Kayden Kross  

Kayden Kross (born Kimberly Nicole Rathkamp on September 15, 1985, in Sacramento, California) is an American performer, director, writer, and former model known for her creative leadership and long-standing influence within the entertainment industry. Raised in the Sacramento suburbs, including Placerville, she grew up with a strong academic background, a love for animals, and an early connection to horseback riding. She graduated high school at 17 and later attended California State University, Sacramento, studying psychology and English before shifting her focus toward modeling and dance work.

Kayden entered professional entertainment in 2006 at age 21 and quickly became one of the most recognized contract performers of her era. She signed with Vivid Entertainment, then Adam & Eve, and later became an exclusive star with Digital Playground, building a catalog that grew to more than 250 performing credits across major brands. Over time, she expanded her work to include projects with studios such as Tushy, Vixen, Deeper, Blacked, Brazzers, Reality Kings, and Jules Jordan Video.

Transitioning behind the camera in 2012, Kayden became acclaimed for her artistic directing style, launching and shaping projects for the studio TrenchcoatX (which she co-founded) and later Deeper. Her filmography includes both performance and directorial highlights such as The 8th Day, Body Heat, Drive, Aftermath, Sun-Lit, Sacrosanct, and Muse.

Her career has earned numerous honors, including AVN Awards for Best Director (Non-Feature) in 2019 and 2020, Best Director (Feature) in 2021, and Best Actress in 2011, plus multiple XBIZ Award wins such as Director of the Year. She was inducted into both the AVN Hall of Fame (2019) and the XRCO Hall of Fame (2022).

Known for her intelligence, writing talent, and distinctive creative vision, Kayden has contributed to mainstream publications like Complex and The Daily Beast, and appeared in media such as CNBC’s Porn: Business of Pleasure. She is also recognized for her work with prominent co-stars and her leadership in elevating narrative-driven, stylized adult filmmaking.

Kayden has been married to performer and director Manuel Ferrara since 2012, and they share a daughter born in 2014. Today, she remains a respected figure focused primarily on directing, studio leadership, and continuing to shape the artistic landscape of modern adult entertainment.