Holmes was best known for his exceptionally large penis , which was heavily promoted as the longest , thickest , hardest , and longest lasting in the adult film industry , although no documented measurement of Holmes ' actual penis length , girth , tumescence , or sexual stamina has ever been confirmed . Near the end of his life , Holmes attained notoriety for his reputed involvement in the Wonderland murders of July 1981 and eventually for his death from complications caused by AIDS in March 1988 . Holmes was the subject of several books , a lengthy essay in '' Rolling Stone '' and two feature-length documentaries , and was the inspiration for two Hollywood movies ( '' Boogie Nights '' and '' Wonderland '' )
Wonderland murders
Wonderland murders
John Holmes (actor)