Colton Ford's peers and friends honor a 'sweet, funny, talented' man
Colton Ford was pronounced dead on Tuesday, May 20 through early social media posts shared by friends, peers, and loved ones mourning his passing. Otherwise known as Glenn Soukesian to many people who knew him on a personal and/or professional level, Ford had a 20-year career as an adult film star and was 62 years old at the time of death.
Besides his work in the gay adult film industry, Ford was an actor, singer, and model who collaborated with queer icons such as Chi Chi LaRue, Cazwell, Cyndi Lauper, and Todd Stephens. To honor this beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community, Out compiled a list of notable reactions to Ford's passing that highlights not only the artist and performer, but also the man who will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
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Billy L'Amour Wigs wrote via Instagram (@billylamour):
"I still can't believe this sweet, soulful angel is gone.
When I got the call Tuesday morning, I was shocked, devastated and honestly, angry. Why Glen? He was so healthy, so kind, so talented, so strong, and so deeply loved by so many. A true pillar of our community.
He was also just starting such an exciting new chapter in his life. Vibrant, inspired and ready for all the opportunities that were coming his way. His eyes were twinkling, and he was like a little boy, so ready to play, to sing, to create. I guess it's better to go out on top… (No pun intended.)
I'd known Glen for a couple of years, but we really bonded during our run as Mr. Gatch and Hedy LaRue in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Our first scene together always got a lot of laughs. Every night we'd play in the that scene, always right on the edge of cracking each other up. That kind of connection is rare.
We had so much fun that we started working on a cabaret act. I'm so grateful for that time, just the two of us on his couch, singing, laughing, creating, sharing, being. We were so present with each other. I knew it then but I know it even more now that time with him was such a gift.
I treasure this show we were working on. When I sing the songs I can feel him singing with me. That sweet soulful angel. It's funny how appropriate some of the songs he wanted to perform are now that he is gone. Missing You by Diana Ross."
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Mark Nelson
Mark Nelson wrote via Facebook:
"Glenn made some pretty sweet videos. Here' his Joe Oppedisano directed 'That's Me' featuring Cazwell. Colton Ford's music is timeless."
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Steven Michael wrote via Instagram (@iamstevenmichael):
"It's truly a hard pill to swallow when a great loss provides you space and time to appreciate life even more than you had before. To say I will miss Glenn is an understatement… Here are a few words and frames of times we shared. I miss you, Mister. X
And to think I'll never photograph you again breaks my heart even more. You were such a beautiful man. It was a joy and honor to share life together."
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Tim Wood
Tim Wood wrote via Facebook:
"With a very heavy heart I share this tragic news. While we don't have all the details, I never would have dreamed that the photo below of Glenn Soukesian (Colton Ford) and I from 3 weeks ago would be our last. 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. My heart is broken — it's almost too much to take. One of my best friends, a man who helped save my life many years ago. I miss you terribly… I can't stop the flood of tears. Sing with the angels, my beautiful, special soul. I love you."
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Kila Packett wrote via Instagram (@kilapackett):
"In 2014, the brilliant playwright @harrisondavidrivers gifted me a play that I co-produced with Studio C Artists, directed by @john.coppola.792. During auditions we met a lot of actors, but when Glenn walked into the theatre there was immediate chemistry. Working on this play with Glenn was explosive, intimate, and heartbreaking. I could not have shared the stage with a more passionate, kind, and professional human being. You will be missed dear friend."
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Aaron Casserly Stewart
Aaron Casserly Stewart wrote via Facebook:
"Absolutely gutted to learn today that my guy Glenn Soukesian (Colton Ford) went to the spirit world this past weekend.
He was absolutely instrumental in helping me through my father's death & I'm honored to have worked with him on seven of his music projects with Larry Peace & manage him for three years.
You were a beautiful soul & a beautiful person Glenn. I will never forget you.Thank you for everything. Sending love beyond words. Fly high my friend."
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Marcus Purnell
Marcus Purnell wrote via Facebook:
"Good night old friend… Our community lost a legend. You were a joy to know, share the stage with in Seattle, Miami and San Francisco and laugh so hard. You certainly knew how to live large Colton Ford and sing it loud! You will be so missed Glenn…"
X/Twitter (@ChadJamesSpeaks)
Chad James wrote via X/Twitter.
Chad James wrote via X (@ChadJamesSpeaks):
"Colton Ford RIP. Always admired his work from porn to singer/actor."
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Benoni A Johnson
Benoni A Johnson wrote via Facebook:
"RIP Gay Icon and True Legend. Colton Ford."
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Mark Frazer wrote via Instagram (@frazermark):
"I can't even begin to scratch the surface in a post here about my friend Glenn @therealcoltonf The larger than life Colton Ford was Glenn to me. I can say this, in my life I have a small collection of friends, a handful if you will, and I call these people my Most favorite people in the World and Glenn was one of them. I was just going over my texts to him and I told him that every time I am in his presence he elevates my soul that he takes me to a higher place and to me it feels Spiritual. Glenn loved to sing, it was his passion, and I was very lucky that he would share his music with me for a first listen.
A light in my life is gone. I had just heard from him last Thursday. My heart is broken. 'Goodbye Glenn Soukesian / From the young man in the twenty second row / Who sees you as something as more than sexual / More than just our Colton Ford.'"
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Ruthie Keester
Ruthie Keester wrote via Facebook:
"So shocked to hear about the passing of Colton Ford. Such a great guy. I opened for him many years ago, and he was so kind, down to earth, and awesome. (Here we are with my co-host for the night, Jon Alan Bauer.)"
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X/Twitter user @wondermann5 wrote:
"Rest in Peace, Colton Ford"
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Tym Moss
Tym Moss wrote via Facebook:
"I was shocked to find out of the untimely passing of my buddy, Colton Ford. He always had the best laugh. Not afraid of controversy, he was a tough guy with a tender heart."
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Frank Rodriguez via Instagram (@frankr0d):
"Heartbroken to hear about the passing of @therealcoltonf at age 62 from a tragic hiking accident over the weekend. I got to meet Glenn Soukesian (Colton's real name) at a Folsom Street Fair event in 2006 where this photo was taken. He was a sweetheart with a great singing voice. Rest in perfection, Glenn."
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Gabe Ruby Murray
Gabe Ruby Murray wrote via Facebook:
"So sad old friend RIP @Glenn Colton Ford."
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Bill Coleman wrote via Instagram (@peacebisquit):
"Rest in power to our former client — actor, singer, songwriter Glenn Soukesian pka Colton Ford.
@peacebisquit worked with Ford from 2007-2014 during three album cycles and we remain proud of the work we did and the music and art we created (over four albums, 2 calendars, numerous music videos, performances, millions of You Tube views, press and featured appearances).
Here's a tribute 'Best Of' Colton Ford playlist highlighting our vast work together."
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Adam Sank
Adam Sank wrote via Facebook:
"I'm very sad to hear of the untimely passing of adult film star-turned-pop star Colton Ford, who was 62. I didn't know Colton personally, but he was a guest on my podcast back in 2021, and I was always a fan. His cover of REM's 'Losing My Religion' will always be one of my all-time faves. Rest in Peace, sweet man."
X/Twitter (@DallasSteeleXXX)
Dallas Steele via X/Twitter.
Dallas Steele via X/Twitter (@DallasSteeleXXX):
"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.
I met Glenn when he first moved to Palm Springs a few years ago. Though he 'retired' from shooting commercial studio porn, l asked him to do an Only Fans with me, and he agreed. 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.
In 2023, Glenn asked if I'd appear with him in a series of mid-century modern style gay erotic photos with him and a man way younger than both of us. It was a wonderful day with photographer Jay Jorgensen. Sadly Jay took his own life a few months later. But I'll never forget the fun we had onset that day together.
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."
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Chi Chi LaRue
Chi Chi LaRue (a.k.a. Larry David Paciotti), wrote via Facebook:
"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!"
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André Dogão wrote via X/Twitter (@AndreDogao1965), translated from Portuguese:
"One of my biggest porn idols from the 1990s has passed away. He was very inspiring to me — Colton Ford! RIP."
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Christopher Trepinski
Christopher Trepinski wrote via Facebook:
"I'm so grateful we got to have dinner in November.
My heart is broken. You lived with such passion, unapologetically. You had SO MUCH love to share. I admired you in every way. I looked up to you. You embodied all the virtues of kindness, empathy, work ethic, charm, and silliness that I aspire to and always felt so much lighter and hopeful after one of our catch-ups.
Thank you for sharing your dreams, enthusiasm, positivity, light, and love for life with me. I'll miss hearing your voice and seeing that grin. It always lit up the room.
RIP Glenn Soukesian, AKA Colton Ford (If anyone hears of a celebration of life in NYC, please let me know)."
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Walter Kurtz wrote via Instagram (@walterkurtzphotography):
"R.I.P Glenn."
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