LOS ANGELES—Tim Kruger, one of the most beloved and influential gay porn stars the industry has ever seen, has passed away at the age of 44. The sad news came this morning via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of his studio, Timtales.com. His death was due to an “accident at home,” but no other details have been released.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share the news of the passing of our beloved Marcel, the man you all knew and loved as Tim Kruger. To the public, he was the ultimate ginger pornstar; to me, he was a sweet, caring partner of over 20 years. He was also my best friend. He touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” shared the post on X. While not signed by Grobes Geraet, the two were in a longtime relationship and launched Timtales together.
“I am very aware of the stigma that surrounds deaths in the porn industry, so let me make this very clear to hopefully cut down on the inevitable speculation: Tim’s death was a tragic, yet simple accident at home. There were no drugs involved, nor was there any indication of foul play or suicide. Though my heart is broken into pieces, I find solace in the countless memories he gifted us. And I know that he died knowing he was loved. Tim’s legacy of compassion, love, and joy will live on in all who knew him.
“I am aware that you all will have countless questions, but this is all the information I have to share right now. I would love for everyone to respect his loved ones’ time to grieve in privacy. Thank you. Rest peacefully, my love. There will never be another one like you.”
According to Cazzo Films, Kruger grew up in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany—and after vocational training in business administration, he moved to Berlin in 2002 and got a job in a gay porn store.
“I had all these porn videos, books and posters around me all day. I think I watched almost every porn movie available during that time, and after a while I thought: ‘Ok Tim, you may not have muscles like the guys in the movies, but at least your cock is bigger than most of the guys…so why not give it a try,’” Kruger said in an interview with Kaltblut magazine in 2013.
Kruger, a multi-time GayVN Award nominee, made his studio debut in 2007. Over the next few years, he made a handful of appearances primarily at Hot House—and was quickly a fan favorite. He also performed at Raging Stallion, Dark Alley, Cazzo and more. In 2009, he started Timtales.com, where he would soon perform exclusively. The studio blossomed, and is still thriving today at its base in Barcelona.
“I started to dream about my own website,” Kruger shared with Kaltblut. “I wanted to show the people real, non-scripted sex, wanted to show them what’s happening in my bedroom. Just the idea of it turned me on so much that I did everything to make this dream come true. It was a very long and not always easy way till Timtales became true, but now I’m very proud of what I have reached so far.”
One of the few stars to have a continuous and highly successful career for nearly two decades, Kruger was beloved by his fans his peers. He was often cited as an influence by other prominent industry performers.
“Sad day. R.I.P. to the Legend,” shared two-time GayVN Performer of the Year Rhyheim Shabazz on X. Shabazz appeared at Timtales 11 times, one of the few studios he ever worked for.
“An incredible man left us today,” shared Sir Peter on X. “Deeply sad and heartbroken by this news! Apart from the legend he was an incredible sweet and caring human! Grateful to have met you. R.I.P my hero.”
“A legend. A personal hero,” wrote performer and Carnal Media founder/CEO Legrand Wolf on X. “Tim meant a great deal to me and to members of my team. When I was first finding my way, his work showed me that there was a place for men like me—not just a space to exist, but to thrive, to celebrate who we are without shame. Thank you, Tim, for everything. You will be deeply missed.”
Shared frequent Timtales performer Luciano: “I’m in shock, and today my heart feels broken. You were more than a star, and I’m sure you will keep shining for eternity. Thank you for paving the way for so many of us to become who we are today. It’s impossible not to feel sad because you were the one who made the beginning of my career as a porn actor a reality, and I will always remember that. But I know that anyone who remembers you will do so with joy and warm feelings. Once again, thank you, and rest in peace, Marcel.”
Added Matthew Ellis, the 2025 GayVN Best Newcomer who filmed a scene with Kruger last year, “Rest in peace, Tim Kruger. I am devastated to hear such horrible news and my heart goes out to all your family and friends and to all those that had the great privilege of knowing you. You will be very, very missed.”
