Wrangler consulted with his father, a producer of "Bonanza," who told him "just be the best." Jack took his screen-name from his jeans and became the first identifiable personality on the tiny, blurry screens of gay porn. At a time when most "adult" actors wore socks and even masks, he created a persona modeled on the Marlboro man -- butch. beautiful, and unashamed. And imitated! The gay "clone" look (plaid shirt, jeans) was inspired by Jack's signature outfit

Having conquered gay porn with no real competition, he moved on to the more lucrative straight area, and according to him lost his heterosexual virginity on camera! He then met and married singer Margaret Whiting, magically compatible because they were both "Beverly Hills brats." They were enviably, and to many people inexplicably happy.

Wrangler successfully produced and directed many stage shows, but wryly remarked that all publicity about him, even thirty years after he took off his jeans forever, still began "Porn Star Jack Wrangler." Jeffrey Schwarz's documentary "Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon" just last week won as "Best Alternative Release" at the Gay Video News Awards.