Stephanie Gregory Clifford, known by her stage name Stormy Daniels, is an American adult film actress, director, and writer. She was born on March 17, 1979, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Daniels began her career as a stripper while in high school, and in 2000, she transitioned into the adult film industry, where she quickly became one of the most recognizable performers. She adopted the stage name "Stormy Daniels" in part because of her love for the band Mötley Crüe, whose bassist, Nikki Sixx, named his daughter Storm. 

In 2002, Daniels was introduced to the world of adult film directing, where she eventually became known not just as an actress but as a filmmaker. She has won multiple awards for her work in the adult entertainment industry, including accolades from the AVN (Adult Video News) and XRCO (X-Rated Critics Organization).

Daniels gained significant mainstream attention in 2018 when she became embroiled in a legal dispute with then-U.S. President Donald Trump. She claimed to have had an affair with Trump in 2006, and in 2016, she was paid $130,000 by Trump's attorney, Michael Cohen, as part of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to keep quiet about the alleged affair ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This payment became the center of a legal and political controversy, as it was seen as a possible violation of campaign finance laws. Daniels eventually sued to void the NDA, leading to widespread media coverage.

Her public persona expanded beyond adult films due to her involvement in the case, with appearances on television talk shows and in the news media. Daniels' legal battles with Trump and Cohen helped her become a symbol of resistance for some against the Trump administration, though she also faced criticism from other quarters. In 2018, she released a memoir titled *Full Disclosure*, detailing her life, career, and experiences with Trump.

In addition to her adult film career, Daniels has pursued other ventures, including directing and writing films outside of the adult genre. Her work has also extended into political activism, and she has used her platform to advocate for the rights of sex workers and freedom of expression.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stormy_Daniels