MY DOUBLE LIFE 'I'M A PORN STAR AT 60!?

After re-entering the adult industry, Lake Russell feels happier than ever

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By day, Lake Russell works as a carer, providing support to the elderly and people with disabilities - but by night, she's living a completely different life.

Wellington-born Lake first dabbled in porn in 2007 to help pay the mortgage and now at 60, she's still creating X-rated content with no intention of leaving the world of erotica any time soon.

"I was worried I'd feel ashamed getting back into the adult industry, but it's been an empowering experience," says Lake. "I love being able to pick up my phone and chat with my fans."

Her adult film career started when she was living in the US with her ex-husband. Both actors, the couple had bought a house in upstate New York and were living off Lake's savings, as well as using the money to renovate.

"We'd moved from New Zealand to New York to be closer to his family," she tells. "We felt sure there would be more acting opportunities in the US, but after arriving, we realised that wasn't the case. We were both in our forties and work was scarce. We got to the point where we couldn't pay the mortgage."

Her ex suggested that Lake could try working in the porn industry.

"The idea didn't faze me," she says. "I knew how good the money was and I'd always enjoyed sex. It was really just acting – with fewer clothes!