Melchor

Biography

Susano Melchor Rios (August 16, 1957 – June 27, 1995), known professionally by his screen names Melchor Diaz and Melchor, was an American adult film actor and model. He achieved significant popularity during the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s recognized as one of the earliest prominent Latino stars of the "Golden Age" of gay adult cinema.

== Early life == Rios was born in Kleberg County, Texas, into a traditional Mexican-American family. Rios had turbulent childhood shaped by profound religious indoctrination. As an infant, Rios suffered an accidental fall, leaving his mother fearing he had died. Seeking spiritual intervention, she took him to the shrine of the Virgin of San Juan in San Juan, Texas, praying for his survival. In exchange, she vowed to God and the Virgin Mary to let his hair grow long. Rios recalled that his hair remained uncut until he entered elementary school, causing him severe childhood confusion regarding his gender identity. Throughout his youth, the cut hair was regularly returned to the shrine as an offering.

== Career ==

=== Modeling === In tandem with his film work, Rios was a prominent print model for the premier gay erotic publications of the era. He was featured in numerous photo editorials and centerfolds for publications including, Honcho, Stallion, Skinflicks, Manshots, and Men of Advocate Men.

=== Film Industry === Rios entered the adult film industry in 1976 at the age of 19. Billed predominantly as Melchor and Melchor Diaz, his striking, highly masculine Latino features and handsome appearance quickly made him a major box-office draw. His career successfully spanned the industry's technological transition from theatrical loops to the home VHS tape market. Rios appeared in nearly 30 feature films for major East Coast and West Coast adult studios. He made his feature debut in the cult classic Mustang (1978). His most prolific era occurred in the mid-1980s, anchoring mainstream features such as Pieces of Eight (1980), Nighthawk in Leather (1982), Dynastud (1986), and Room for Rent (1986). He occasionally used variations of his name, appearing as "Mel Chor" in Starshots, Volume Four (1986) and "Melchor Agular" in Hunk (1985). Rios officially retired from screen acting following the releases of The Night Boys (1989) and Los Hombres! (1991).

== Personal life == In private life, Rios was noted by peers and community members for a deeply gentle and charitable disposition. Despite his aggressive on-screen persona, he frequently rescued stray animals and regularly bought hot meals for the homeless populations in his neighborhood.

== Death == Rios died from AIDS-related complications on June 27, 1995, at a hospital in Pineville, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. He was 37 years old. He was buried under his legal birth name, Susano Melchor Rios, in public cemetery registries.

== Filmography ==