Biography of Vanessa Del Rio (a.k.a.: Ana Sanchez)

Vanessa del Rio is an American retired pornographic actress.

Vanessa del Rio was born and raised in Harlem, New York, the daughter of immigrants from Cuba and Puerto Rico and of mixed African and Spanish background.

Del Rio began appearing in adult films in 1974 after a strict Catholic upbringing and interest in sex.

In the span of about 25 years, del Rio has appeared in over 100 pornographic films and in several music videos, notably "Get Money" by Junior M.A.F.I.A.

Though del Rio retired from adult films in 1986 in part due to the AIDS scare prevalent at the time, she returned shortly after and continued her porn career until 1999. Afterwards, she remains somewhat active in the adult entertainment industry through her Web site and by making special appearances at award shows and conventions.

During and after her porn career, she appeared on many TV shows as herself, including a 1996 episode of NYPD Blue.

Vanessa del Rio has had an impact on popular culture that goes beyond her career in adult entertainment. In 2007, the German art book publisher Taschen released a deluxe, heavily illustrated biography titled Vanessa del Rio: Fifty Years of Slightly Slutty Behavior.

She has been mentioned in songs by many performers, including Ice Cube, Lil Kim, Digital Underground, Chubb Rock, Busta Rhymes and The Game.