Ed Seeman, a cartoonist, visual artist, photographer, and Golden Age XXX filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 93 in Ocala, Florida. Seeman was known for his work in adult films and photography under the pseudonym Eduardo Cemano, as well as for his contributions to animation and commercial advertising.

Early Life and Career

Born Edward Seeman in New York City on July 16, 1931, Seeman attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and the High School of Music & Art. He began his career as an animator at Paramount Pictures, where he worked on television shows such as "Popeye the Sailorman" and "Casper, the Friendly Ghost."

From 1952 to 1954, Seeman served in the Korean War. Following his military service, he utilized his skills as a cartoonist to produce re-enlistment advertisements for the U.S. Army. After returning to New York, Seeman produced animated commercials for various brands, including Flintstones Vitamins and cereal brands such as Trix and Cocoa Puffs. He received a Clio Award for a Luden’s cough drops commercial, for which Frank Zappa provided the music for $2,000. This collaboration marked the beginning of a creative relationship between Seeman and Zappa.

Beyond his commercial work, Seeman was an accomplished artist. His oil paintings were exhibited at MoMA in New York. He also earned an Emmy for his animation work on the children’s television show "The Great Space Coaster." Five of his experimental films, made under the pseudonym Eduardo Cemano, are preserved in the U.S. Library of Congress.

Golden Age Contributions

In the 1970s, Seeman became a prominent glamour photographer for men’s magazines, including Cheri, Penthouse, Oui, Genesis, and Puritan. During this period, he also directed several adult films and shorts under the name Eduardo Cemano. His adult film credits, according to film archive IMBD, include Millie's Homecoming (1971) and The Weirdos and the Oddballs (1971). These were followed by The Healers (1972), Fongaluli (1973), and Madame Zenobia (1973).

Golden Age adult film star Annie Sprinkle commented on Seeman's work, stating that his erotic photography in Puritan magazine was inspiring to her as a young porn star in the 1970s. She specifically mentioned a photo spread depicting a young Jewish man having sex with an elder rabbi’s wife, noting its execution, location, costumes, angles, and eroticism. Sprinkle described it as one of the most outrageous, successful, artistic erotic photo spreads ever published, and an early MILF shoot. She also recalled that Seeman transformed one of her pin-up photos into psychedelic artwork and sent her a print. Later, he created a graphic for an invitation and program cover for a performance art project she undertook with Beth Stephens, where they married the Sun. Sprinkle noted that Seeman enjoyed making both cartoons and porn.

Veronica Vera, an adult star from the 1980s, also acknowledged Seeman's work on Facebook, remembering his "awesome photo spreads in Puritan Magazine" as "epic." She added that he "made art til the end."

Legacy

Ed Seeman passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 93. His career spanned various artistic disciplines, from animation and commercial advertising to fine art and adult entertainment. He was known by several names, including Edward Seeman, Eduardo Cemano, and Saul Edwards.

Key Facts

  • Ed Seeman passed away at 93 in Ocala, Florida.
  • He was a cartoonist, visual artist, photographer, and Golden Age XXX filmmaker.
  • Seeman directed adult films and shorts under the pseudonym Eduardo Cemano.
  • His glamour photography appeared in magazines such as Cheri, Penthouse, Oui, Genesis, and Puritan.
  • Seeman's career also included work as an animator for Paramount Pictures and winning a Clio Award for a commercial with music by Frank Zappa.
  • Five of his experimental films are held in the U.S. Library of Congress.