Kayden Kross, born Kimberly Nicole Rathkamp on September 15, 1985, in Sacramento, California, began her career in the adult industry at 18 as a stripper at Rick's Showgirls. She transitioned into adult films in 2006 with Vivid Entertainment, later signing with Digital Playground and Adam & Eve. Known for her Swedish heritage and bookish high school persona, she's since become a multi-award-winning actress and director, inducted into the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame. Married to Manuel Ferrara, she's also a mother and has shifted focus to directing since 2020.