About Savannah

Though Savannah’s career in pornography only lasted about four years, from 1990 to 1994, she certainly made herself a name in the adult entertainment industry.  She rose to stardom very early on, but her fame eventually turned into notoriety because of a vividly horrid suicide in 1994. 

Savannah’s birth name was Shannon Michelle Wilsey.  She chose her stage name, Savannah, from one of her favorite movies, the 1982 movie Savannah Smiles.   The name itself evoked an image of grasslands and wildlife, subtly indicating Savannah’s insuppressible nature.  With her platinum blonde hair ironed straight, smoky black eyeliner framing her blue eyes, and sweetly condescending smirk, Savannah made it clear that she won’t take “no” for an answer.  Those characteristics, coupled with her bold wardrobe (leather bra under a fishnet shirt), created a dominant image that kept her fans supporting her even after death.

Thus, it is of no surprise that Savannah managed an exclusive contract with Vivid Entertainment in 1991.  However, with her fast track to fame and fortune, Savannah began using drugs and spending large amounts of money.  In fact, despite her enviable income, she became entangled in financial troubles because of how quickly she had been spending money.  Furthermore, in 1992, Vivid Entertainment severed its contract with Savannah, deeming her too difficult to work with. 

On July 11, 1994, Savannah went out to a party and then drove home with her friend Jason Swing.  They were both intoxicated.  Before she reached her house, Savannah drove into a fence, breaking her nose and cutting up her face.  Fortunately, they were both largely unharmed.  Savannah told Jason Swing to walk her dog while she returned to the house.  Later on, Savannah’s friend Nancy Pera found her still breathing in a pool of blood.  According to reports, she had shot herself in the head with a nine-millimeter handgun.  She was hospitalized and went into a coma for nine hours before dying at 11:20 AM on July 11, 1994.  Although Shannon Michelle Wilsey’s family blamed her friends and the porn industry for her death, police claimed that she was already depressed.  The injury from the car accident that may have ruined her career, in addition to the depression, was the last straw that drove her to suicide.