Born: March 28, 1987 · Pasadena, Texas, USA
Died: February 15, 2024 · Parma, Ohio, USA (Suicide by shotgun)
Birth Name: Kagney Linn Necessary
Height: 5′ 4¼″ (1.63 m)
Biography
Kagney Linn Karter, born Kagney Linn Necessary in Pasadena, Texas, was a striking blonde with charisma, talent, and ambition. She was raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, and later in Ridgway, Pennsylvania—a small town she fondly remembered for its close-knit community and outdoor beauty.
In high school, she was deeply involved in extracurricular activities. Kagney was a cheerleader, ran track, and participated in speech and debate tournaments, even performing Mariah Carey’s “Hero” at a school graduation. She was also known as a spirited party girl and held jobs at a Mexican restaurant and Office Max while still in school.
Driven by a dream to pursue a career in entertainment, Kagney moved to California at the age of 18. Without much savings, she began exotic dancing to fund the move and her future. Her natural stage presence quickly earned her the title of Missouri’s “Deja Vu Showgirl of the Year” in 2007, and she placed second in the national competition.
Her transition into the adult entertainment industry began in 2008, after placing an ad on a modeling site—an opportunity that led to her first scene with Naughty America and eventually a contract with LA Direct Models. She quickly rose to prominence, appearing on the covers of Penthouse (June 2009, Pet of the Month), Hustler (April 2009), and AVN Magazine (June 2009). She also featured in acclaimed adult photographer Holly Randall’s photo book “Erotic Dream Girls.”
In 2010, Kagney signed an exclusive contract with Zero Tolerance Entertainment and won several major industry accolades, including:
- XRCO Award – New Starlet (2010)
- AVN Award – Best New Starlet (2010)
- XBIZ Award – New Starlet of the Year (2010)
Personal Life & Legacy
Kagney’s upbringing was marked by hardship—her father struggled with addiction and was incarcerated for much of her life. Despite this, she remained close to her family, especially her grandparents, who fostered her love for the outdoors. She often spoke about rafting on the Elk River and spending time at their cabin in the woods.
She dreamed from a young age of becoming an actress and singer and had even attended a major talent convention in New York in high school, where she met her first manager. However, after losing that support due to her work as a stripper, her path shifted. With few resources but immense determination, she pursued success on her own terms.
In 2009, she founded her own production company, KLK Entertainment Inc., and remained a strong presence in adult media until her untimely passing in 2024.
Trivia
- Kagney was named after actor James Cagney by her father.
- Her full first and middle names are Kagney Linn—“Karter” was a surname she chose for its strong appeal.
- She loved nature and considered herself an outdoorsy person, often reminiscing about time spent in rural Pennsylvania.
Quotes
“I love performing. Obviously, a lot of people don’t like features because they’re longer hours and days, but I love features. Features are my favorite.”
“I knew since I was young that I would move to California and be in mainstream acting and have a singing career. It wasn’t just a childhood dream—I was serious about it.”
“I’ve got a lot of damage. My father has been incarcerated my whole life, then he had a major drug problem.”
Kagney Linn Karter’s life was one of ambition, reinvention, and resilience. Despite facing personal struggles and societal challenges, she carved a place for herself in an industry where few rise to the top. Her story is one of both achievement and tragedy, remembered by many for her vibrant spirit and unwavering pursuit of independence.
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