009 GayVN Award for Best Alternative release.

"Making this film was a great opportunity to pay tribute to a man who lives his life with grace, humor and confidence, and was a role model for an entire generation of men," said director Jeffrey Schwarz. "Jack and the filmmakers he worked with were truly pioneers in the industry."

"Jack was one of the earlier pioneers in helping to bring awareness to the gay community by being open about who he was and about following his dreams," said Lewis Tice, Director of Publicity and Marketing for TLA Releasing. "We are deeply saddened as he is an essential part of our gay history. Our sympathies go out to his family.

"The wildly entertaining life of Jack Wrangler is explored, from his superstar status in both gay and straight porn to finding success in New York's legitimate theatre scene. The twist? At 33 he married 55-year-old songstress Margaret Whiting and his world was never the same. the film now stands as a tribute to a person who lived every moment to the fullest.

Featuring interviews with Jack Wrangler, Margaret Whiting, Bruce Vilanch, Marc Shaiman, Christine Ebersole, Michael Musto and more!

DVD Extras include: Commentary with director Jeffrey Schwarz, editor Jaime Meyers Schlenck, composer Michael "The Millionaire" Cudahy and exclusive Jack Wrangler Interview Outtakes.

Founded in 1981, TLA Entertainment owns and operates the award winning DVD retail Web sites TLAvideo.com and TLAraw.com as well as the popular video-on-demand website, TLAondemand.com. As the premier retailer for the latest and greatest in Movies and Television, Skin and Cult, Gay & Lesbian and Adult entertainment, the TLA brand offers customers an opinionated and edgy take on home entertainment. To watch the trailer for 'WRANGLER: Anatomy Of An Icon' visit the site by going here.

Memorial and funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized, and Jack Wrangler's family is expected to make a statement soon.