Stephanie Gregory Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, is an American adult film actress, director, and writer who gained international fame due to her alleged affair with former U.S. President Donald Trump and the subsequent legal battles and media attention that followed.
Early Life and Career Beginnings Stormy Daniels was born on March 17, 1979, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She grew up in a middle-class family and attended Scotlandville Magnet High School. During her teenage years, Daniels developed an interest in acting and performing.
In 1996, at the age of 17, Daniels began her career in the adult entertainment industry as a stripper. She worked at various clubs across the country, eventually transitioning into adult films in 2002. Her stage name, "Stormy Daniels," was derived from the combination of the Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx's daughter's name, Storm, and the surname of Jack Daniels whiskey.
Adult Film Career Throughout her career in the adult film industry, Stormy Daniels has appeared in over 150 films and has directed more than 70 movies. She has worked with numerous major adult film studios, such as Wicked Pictures and Digital Playground. In 2004, Daniels won the Best New Starlet Award from Adult Video News (AVN), one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry.
In addition to her work as a performer, Daniels has also been recognized for her work as a director. She has directed films for Wicked Pictures and has received several award nominations for her directorial efforts. Daniels is known for her focus on female-driven storylines and her ability to create engaging content within the adult film genre.
Mainstream Media Appearances Outside of her work in the adult film industry, Stormy Daniels has made several appearances in mainstream media. In 2005, she appeared in the comedy film "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," playing a small role as a porn star. She has also guest-starred on television shows such as "Dirt" and "Marci X."
In 2007, Daniels considered running for the Senate in Louisiana against incumbent David Vitter. She announced the potential campaign as a Republican candidate, focusing on issues such as sex education, tax reform, and the need for more women in leadership positions. However, she ultimately decided not to run for office.
Alleged Affair with Donald Trump In January 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported that Stormy Daniels had allegedly had an affair with then-businessman Donald Trump in 2006, shortly after his wife Melania had given birth to their son, Barron. The article also claimed that Trump's attorney, Michael Cohen, had paid Daniels $130,000 in hush money just before the 2016 presidential election to keep the affair quiet.
Daniels initially denied the affair and the payment, but in February 2018, she publicly acknowledged the alleged relationship in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel. She claimed that she and Trump had engaged in a consensual af...