August Ames

Mercedes Grabowski, known professionally as August Ames, was a Canadian pornographic actress. She appeared in more than 100 films, including a non-pornographic film in 2016, and was nominated for several AVN Awards.

Born: August 23, 1994, Antigonish, Canada

Died: December 5, 2017 (age 23 years), Camarillo, CA

Full name: Mercedes Grabowski

Spouse: Kevin Moore (m. 2016–2017)

Height: 5′ 6″

Biography: 

August Ames, born Mercedes Grabowski on August 23, 1994, in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, was a prominent figure in the adult film industry. Raised in a military family, she spent her early years in Petawawa, Ontario, and later in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Before entering the adult entertainment sector, Ames worked as a nanny, animal-assisted aide, and horseback trainer.

Embarking on her career in November 2013 at the age of 19, Ames quickly gained recognition for her performances. She featured in over 100 films and collaborated with major production companies such as Brazzers, Elegant Angel, and Evil Angel. Her talent and dedication earned her multiple nominations for AVN Awards, including three for Female Performer of the Year. In 2016, she expanded her repertoire by appearing in the non-adult film “Model for Murder: The Centerfold Killer.”

Despite her professional success, Ames faced personal challenges. She was open about her struggles with bipolar depressive disorder and dissociative identity disorder, conditions she attributed to traumatic experiences during her childhood. On December 3, 2017, Ames faced significant online criticism following a tweet about her decision to withdraw from a scene involving a performer with experience in gay pornography. Two days later, on December 5, she was found deceased in a park in Camarillo, California, at the age of 23. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a suicide by hanging.

Ames’s untimely passing sparked widespread discussions about mental health, cyberbullying, and the pressures within the adult entertainment industry. Her legacy continues to influence conversations surrounding performer well-being and the impact of online harassment.