Riley Reid Biography

 

Full Name

Ashley Mathews

Stage Name

Riley Reid

Date of Birth

July 9, 1991

Place of Birth

Miami, Florida, USA

Nationality

American

Profession

Adult Film Actress, Entrepreneur

Ethnicity

Mixed (Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Cherokee descent)

First Appearance

2010 in adult industry

Breakout Moment

AVN Awards 2014 – Best New Starlet

Education

Briefly attended Florida International University

Relationship Status

Married

Spouse

Pavel Petkuns (free runner and stuntman)

Children

1 daughter (born in 2023)

Awards

Over 40 industry awards including AVN Performer of the Year

Net Worth

Estimated at $10 million (2025)

Social Media Following

Millions across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)

Businesses

Owns production company and merchandise brand

Controversies

Public struggles with stigma and online harassment

Retired?

Semi-retired from adult filming; active in entrepreneurship

Fun Fact

Riley Reid writes poetry and has discussed starting a memoir.

Early Life & Background

Born as Ashley Mathews in Miami, Florida, on July 9, 1991, Riley Reid grew up in a multicultural household with Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Cherokee heritage. From a young age, she exhibited a strong sense of independence and charisma. Riley Reid was raised in a fairly conservative environment, which later played into her narrative of breaking social norms and expectations.

Reid briefly attended Florida International University, where she majored in psychology. However, she dropped out before completing her degree and soon transitioned into adult entertainment at the age of 19. This decision, although controversial to her family, marked the beginning of a highly successful and groundbreaking career in the adult industry.

Acting Career Highlights

Riley Reid began her career in the adult industry in 2010, quickly making a name for herself due to her natural performance style, charisma, and versatility. By 2013, she had become one of the most recognizable faces in the industry. Her breakout came in 2014 when she won the prestigious AVN Award for Best New Starlet.

Reid’s accolades include multiple AVN and XBIZ Awards, including Performer of the Year, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Scene categories. She was inducted into the XRCO Hall of Fame and won the NightMoves Award for Best Female Performer several times.

Beyond acting, Riley became a smart businesswoman. She launched her own branded content, collaborated with major platforms, and founded her own production and merchandising ventures. Despite stepping back from frequent filming, she continues to remain an influential figure in the industry and a role model for adult content creators.

Personal Life & Relationships

Riley Reid has kept most of her personal life private, but she publicly married Pavel “Pasha” Petkuns, a Latvian freerunner and Red Bull athlete, in 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2023. Reid often shares glimpses of her family life on social media, expressing how motherhood has reshaped her priorities and outlook.

Before her marriage, Riley was romantically linked to a few partners within and outside the industry, but she always maintained a boundary between her public persona and personal relationships. She has spoken in interviews about the difficulty of dating due to stigma and public perception.

Legal & Financial Struggles

While Riley Reid has not been involved in any major lawsuits or criminal proceedings, she has openly discussed the emotional and professional toll of online harassment and social stigma. Critics and trolls have often targeted her online, leading to mental health struggles that she has candidly spoken about.

Financially, Riley has managed her career exceptionally well, avoiding the common pitfalls that many adult entertainers face. She diversified her income early through digital content platforms, brand deals, and merchandise. Her business acumen has allowed her to maintain financial independence and stability, even as she scales back on performance work.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Riley Reid networth is around $10 million. Her wealth stems not only from her years as a top adult film actress but also from her successful entrepreneurial ventures. She earns revenue through:

  • Branded merchandise and clothing lines

     

  • Content subscription platforms (like OnlyFans)

     

  • Appearances, endorsements, and collaborations

     

  • Licensing her image and brand to companies

     

Her real estate investments and business ventures have contributed significantly to her financial portfolio, making her one of the most financially successful adult entertainers of her generation.

Key Points Table

Category

Details

Real Name

Ashley Mathews

Stage Name

Riley Reid

Birthplace

Miami, Florida, USA

Career Start

2010

Awards Won

40+ including AVN, XBIZ

Spouse

Pavel Petkuns

Children

1 daughter (born 2023)

Ethnic Background

Dominican, Puerto Rican, Cherokee

Estimated Net Worth

$10 million (2025)

Current Focus

Family, entrepreneurship

5 Key Points About Riley Reid’s Career and Personal Life

  1. Breakthrough Performer: Riley rose to fame quickly in the adult film industry with a string of award-winning performances that showcased both talent and personality.

     

  2. Stigma Fighter: She has openly confronted societal stigma against adult entertainers, advocating for mental health awareness and personal autonomy.

     

  3. Private Yet Open: Although she shares aspects of her motherhood and marriage, Riley maintains a thoughtful boundary between her professional and private life.

     

  4. Smart Entrepreneur: Transitioning from adult acting to business, she’s built a brand that includes content production, merch, and digital platforms.

     

  5. Cultural Icon: More than a performer, Riley has become a symbol of empowerment, challenging norms around sexuality, fame, and female agency.

     

Conclusion

Riley Reid’s biography is a testament to ambition, resilience, and reinvention. From a college dropout to an internationally recognized figure in adult entertainment, she’s forged a path that blends personal empowerment with smart entrepreneurship. Despite facing judgment, Riley has consistently risen above criticism, evolving into a successful businesswoman, loving mother, and cultural influencer. Her legacy is not only in her performances but also in the courage she brings to redefining her narrative.

FAQs 

  1. Is Riley Reid still active in the adult industry?
    While Riley Reid has reduced her appearances in adult films, she remains active through content creation on subscription platforms and continues to run her business ventures.
  2. Who is Riley Reid married to?
    She is married to Pavel Petkuns, a professional freerunner and stuntman. The couple got married in 2021 and have one child together.
  3. What is Riley Reid’s real name?
    Her birth name is Ashley Mathews, though she is best known worldwide by her stage name, Riley Reid.
  4. How did Riley Reid become famous?
    Riley gained popularity through her early performances in adult films and was named AVN Best New Starlet in 2014. Her relatable persona and strong social media presence also contributed to her fame.
  5. What is Riley Reid’s net worth in 2025?
    Riley Reid’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $10 million, thanks to a combination of adult entertainment, brand deals, and entrepreneurial ventures.