By Peter Berton

LOS ANGELES – Ruggedly handsome gay performer Billy Santoro only broke into porn a year ago, but he’s already been turning heads — both large and small — and garnering award nominations.

Santoro is no one-trick pony, though. He’s an ambitious man with outside interests that may take him away from porn sooner than fans would like.

YNOT.com insisted he talk to us before he disappeared.

YNOT: How did you get into porn? What attracted you to adult industry?

Billy Santoro: I got into porn in early 2013. My first shoot was with Vander at ChaosMen.com. I was always attracted to the animalistic performances in porn.

I had been prompted to join the industry as early as 1993, when I first met Chi Chi LaRue. Alas, I wasn’t ready at the time, as I wanted to accomplish other goals.

How has your career progressed since then? Tell us about your career high points.

I have been blown away by how quickly my career has progressed. In my first year, I shot roughly 100 scenes with the top studios in the industry, both nationally and internationally.

I would have to say my high point is being nominated for three Grabby Awards in my first year.

What are the secrets for giving a believable on-screen performance?

I try to keep in mind two things when I perform: First, do what turns me on, whether it be audio or visual. Second, I always ask myself, “Would I fast forward through this?”

What is the best scene you’ve done so, and what made it a positive experience?

The scene I did with my husband, Seth Santoro — we’re legally married — for Lucas Entertainment is my favorite scene. But that was early in my career.

I have had some offers from other studios to do another scene with Seth. We want to really use what we’ve learned, combined with our natural passion, to put out an amazing product.

What are some of the misconceptions you have to deal with as a star of gay porn?

That I am sexually satiated because I do porn. People don’t realize we don’t shoot every day.

What are your future plans? You said you may not be making porn much longer.

I am relocating to Washington D.C. to get back into my career. I have a degree in business. I have specialized in LEAN and Agile concepts, in order to make companies profitable from a labor perspective.

What do few people know about you?

That I may look like I am in perfect shape, but I do not adhere to a strict nutrition plan. I like my pizza and cheesy bread!