AJ Applegate (born Danielle Corine Gray on September 23, 1989, in Massapequa, New York) built a career on dance, determination, and reinvention. After 14 years as a dancer and cheerleader, the petite blonde with the famous curves won AVN Best Group Sex Scene (2015), XRCO New Starlet (2014), and an AVN Female Performer of the Year nomination - then retired in 2021 to become a fitness model and devoted mother. Her story includes triumph, tragedy, and transformation.

Raised in Connecticut with Italian, German, and Brazilian heritage, young Danielle's first love was dance. She taught dance classes as her first job. At 19, she began stripping at the Gold Club in Hartford, Connecticut, while also working as a nude model, fetish model, and continuing to teach dance. In 2012, at 22, she entered adult entertainment under the stage name "Kaylee Evans." Her first scene, "Big Butt Bouncing" for Mofos' I Know That Girl website, launched a nine-year career.

She quickly changed her name - "Kaylee" and "Evans" were too common to stand out. She chose "A.J." because she liked unisex names, and "Applegate" because people said she resembled Christina Applegate. The new name brought new success: XRCO New Starlet (2014), NightMoves Best New Starlet (2013), and the AVN Award for Best Group Sex Scene for "Gangbang Me" (2015) alongside Mick Blue, James Deen, Erik Everhard, Ramon Nomar, Mr. Pete, John Strong, and Jon Jon. The same year, she earned nominations for AVN Female Performer of the Year and XBIZ Best Scene for "Shades of Scarlet."

Beyond performing, AJ pursued education and expansion. She earned personal trainer certification (2013) and Zumba certification (2014). In 2016, she directed "AJ's Angels" for Girlfriends Films. Her tattoo - "Ballo D'Amore" (Love of Dance in Italian) on her right hip - honored her origins. Tragedy struck in March 2019 when her long-term partner, adult performer Bill Bailey, died in an accident. Nine months later, in December 2019, she gave birth to their son Jaxon Lewis. She retired from performing in 2021, transitioning to fitness modeling and social media. Playboy recognized her continued appeal with an All-Star of the Month feature in June 2023. She has since been linked to performer Danny Mountain.