At the age of 18, Keli Richards entered the doors of World Talent Modeling Agency in Sherman Oaks, California and under the guidance of the legendary Jim South, erupted into the adult film industry like a thunderbolt, appearing in countless movies from the golden age such as: Angels of Mercy, Dickman and Throbbin, Love Lessons, Boobs Butts and Bloopers, Debbie Does Dallas, and perhaps, screaming out in her familiar Boston accent “Hadda, Fasta, Deepa”, the film that put Keli on the map to stay, Caught From Behind IV.
Keli had finally achieved her dream of stardom, continuing her run by appearing in numerous magazines and movies. However, just a few years later, she found love, got married, and to the surprise of her devoted fans, mysteriously vanished from the San Fernando Valley.
Over the next 30 years, Keli’s passion for the industry never wavered; she occasionally reached out to Jim South and others from her past in the business. Amid civilian life, and as a testament to her popularity, the rock band Gin Blossoms recorded a song inspired by Keli, entitled “Keli Richards” in 1991.
Fast forward to 2019, Keli found herself on the phone with Jim again. He encouraged her to leave the East Coast, return to California, and assured her of his support. Within months, Keli took the plunge and had shot for several studios, discovering that her fans from over 30 years ago were eagerly awaiting her return and thrilled to have her back.
Keli believes that her family within the adult entertainment industry is her foundation. Despite her long absence from the business, her fans’ enthusiasm for her remains strong. Richards is currently finishing her memoir, due out in 2025. She believes her journey can be an inspiration to anyone who has faced setbacks yet continues to rise again. Keli’s narrative beautifully illustrates that true validation comes from self-acceptance and self-love.