Manuel Ferrara, born Manuel Jeannin on November 1, 1975, in Le Raincy, France, is a celebrated French pornographic actor, director, and producer. Raised in Gagny by a French electrician father and Spanish immigrant mother who cleaned houses, he lost his father at age 17. Aspiring to be a physical education teacher, he pivoted to adult entertainment in 1997 after answering a French porn magazine ad, selecting his stage name for its resemblance to boxer Stéphane Ferrara. He began in European productions before his U.
S. debut in John Stagliano's Fashionistas (2002), recommended by Rocco Siffredi. Relocating to Los Angeles, Ferrara started directing gonzo pornography in 2003 with Platinum X, later Red Light District and Evil Angel, launching hits like Raw, Evil Anal, and Fucked on Sight. Boasting over 2,200 scenes, he has garnered 64 awards, including a record six AVN Male Performer of the Year (2012), 40 AVN total, XRCO honors, and inductions into AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame (2013).
He ventured into mainstream with Starlet (2012). Married to performer Dana Vespoli (2005–2012), father of three sons; has a daughter with partner Kayden Kross since 2012.