Chi Chi La Rue (born Larry David Paciotti, 1948) is an American drag performer, director, and producer of gay pornographic films. La Rue has been a major figure in the adult entertainment industry since the early 1980s, winning numerous awards for her work and making appearances in popular television shows and films.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, La Rue grew up in an Italian Catholic family and began performing in drag in local bars and clubs while still in her early twenties. She adopted the stage name "Chi Chi La Rue" as a tribute to her grandmother, who often called her "Chi Chi". In 1983, La Rue moved to Los Angeles, where she quickly established herself as one of the city's top drag performers. She soon began making appearances in popular films and television shows, including the classic sitcom, Three's Company, and the 1984 comedy, Joy of Sex.
In 1988, La Rue made her directorial debut with the adult film, Hot Nights on the Bayou. The film was a success and led to her directing several more adult movies, including the classic, Men in Blue (1990). La Rue continued to direct and produce adult films throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and her work was often praised for its high production values and strong storylines.
In addition to her work in adult entertainment, La Rue has also been a prominent figure in the gay rights movement. In 1988, she helped organize the first LGBT-affirmative AIDS fundraiser in Los Angeles. She has also served as the Grand Marshal of the Los Angeles Gay Pride Parade and has been a major supporter of the Human Rights Campaign.
Throughout her career, La Rue has won numerous awards, including an AVN Award for Best Director and a Grabby Award for Best Director. She has also been inducted into both the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame. Today, La Rue continues to be an active figure in the adult entertainment industry, producing and directing films as well as making appearances at events and conventions.
