Colton Ford, a trailblazing figure in gay adult entertainment and music, has died at the age of 62, according to multiple social media tributes and reports from friends in the LGBTQ+ community. Known off-screen as Glenn Soukesian, Ford is believed to have passed away on May 19, though the exact cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed. Friends have suggested he died in a hiking accident in Palm Springs.
Ford began his career in the adult film industry relatively late in life. Entering the business in 2001 at age 40, he quickly rose to prominence and became a fan favorite for his charisma, authenticity, and commanding on-screen presence. Over the course of his career, he worked with major studios including Falcon Studios and Centurion, before embracing user-generated platforms later in his career such as OnlyFans.
In 2003, Ford was honored with the GayVN Award for Gay Performer of the Year, solidifying his legacy within the adult film community. But his influence went far beyond porn. Ford was also a musician, actor, and advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and explore the intersections of sexuality, artistry, and identity.
Friends Mourn a Multifaceted Talent
The news of Ford’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, collaborators, and fans alike. Chi Chi LaRue, an iconic drag performer and director in the gay adult film industry, expressed her sorrow in a heartfelt Facebook post on May 20.
“I’m so shocked and saddened to hear and report the sudden passing of my friend and icon Glen aka Colton Ford,” she wrote. “You will be missed! Keep singing in heaven!”
Dallas Steele, a fellow adult film actor and personal friend of Ford’s, shared a lengthy tribute on X (formerly Twitter) on May 21. He reflected on their personal and professional bond, and their shared projects after Ford had retired from commercial porn.
“It is with great sadness I share word of the passing of my friend Glenn, who you may have known as pornstar and singer Colton Ford,” Steele wrote. “Few details have been shared, but sources say he died from an accident on a hiking trail in Palm Springs.”
Steele went on to recount their time together collaborating on OnlyFans and other projects. “We had a wonderful, hot, and meaningful experience together. He was a very deep, caring, thoughtful person. In 2022, Glenn performed at several of our charity pool parties. The crowd loved his vocals, engaging energy, and sex appeal.”
He also described a 2023 photo shoot the two did together with photographer Jay Jorgensen, who has since passed away. “Glenn was such an amazing spirit. Always thinking about what he planned to do next. Always optimistic about the possibilities. I will miss him and his great smile.”
A Career Beyond Adult Film
Ford’s talents extended well beyond adult entertainment. In 2005, he starred in the acclaimed documentary Naked Fame, which chronicled his attempt to transition from porn star to mainstream music artist. The film offered an intimate look at the challenges LGBTQ+ performers face when trying to rebrand outside of adult entertainment, and it cemented Ford’s place as a cultural figure of depth and ambition.
He released multiple singles and albums over the years, including his debut album Tug of War in 2008, followed by subsequent projects that fused club beats with personal storytelling. That same year, he performed as part of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors Tour,” aligning his voice and image with a broader push for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Ford also appeared in various film and television projects. His acting credits include Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!, The Lair, and The Next Best Thing, according to IMDb. He frequently embraced roles that explored queer identity, desire, and resilience — themes that mirrored his own life journey.
An Enduring Legacy in LGBTQ+ Culture
Colton Ford’s passing comes during a year of notable losses within the adult entertainment industry. In March, legendary performer Tim Kruger died in a tragic accident, followed by the death of porn star Damien Stone in April at just 32 years old. Ford’s death is another painful blow to the queer community, particularly for those who saw him as a pioneer and an example of how one could authentically live multiple lives — as an adult performer, a singer, an actor, and a role model.
Tim Wood, another veteran of the industry, also paid tribute to Ford in a moving post, writing, “He was a brilliant artist who always kept a song in his heart. Sweet, funny, kind, sassy — and hopelessly handsome.”
Ford’s ability to move fluidly between genres and careers — often in the face of stigma — made him a powerful symbol of resilience and self-expression. In many ways, his career challenged the traditional boundaries imposed on adult performers, especially those who are openly gay.
Looking Forward With Gratitude
Though the circumstances surrounding Colton Ford’s death remain unconfirmed, what is certain is the profound impact he had on queer media, representation, and visibility. From his early days in adult film to his ambitious music and acting ventures, Ford leaves behind a legacy marked by courage, reinvention, and a refusal to be boxed in.
