Shannon Wilsey, usually known as simply Savannah, (born October 9, 1970 - died July 11, 1994) was an American actress, starring in more than 100 pornographic films during her career. Her parents divorced in 1972, and she lived with her mother in Texas. She later stayed briefly with her father in Oxnard, California and then with her grandparents in Mission Viejo, California, where she became a cheerleader. When she was 13 years old she discovered that the man who raised her was not her biological father, and began to act rebelliously.
Savannah was perhaps the most high-profile porn star of her time. Although her career in the adult industry was short (1990 - 1994), she achieved notoriety both in and beyond the industry due to her on screen presence and her off screen life. One of the first contract girls in the adult industry, Savannah was, at various times, linked to a number of well known rock stars, including Gregg Allman, Billy Idol, Slash and Axl Rose. She was also linked to comedian Pauly Shore.
On July 11, 1994, at about 2 in the morning, she crashed her car and was injured. When she got home she shot herself in the head with a handgun. She died after spending 11 hours in a coma. She was also reported to have financial and drug problems.
Savannah (born Shannon Michelle Wilsey on October 9, 1970, died July 11, 1994) was an American actress, starring in more than 100 pornographic films during her career.
Savannah fell into the porn industry's stereotypical traps of drug use and excessive spending, and reportedly had severe financial troubles despite her substantial income.
Savannah was also involved in a lesbian relationship with fellow actress Jeanna Fine which reportedly ended badly, and had a long relationship with comedian Pauly Shore.
Since its inception in 1998, the SavannahFilm Festival has focused on enriching and educating an expanding audience, while promoting quality independent films and filmmakers.
The festival features more than 50 films, selected from more than 600 entries in the categories of feature, short, animation, documentary and student competition, which are submitted from all over the world.
Educational benefits for students are also provided through the SavannahFilm Festival's student competition films as well as the festival student workshops, which are held at noon for three days of the festival.