Colton Ford — born Glenn Soukesian — a beloved figure in the gay adult entertainment world and an accomplished musician, has passed away at age 62. His death on Monday, 19 May, was confirmed by friends and colleagues through heartfelt social media tributes shared the following day.
Originally from Pasadena, California, Ford was born in October 1962 and launched his adult film career in 2001 at the age of 40. Over more than two decades, he became one of the most recognisable names in the gay adult industry, with credits from 2001 to 2023. His work included collaborations with major studios such as Falcon Studios, MRS Releasing, RawFuckClub, All Worlds, and Mustang.
In 2003, Ford was honoured with a GayVN Award for Gay Performer of the Year, sharing the title with fellow performer Michael Brandon.
Tributes From Friends and Industry Peers
Tributes have poured in across social media. Director and drag performer Chi Chi LaRue (Larry David Paciotti) shared:
“I’m So Shocked and Saddened to Hear and Report the sudden passing of my friend and Icon Glen aka Colton Ford! You will missed! Keep Singing In Heaven!”
Tim Wood, a close friend, revealed details surrounding Ford’s death in a Facebook post:
“With a very heavy heart I share this tragic news… Glenn was involved in a tragic hiking accident this past weekend that took his life. He was a brilliant artist who always kept a song in his heart. Sweet, funny, kind, sassy – and hopelessly handsome… I can’t stop the flood of tears. Sing with the angels, my beautiful, special soul. I love you.”
Adult film actor Dallas Steele also paid tribute, reflecting on their professional and personal connection:
“It is with great sadness, I share word of the passing of my friend Glenn, who you may have known as porn star and singer Colton Ford. Few details have been shared, but sources say he died from an accident on a hiking trail in Palm Springs…
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.”
Author Matthew Rettenmund also acknowledged Ford’s death, resharing tributes from LaRue and Wood.
A Career Beyond Pornography
Ford’s creative talents extended far beyond adult entertainment. He acted in titles such as Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!, The Lair, and The Next Best Thing. Music fans will remember his appearance in Cyndi Lauper’s 2008 video for “Into the Nightlife.”
As a recording artist, Ford released a series of albums and EPs, starting with Tug of War in 2008 and concluding with Permission in October 2023. Some of his most popular tracks included Let Me Live Again, All My Love, and Just the Way I Am—the latter featuring rapper Cazwell.
His last single, Handle It, was released in May 2023.
A Lasting Digital Presence
Ford built a large following on social media, including 136,000 fans on Facebook alone. His profiles on Instagram (@therealcoltonf) and X (@therealcoltonf) reflected both his professional work and his personal warmth. He also maintained an OnlyFans account, which had been taken down prior to his passing.
His final social media posts, shared on 28 April 2024, promoted an interview with Tim Murphy on the Caftan Chronicles Substack, titled “Colton Ford Is a Giver And Desires to Receive in Return.”
