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Glenn Soukesian (October 12, 1962 – May 19, 2025), known professionally as Colton Ford, was an American singer and pornographic film actor. Ford began his adult film career at age 40, making twelve pornographic videos in 10 months before leaving the industry in 2002 to refocus on his musical pursuits. Ford garnered attention for his distinctly muscular image and was recognized for his work, earning the Grabby Award for Best Group Sex Scene in Conquered (2002) and the GayVN Award for Gay Performer of the Year in 2003.

Key Information

As a recording artist, Ford released five studio albums since 2008 that blend his roots in R&B and soul with dance music elements. Among his singles, his collaboration with Pepper MaShay on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" (2004) and "Let Me Live Again" (2011) both charted on Billboard's Dance Club Songs. Ford embraced his provocative image, often incorporated homoerotic elements in his music videos. In 2011, he was named in AfterElton.com's "Top 50 Gay Male Musicians".

Beyond the adult film industry, Ford became known for the 2005 documentary Naked Fame, which chronicled his transition into mainstream entertainment, and his role as Sheriff Trout of the gay-themed TV series The Lair (2007–2009). He made cameo appearances in several LGBT-related feature films throughout the 2000s, before making his off-Broadway debut in 2011 with Little House on the Ferry. Ford died in 2025 at the age of 62 due to a hiking accident.

Early life

[edit]

Ford was born Glenn Soukesian[1][2] in Pasadena, California.[3][4] He was of Armenian descent through his father's side, and also had Italian, Swedish, French, and English ancestry.[5][3] Ford grew up in a conservative community in Mission Viejo.[6][5][3] His father divorced his mother and left when Ford was three, only reconnecting with him at age sixteen, a separation he later cited as the root of his abandonment issues.[5][7][8] His mother remarried when he was around four, and worked as a secretary.[5][8] During these formative years, he developed a close bond with his mother and grandparents.[5][7]

As a child, Ford learned violin and guitar, and later honed his performance skills in musical theater while in school, notably playing Emile de Becque in South Pacific, and Reverend Hale in The Crucible.[9][3][10] Upon graduating high school, Ford's family wanted him to be an engineer and dissuaded him from pursuing music professionally, leading him to briefly attend California State University, Fullerton for a year.[4][6][8] Nevertheless, he soon landed a gig in a dinner theater nightclub, where he performed show tunes, R&B, and blue-eyed soul with a group of singers.[9][11] This was followed by performing in a jazz quartet called "High Society",[12][13] who frequently opened for Wayland and Madame, and comedian David Brenner in Las Vegas.[3][9] He also did commercial jingle work, and performed on cruise ships.[3] "Having covered the gamut of different types of performing, singing is something I've always enjoyed," Ford remarked.[3]

Career

[edit]

Pornography and modeling

[edit]
Blake Harper (pictured in 2008), Ford's then-boyfriend, introduced him to the adult film industry

During the early 2000s, Ford managed a volunteer program for the Wells Fargo bank,[5][10] and had two years of experience with nude modeling for several coffee table books.[9][14] At the age of 39, he ventured into the adult film industry while dating pornographic film actor Blake Harper.[5][6] When Harper's scene partner could not travel from New York City to Palm Springs due to the effects of September 11 attacks, he asked Ford if he would step in.[9][6] Feeling unfulfilled with his corporate job and wanting to draw attention to his music, Ford accepted.[10][6] Their scenes were taped and released by All Worlds Video in 2001, entitled PornStruck 2.[15][6] Ford's pseudonym "Colton" was inspired by the California city he often drove through on his way to Palm Springs.[10][16]: 24:08  The surname "Ford" was adopted on the advice of Chi Chi Larue, who suggested a name as strong as a car brand.[10][16]: 24:08  Beyond commercial video pornography, Ford and Harper spent three months working as webcam models, allowing monthly-paid voyeurs access and interaction via live chat rooms.[17][18]

Ford signed exclusively with All Worlds in December 2001,[19] and made twelve pornographic videos within a 10-month period before his retirement the following year.[6][20] These videos were produced and distributed by various studios in over three years, until 2003,[7] including All Worlds Video, Mustang (a subsidiary of Falcon), MRS Videos, and Men of Odyssey.[21][20] His adult film career garnered several accolades. In 2002, Ford shared the GayVN Award for Gay Performer of the Year with actor Michael Brandon.[22] His group scene in Conquered (2001), a video directed by LaRue,[23] received a GayVN Award nomination and won a Grabby Award.[22][24] It was also recognized by the Hard Choice Award as one of the year's best sex scenes.[25] Ford received a Grabby nomination for Best Performer in 2002,[26] and two more GayVN Awards nominations for his collaboration in Aftershock: Part 2 (2002) and Prowl 3 (2003).[27][28]

In July 2002, Ford decided to leave the industry to refocus on his musical ambitions.[14][8] He considered his foray into the adult film industry a fulfilled fantasy,[7][14] asserting that it was nothing to be ashamed of and offered him both a larger audience and unique advantages.[6][1] "I felt that I had gotten everything out of the experience that I needed and that it was time to move on and shift gears," he recalled.[14] He retained the pseudonym Colton Ford for his music releases, signaling his openness regarding his past pornography career.[29][30] Ford remained active in modeling years after his retirement; for instance, he was included in Joe Oppedisano's explicit photobook Uncensored (2008).[31] Oppedisano picked Ford as one of the biggest inspirations for the book.[31] In December 2010, Ford was featured on the cover of Attitude magazine's Sex Issue, one of eleven prominent male porn stars to pose for it.[30]

In 2021, at 58 years of age, Ford launched an OnlyFans page,[32][5] which served as an outlet for exclusive erotic content, such as daily vlogs and explicit edits of his music videos.[32][33] In November 2023, he participated in an OnlyFans video with adult film star Dallas Steele, titled Dallas Steele and Colton Ford: Two Porn Legends Together.[21][34] The video was also made available on the RawFuckClub website, marking Ford's first credited pornographic appearance in two decades.[34] In 2024, he closed his OnlyFans page, finding its demanding content creation too much for his age and priorities.[5]

Music

[edit]

1986–2005: Career beginning and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered"

[edit]
In 2004, Ford collaborated with American singer Pepper MaShay (pictured in 2012) on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", which peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play

In 1986, Ford moved to Los Angeles, where he joined Jon St. James' production company, performing with notable artists like Keith Sweat and Chaka Khan.[9][35] Under the pseudonym Glenn Street, he released the single "Hardline" through On the Spot Records in 1988.[6][36] Produced by James, the track was described as a "gritty technopop number" by Bill Coleman of Billboard.[36] By 1990, he signed with Mighty Productions, leading to a collaboration with American DJ Frankie Knuckles.[37][35] Although Ford was slated to be featured on Knuckles' 1995 album, Welcome to the Real World, the plans were scrapped due to issues at Virgin Records and Adeva ultimately replaced his role.[1][9][12] Further music deals, including one with Virgin in 1999 and another with Third Stone Records, also fell through.[38][9][12] At 39 years old, believing he was no longer "label material", Ford ventured into adult films with Harper in 2001 to garner more attention for his music.[9][39] He maintained his creative output, continuing to write and record material while unsigned.[6][40]

Ford stepped away from adult filmmaking in 2003 to release "Everything", a dance-oriented single.[40][38] Following this, Ford collaborated with singer-songwriter Pepper MaShay on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" (2004), a cover of Stevie Wonder's 1970 single.[29][41] Produced by Mac Quayle, Ralphi Rosario, and Solar City, this house-influenced track was dubbed "a formula for success" by Keith Caulfield of Billboard.[42] The single reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in April 2004[43][44] and number 25 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart the following month.[45] Ford and MaShay performed the track throughout the summer of 2004.[46][35] "It's kind of a no brainer, a classic song that everyone loves and it's a happy up song", Ford said.[46] The making of "Everything" and Ford's career shift from adult film back to music were chronicled in Christopher Long's 2005 film, Naked Fame.[40][35] Both "Everything" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" were subsequently included on the soundtrack album released by Centaur Music.[47]

2007–2025: Debut album and later work

[edit]

Ford signed with Outsider Music[12] and released his debut album, Tug of War (2008), with R&B, house and funk influences.[1][48] Ford began working on the album in 2006,[30] with the tracks were written and composed by Ford and record producer Quentin Harris.[49] Billboard called the album "a steel-solid second act", while Metro Weekly lauded Harris' sensual production as its central strength.[50][49] Three singles were released from the album with their respective music videos: "Tug of War",[51][52] "That's Me" (featuring Cazwell),[50][53] and "The Way You Love Me".[54][55] The latter single was distributed by Lucas Entertainment in 2007.[56] Also in 2008, Ford was featured in Cyndi Lauper's music video for "Into the Nightlife"[57] and performed on her True Colors Tour.[58] His 2009 second studio album, Under the Covers, featured the dance covers from a variety of genres.[1][59] The singer aimed to capture both the integrity of the original songs and his spirit on the album.[60] His covers of Britney Spears' "Trouble" (2008)[61] and R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" (1991)[62][63] were released as singles in 2009. He was a featured singer on Chris Reece's The Divine Circle and Mischa Daniels's Where You Wanna Go, both in 2010.[37]

Released in June 2013, Ford's third album, The Way I Am, incorporated a blend of dance, electronica, and R&B.[64][65][11] He collaborated with producers such as Chris Willis and NERVO on the album, whose songs address themes of sex, romantic relationships, and self-love.[64][66] The album's uptempo lead single, "Let Me Live Again", reached number 41 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.[67][43] Ford subsequently released his EP Next Chapter in 2015.[21] In 2016, Ford relocated from New York City to Los Angeles and departed from his management company.[2] That same year, he released Glenn Soukesian, an R&B and soul album he considered a personal project.[2] Ford temporarily stepped away from his music career following his mother's death and a challenging breakup.[68] He returned in 2020 with the four-song EP Unity, which he wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic, centering its themes on unification, internal strength, and the right to freedom.[68][33][7] The project was created by Ford and two creative partners, Ron Schrader and Spin Sista, known collectively as Woop Woop Productions.[68] To promote "Stay", one of the tracks from the EP, Ford created an OnlyFans page and released an uncensored edit of its music video on the platform.[32] His fifth and final album, Permission (2023), contains R&B and pop songs that delve into themes of lustful encounters, the joys and sorrows of love, and infidelity.[37][39]

Film, television, and theater

[edit]

During his pornography career, Ford made cameo appearances in two LGBT-related feature films: he was credited as Glenn Sakazian in The Next Best Thing (2000), directed by John Schlesinger;[21][69] and featured in Dirk Shafer's Circuit (2001).[21][70] When Ford took a break from the adult film industry, he was introduced to Christopher Long, who found Ford's story compelling and believed it worthy of a film.[40] Ford agreed to have his nine-month journey from the adult film industry to writing and recording his single "Everything" documented.[40][29] The result was the documentary film Naked Fame, produced by Long's Hard Sell Productions.[40][71] The film was screened at various festivals in 2004, followed by a limited theatrical run in 2005.[72][17] Kurt B. Reighley of The Advocate noted that the chemistry between Ford and Harper compensated for the film's uneven pacing and cinematography.[73] Cameron Scheetz of Queerty wrote that it well-encapsulated Ford's talent and drive for success.[74] Ford made an uncredited cameo appearance and contributed "Everything" to the soundtrack of Hellbent (2004).[21][40][75][76]

When Regent Releasing acquired Naked Fame for distribution, Ford became associated with Here TV and received a script for a cameo role on Dante's Cove, an LGBTQ-oriented soap opera from the network.[38] He was subsequently contacted by the casting director for The Lair and offered a part on that show instead.[38] He accepted, playing the role of Trout, a closeted sheriff attempting to solve a mystery in a small island community.[77][78] The supernatural thriller series debuted in June 2007 on Here TV.[78][77] Fred Olen Ray, the show's creator, intended the role of Trout to be nonsexual and to serve as the voice of reason for the show, which Ford found suited him well for demonstrating his acting abilities.[78][79][3] Filming for the series took place in Los Angeles.[3] His role was expanded in the second season, and Ford reprised the role for a third season in 2009.[79][80] Lawrence Ferber of The Advocate dubbed the role as Ford's "mainstream acting debut", citing him as one of the reasons to watch the show.[81] Ford went on to be a featured panelist on Here TV's resident chat show Threesome.[64][82] Ford appeared in a cameo role as Butch Hunk, an escort hired for a threesome, in Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild! (2008).[83] In 2019, Ford was featured in The (Art) Of Be(i)ng, an art-house film by JB Ghuman Jr. that was screened at the Sundance Film Festival and OutFest Philadelphia.[84]

Ford made his off-Broadway debut in 2011 in the musical theatre Little House on the Ferry, a gay love story set in the summer resort of Fire Island Pines, New York.[85][86] He played Max, a Pied Piper-like figure who leads young gay men to an underwear party.[10][87] Described the role as "sexy and surprisingly smart", Ford dedicated the performance to his mother.[10][87] The play included eleven original songs, which were released as an album by the original cast.[88] "After Hours" was released as a single featuring his vocals.[10][89] The show ran in New York from November 3 until November 20, 2011.[85] In May and June 2014, Ford starred as a gay partner in the Los Angeles production of Harrison David Rivers' And All The Dead, Lie Down.[37][90] In May 2012, Ford participated in the New York production of Match Game Live, a staged version of the popular TV game show, where contestants engage in a game of innuendo and wordplay with celebrities.[91]

Artistry

[edit]
Ford during the video shoot for his single "That's Me" in October 2007. He was known to incorporate homoerotic elements in his music videos.

Ford cited R&B recording artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight as his primary musical influences.[3][60] He also praised Olivia Newton-John for her vocals, calling her "a complete package".[60] He identified R&B and soul as his musical roots,[60][2][65] influences distinctly audible in songs from Tug of War[49][65] and Glenn Soukesian.[2] However, he was well-known for his dance music,[29][60][92] a genre he favored for its welcoming space for artists outside major label norms and its resonance with the gay community.[9][29] Dance elements are prominently featured on Under the Covers,[65][60] and The Way I Am.[64][66] Rule noted that despite his initial dance-pop singles, Ford appeared to prefer recognition as a blue-eyed soul or R&B-flavored pop singer.[49]

Although Ford naturally spoke in a baritone, his singing voice spanned a tenor range.[3][93] He developed this fuller, wider vocal sound from a natural high voice in his youth by learning to relax his throat through vocal coaching.[3] Music critics frequently praised his singing in their reviews.[49][12][42] Rich Lopez of Dallas Voice lauded his melisma on The Way I Am,[92] while Rule opined that despite occasional straining for higher notes, his vocal performance on Tug of War was "better than many contemporary pop stars".[49] J. Poet of Gay.com highlighted his supple vocals, noting the classic R&B feel, "seductive high end and shimmering melismas."[94] However, the overall reception to Ford's music was mixed; both Billboard's Chuck Taylor and Lopez felt his sex appeal overshadowed his decent musical efforts.[95][54] Daniel Villarreal of Queerty and the writers of Dallas Voice dismissed the generic and dated dance production on Under the Covers,[59][96] while Lopez and Raj Rudolph of EQ Music viewed The Way I Am as an improvement and effectively making a case for Ford's ascension in the dance genre.[66][92]

A self-proclaimed exhibitionist,[97][39] Ford was known to incorporate homoerotic elements in his music videos.[67][3][97][13] For instance, the black and white video for "Let Me Live Again" drew inspiration from Tom of Finland's artwork,[67] while in "Handle It", he appears as one of the go-go boys at a gay nightclub.[37][39] Suggestive content can also be found in the videos for "The Way You Love Me",[54] "That's Me",[53] "Losing My Religion",[59] "All My Love",[98] and "Stay".[8] The singer believed sexual imagery served as an impactful statement that leaves a lasting impression.[8] He dismissed the criticism towards his erotic videos, asserting a double standard for male and female sexuality representation and proclaiming his inherent sensual nature.[3][8][39][13]

Public image

[edit]

Ford has been considered one of the most prolific gay pornographic stars of the early 2000s.[14][20][99][100] Publications such as Out and AVN referred to him as a legendary gay porn star.[21][20] He is known for his distinct "muscle daddy" image,[59][10][64][101] prompting Lopez to opine that "Ford is to gay porn muscle-daddies what Meryl Streep is to mainstream movie actresses".[60] Cybersocket stated that he "made an indelible imprint in the industry" with his beloved masculine image.[102] J. C. Adams, writing for AVN, praised his presence in Colton (2002), calling him a "walking wet dream".[103] Ford himself noted that his distinct look set him apart from many other performers at the time.[14][16]: 23:55  He also credited his success to Harper and LaRue, highlighting their popularity and how working with them made him feel safe and comfortable.[3][16]: 23:10 

Ford was recognized as a multifaceted entertainer who successfully transitioned from adult entertainment into mainstream media.[104][100][11][105] Pink TV declared him one of the world's most famous American gay personalities,[106] and AfterElton.com listed him as one of their "Top 50 Gay Male Musicians".[107] He was included in OutQ's Top 100 artists list in 2005.[108] Weho Times and Gayety recognized him as an influential figure in LGBTQ+ entertainment.[109][105] Hotspots Magazine stated that he represented the LGBTQ community with a unique sense of diversity and acceptance for his generation.[110]

Personal life and death

[edit]

Ford's parents accepted both his homosexuality and his pornography career.[5] His mother died from cancer in 2013 at the age of 69.[68][5] A strong advocate for therapy, he had been attending sessions since age 30, a practice he was exposed to as a child through his mother's lifelong engagement with therapy.[5] He viewed therapy as a way to connect with his inner self, and examine past experiences.[5][8] In addition to his entertainment career, Ford had been a personal trainer since 2002.[5][111][112] He worked out three or four days a week, with each session lasting two hours.[3][9][111] Up until his death in 2025, he trained clients at a local gym in Palm Springs.[5][112] Ford supported Joe Biden in the 2020 United States presidential election, expressing that he could "feel his empathy, commitment, and concern".[68] He also criticized the LGBTQ conservatism movement,[68][5] and disparaged Republican nominee Donald Trump as "the quintessential example of narcissistic personality disorder".[68]

Ford started dating Blake Harper in 2001,[6] a pairing Brady Jansen of AVN hailed as "arguably the biggest gay porn power couple ever."[20] Their relationship, as Adams observed, was instrumental in elevating both men to A-list status within the industry.[113] Ford stated that despite public perceptions of pornographic actors, he and Harper were "two down-to-earth, genuine guys who are just trying to figure life out".[73] He dedicated "Love Has Found A Way", a ballad from his debut album, to Harper.[18] However, they split in April 2007 when Ford moved to New York to pursue his entertainment career,[114] while Harper returned to Canada to continue his nursing profession.[16][106] In August 2024, Ford dated his Aftershock: Part 2 co-star, Matthew Rush.[115]

On May 18, 2025, Ford was last seen before embarking on a hike on the Goat Trails in Palm Springs, California.[116] The following day, May 19, Palm Springs police received a report of a missing hiker.[116] Later that evening, Ford, aged 62, was found deceased on the hiking trail, having died in a hiking accident.[116][21][117] The coroner's office ruled out foul play, but no information on the possible cause of death was made available.[116] Although the coroner's office did not release the man's identity, friends and colleagues confirmed Ford's identity and paid tribute to him to multiple outlets and on social media,[116][21] including LaRue, Steele, and Matthew Rettenmund.[118]

Filmography

[edit]

Pornographic

[edit]
Title Year Studio Directors Ref.
Conquered 2001 All Worlds Video Chi Chi LaRue [23]
PornStruck 2 Doug Jeffries [15]
Aftershock: Part 1 2002 Mustang Chi Chi LaRue [119][120]
Aftershock: Part 2 [119][121]
Head Games [122][123]
Bearing Leather All Worlds Video Doug Jeffries [124]
Bringing Out Brother [125]
Colton All Worlds Video Chi Chi LaRue [103][126]
Closed Set: The New Crew MSR Videos Joe Gage [127]
Prowl 3: Genuine Leather 2003 Tony Alizzi [128]
Gang Bang Café Men of Odyssey Chi Chi LaRue [129]
Still Untamed All Worlds Video [130][131]
Dallas Steele and Colton Ford: Two Porn Legends Together 2023 RawFuckClub Dallas Steele [34]

Non-pornographic

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2000 The Next Best Thing Glen Feature film [69]
2001 Circuit Video Circuit Man Feature film, uncredited [117]
2004 Naked Fame Himself Documentary film [71]
Hellbent Nickname Band Member, uncredited Feature film [21]
2008 Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild! Butch Hunk Feature film [83]
"Into the Nightlife" – Music video [57]
2007–2009 The Lair Sheriff Trout TV series, 28 episodes [79]
2019 The (Art) Of Be(i)ng – Feature film [84]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
List of studio albums
Title Album details
Tug of War[48][132]
  • Released: February 19, 2007
  • Label: Outsider Music
  • Formats: Digital download, CD
Under the Covers[1][133]
  • Released: September 1, 2009
  • Label: Peace Bisquit
  • Formats: Digital download, CD
The Way I Am[66][134][135]
  • Released: June 18, 2013
  • Label: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming, CD
Glenn Soukesian[2][136]
  • Released: March 30, 2016
  • Label: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
Permission[37][137]
  • Released: June 6, 2023
  • Label: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays
Title Album details
Next Chapter[138]
  • Released: December 4, 2014
  • Label: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
Let Me Live Again / The Music Always Gets You Back[139]
  • Released: November 11, 2011
  • Labels: Peace Bisquit / Woop Woop
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
Unity[33][7][140]
  • Released: November 21, 2020
  • Labels: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, showing chart positions and selected albums
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Dance
[44][43] 		US
Dance
Sales
[45]
"Everything"[38] 2003 – – Naked Fame
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered"[29][141]
(featuring Pepper MaShay) 		2004 9 25
"The Way You Love Me"[54][142] 2007 – – Tug of War
"Tug of War (My Heart Won't Let Go)"[51] 2008 –
"That's Me"[50][143]
(featuring Cazwell) 		– –
"Trouble"[61] 2009 – – Under the Covers
"Losing My Religion"[62][63] – –
"Let Me Live Again"[67][144] 2011 41 – Non-album single
"Look My Way"[145][146] 2014 – – The Way I Am
"Will I Ever Be"[147] 2017 – – Non-album single
"Stronger"[148][68] 2020 – – Unity
"Stay"[149][32] 2021 – –
"Unity"[150][33] – –
"The Way"[151][152] 2022 – – Non-album single
"Handle It"[37][153] 2023 – – Permission

Theatre

[edit]
  • 2012: Little House on the Ferry[85]
  • 2014: And All the Dead, Lie Down[37]
  • 2019: Match Game Live[91]

Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2001 Conquered Hard Choice Award for The Year's Best Sex[25][a] Won
2002 Grabby Award for Best Group Sex Scene[24][b] Won
GayVN Award for Best Group Scene[22][b] Nominated
Colton Ford Grabby Awards for Best Performer[26] Nominated
Mr. All Worlds Bear[19] Won
2003 GayVN Awards for Gay Performer of the Year[154][c] Won
Prowl 3 GayVN Awards for Best Sex Scene[28][a] Nominated
2004 Aftershock: Part 2 GayVN Award for Best Group Scene[27][d] Nominated

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Colton Ford

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Glenn Soukesian (October 12, 1962 – May 19, 2025), known professionally as Colton Ford, was an American , model, , and gay performer. Born in , Ford initially pursued a music career before entering the adult film industry at age 39 in 2001, where he appeared in about a dozen productions over roughly one year. He subsequently pivoted to mainstream , releasing country-dance and singles such as "" and "All About Us," and collaborating on tracks like Cyndi Lauper's "Into the Nightlife," while also taking on acting roles in projects including the horror series . Ford's transition from adult films to music and acting was documented in the 2005 reality series Naked Fame, highlighting his efforts to establish a legitimate career.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Glenn Soukesian, who later adopted the professional name Colton Ford, was born on October 12, 1962, in Pasadena, California. His surname reflects Armenian origins, consistent with the cultural roots of the name deriving from Armenian linguistic elements related to trade or market activities. Soukesian grew up in the Pasadena area of Southern California during his early years, though specific details on parental occupations or siblings remain undocumented in public records or interviews. His heritage as an Armenian-American informed aspects of his personal identity, as noted in posthumous tributes describing enduring cultural ties from childhood.

Pre-Professional Pursuits

Ford attended high school in the area, where he developed an early interest in performance arts, learning to sing and while participating in a group called the Syncopators as a singer and pianist. Following graduation, despite familial pressure to study engineering, Ford briefly enrolled in college but soon departed to pursue music and theater, securing a position at age 18 in a revue featuring six singers who performed show tunes, R&B, and numbers, including solos and musical theater selections. These early gigs in nightclubs and s honed his vocal and stage skills, drawing from prior experiences playing , guitar, and singing in choirs during school years.

Career

Entry into Adult Entertainment and Modeling

Colton Ford, born Glenn Soukesian, entered the adult film industry in 2001 at age 39, adopting his for performances. His debut aligned with a market preference for mature, muscular performers, where his 6-foot, over-200-pound physique positioned him as an archetype of the "alpha muscle daddy." This physical build, achieved through dedicated , enhanced his appeal in videos emphasizing strength and dominance, contributing to rapid popularity among viewers seeking realistic, rugged masculinity over youthful ideals. Over the next 10 months, Ford appeared in approximately 12 films, primarily with major studios including Falcon Studios, All Worlds Video, and . Notable early works included collaborations that showcased his partnered scenes, such as those with frequent co-star Blake Harper, reflecting industry trends toward serialized pairings for fan . These productions capitalized on high demand for explicit content featuring physically imposing figures, with Ford's output volume indicating strong initial reception and contractual momentum. In parallel, Ford pursued modeling opportunities, building on prior experience to secure cover features and promotional imagery. His 2002 cover modeling alongside Harper for adult publications further amplified visibility, leveraging their real-life relationship for authentic that boosted sales in a competitive sector favoring relatable narratives. This dual track of filming and modeling established Ford's early footprint, driven by empirical metrics like video distribution volumes from reputable studios, though specific sales figures remain proprietary.

Music Career and Releases

Colton Ford transitioned into music production in the mid-2000s, releasing his debut single "" featuring Pepper MaShay in January 2004, which peaked at number 9 on the chart in April 2004 and number 25 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart the following month. This track marked his entry into the electronic and scenes, leveraging club play for visibility. Subsequent early singles, such as "Feel the Difference" in 2006, further established his presence in circuits, though without comparable chart peaks. Ford's first full-length album, , arrived in 2008 via , comprising 12 tracks blending R&B, house, and elements, all written and composed by Ford alongside producer DJ/Remixer . The release included singles like "Ready" and the title track, targeting dance and electronic audiences but achieving limited broader commercial traction beyond niche club remixes. Follow-up efforts included the covers album Under the Covers in 2009, featuring 18 reinterpretations of pop and soul standards in electronic arrangements. Later releases encompassed The Way I Am in 2013, an independent digital album emphasizing personal themes through structures; Glenn Soukesian in 2016, named after his and exploring introspective electronic sounds; and Permission in 2023, his final studio effort spanning , , and relational narratives in house-infused tracks. Notable collaborations persisted, including "Let Me Live Again" with Pepper MaShay in 2011, which also charted on Billboard's . Ford's output remained confined to dance/electronic genres, with success metrics primarily in club charts rather than mainstream sales or airplay, reflecting a career sustained by targeted remixes and amid reliance on established for promotion.

Acting in Film, Television, and Theater

Colton Ford's acting career extended to mainstream film and television, where he portrayed supporting characters that often capitalized on his imposing physique and screen presence. In 2000, under his birth name Glenn Soukesian, he appeared as Glen in The Next Best Thing, a romantic comedy directed by John Schlesinger featuring Madonna as a single mother navigating surrogacy and Rupert Everett as her gay best friend; the film grossed $15.4 million domestically despite mixed reviews. Ford's most sustained television role came in the supernatural horror series The Lair, which aired on the Here! network from 2007 to 2009 across three seasons. He played Sheriff , a recurring authority figure investigating vampire-related mysteries in a gay club setting, contributing to 28 episodes amid the show's niche appeal to LGBT audiences. In film, Ford had roles in gay-themed projects such as Circuit (2001), a exploring the post-AIDS scene, and Hellbent (2005), a slasher horror set during a West Hollywood Halloween party, where his physicality suited action-oriented sequences. He also appeared in the comedy sequel Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild! (2008), parodying queer cinema tropes. These credits highlighted his crossover from niche entertainment, though opportunities remained limited by prior industry associations. Ford ventured into theater with an debut in 2011's Little House on the Ferry, a musical depicting a modern gay romance in Pines, marking an effort to expand into stage performance. Later stage work included a lead in And All the Dead, Lie Down in , though details on production scale and reception are sparse. No formal training beyond early dinner theater experiences is documented, and transitions to broader mainstream roles proved challenging given typecasting risks.

Later Fitness Training and Personal Training

Following his earlier pursuits in entertainment, Ford relocated to , where he established a professional practice as a during the 2010s and continued into the 2020s. He primarily operated out of Steel Gym, conducting sessions with local clients focused on strength and conditioning. Ford's clientele, drawn from the area's prominent LGBTQ+ community, benefited from his hands-on approach, which emphasized practical workout guidance tailored to individual goals. Trainees described his methods as informative, caring, and effective in fostering discipline and results, reflecting his sustained personal commitment to fitness maintained through regular training sessions three to four days weekly. Clients expressed strong appreciation for his dedication, noting the positive impact on their progress up through 2025.

Artistry

Musical Style and Influences

Colton Ford's musical style is characterized by a fusion of R&B and foundations with and elements, often described as "" derived from his early and quartet performances. This approach emphasizes smooth, emotive vocal deliveries that adapt to venue demands, ranging from intimate emotional conveyance to high-energy club presentations. His influences stem from 1960s and 1970s singer-songwriters and performers, including , , , , , Sarah Vaughn, , and , which inform his rhythmic authenticity and genre-blending versatility. Ford has explicitly rooted his sound in and R&B while embracing music's energetic production, as evidenced by 1990s major label deals with and collaborations with house pioneer . Lyrically, Ford's themes center on personal emotions of love, identity, and resilience, drawing directly from lived experiences to foster listener connection, as in covers like R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" or originals infused with narrative depth. Production techniques incorporate jazz and funk layers over electronic beats, seen in tracks like "Get To You" featuring Ultra Naté, where Ford's vocals layer resonant soul phrasing atop club-oriented rhythms for a dynamic, multifaceted sound.

Performance Techniques

Ford's performance techniques in music drew heavily from his prior experience in adult entertainment, where he cultivated a commanding physical presence characterized by confident and direct interaction. This translated to live shows, as seen in his 2005 debut showcase of the single "Everything," where he maintained energetic delivery and visual engagement suited to club environments. Reviewers highlighted his robust stage presence, marked by raw energy and an engaging personality that facilitated crowd connection during dance-oriented sets. In recorded outputs, Ford employed straightforward vocal techniques emphasizing power and clarity over intricate , paired with bold choreographed movements that showcased his athletic build—often integrating shirtless reveals or synchronized dancing to amplify visual appeal in videos like "" featuring . These elements reflected a approach, blending lip-synced with dynamic physicality to evoke high-energy club anthems, prioritizing rhythmic over complex footwork. Ford adapted similar physical expressiveness to theater, delivering standout ensemble work as Mr. Bratt in the Revolution Stage Company's March 2025 production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, where his portrayal relied on precise timing and exaggerated gestures to heighten comedic beats amid the cast's tempo-driven scenes.

Public Image

Media Portrayal and Fan Base

Colton Ford received coverage primarily in LGBTQ+-oriented media outlets, which highlighted his transition from adult film performer to and later fitness professional. Publications such as the in 2005 profiled a documentary depicting his efforts to exit the adult industry for music aspirations, framing him as an engaging figure seeking legitimacy beyond explicit content. Similarly, Windy City Times in 2008 examined his music debut album, noting his attempt to distance from a "penis-bearing past" while leveraging prior notoriety. His public image evolved from a 2000s-era associated with homoerotic appeal in videos to a more mature performer by the , as covered in Dallas Voice in 2013, which described his return to music at age 50 after a circuitous path. In later years, outlets like in 2023 portrayed him as an entertainer granting "permission" to fans through dance tracks, emphasizing club-oriented releases. By 2025, profiles shifted toward his role as a Palm Springs , reflecting a toned-down, fitness-focused . Ford's fan base centered on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in and club circuits, where he capitalized on recognition from adult films to build music listenership. Interviews indicated he targeted a broad audience but drew initial support from those familiar with his earlier work, with Tumblr's Wire Magazine in 2012 noting his confidence in converting porn-era fans. Dallas Voice observed widespread familiarity among , tying attendance at events to his output. Social media presence, including accounts with thousands of followers, sustained engagement in these demographics through promotional posts for tracks and tours.

Achievements and Recognition

Ford's debut single "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," featuring Pepper MaShay, peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in April 2004. His follow-up collaboration "Let Me Live Again" also charted on the same Billboard ranking in 2011. These releases marked his entry into dance music, with subsequent tracks produced in partnership with figures like Frankie Knuckles and Wawa. In the adult entertainment sector, Ford earned the GayVN Award for Performer of the Year in 2003. He also received a Grabby Award for Best Scene in 2002 for his performance in Conquered. These honors recognized his contributions during a career spanning over two decades in the industry prior to his pivot to .

Criticisms and Controversies

Ford's background in adult entertainment has been cited by observers as a barrier to establishing credibility as a serious recording artist, with reviewers noting the persistent stigma that complicates transitions to mainstream pursuits. A Windy City Times profile described his porn career as "a hard act to follow—literally," underscoring how early-2000s explicit videos continued to define public perception and potentially undermine musical reception despite his retention and embrace of homoerotic themes in videos. Similarly, a 2012 Album Confessions review acknowledged his talent but warned that "the decision to dive into the world of gay porn could keep listeners at a distance," reflecting broader audience hesitation tied to the medium's associations. Critics of the adult film industry, including former performers, have emphasized its long-term professional repercussions, with activist stating in a 2005 article that " follows you around for the rest of your life," a dynamic evident in Ford's repeated navigation of dual identities across music, , and fitness. This shadowing effect fueled perceptions of his music releases, such as the Feel the Difference, as extensions of a provocative persona rather than standalone artistic achievements, though Ford countered such views by highlighting his pre-porn musical ambitions dating to the . Participation in adult entertainment has also drawn conservative critiques regarding and societal hazards, including the normalization of explicit content that some argue erodes traditional values and contributes to cultural of sexuality, particularly within niche markets like . These perspectives, echoed in broader discourse on industry ethics, posit that performers like Ford exemplify risks of career paths involving high-visibility degradation, potentially leading to personal and public without commensurate long-term stability. Ford's own 2005 documentary Naked Fame addressed transition challenges but did not resolve underlying debates about the industry's exploitative elements, such as performer burnout and image entrapment.

Personal Life

Relationships and Sexuality

Colton Ford publicly identified as , with his parents expressing acceptance of both his and his early career in adult films. Ford's notable relationships occurred primarily within the adult entertainment industry. In the early 2000s, he was romantically involved with fellow performer Blake Harper, a partnership that included professional collaborations and was portrayed in the 2005 documentary Naked Fame as a source of mutual support amid efforts to transition careers. By October 2020, Ford reported being single for an extended period, content in his independence but open to a compatible partner, emphasizing preferences for individuals who demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and a strong . In 2024, Ford began dating retired adult film actor Matthew Rush, with whom he had maintained a professional and personal acquaintance for over 20 years; the couple announced their relationship via posts describing it as an instance of fated, profound affection. Ford's career in music and fitness modeling presented dating challenges, including public scrutiny from his pornographic past, yet he consistently sought genuine, reciprocal connections rather than casual encounters. In an April 2025 interview, he described himself as a "giver" in relationships, expressing intent to pursue partnership while wary of repeated emotional vulnerability after prior instances of unreciprocated investment.

Health and Lifestyle Factors

Ford pursued a rigorous bodybuilding-oriented fitness regimen, particularly during his adult film career in the late and early , where he performed under the name Blake Harper and cultivated a highly muscular physique through weight training and workouts. He continued this commitment later in life, posting sessions on and labeling himself a "#gymrat" in a 2013 update, reflecting sustained habits of resistance exercise to maintain peak physical condition. In the early , Ford immersed himself in gay nightlife and culture, producing and performing tracks with circuit remixes tailored for high-energy club environments, as documented in contemporary profiles of his dual career in adult entertainment and . This scene, centered on extended events, often involved elevated physical demands and conducive to and recovery challenges, though Ford emphasized personal growth and therapy in interviews rather than specific indulgences. By his mid-50s, around 2020, Ford reported facing unspecified health challenges alongside emotional stressors like bereavement and relationship dissolution, manifesting in symptoms including irritability and hot flashes—likened by his therapist to menopausal experiences—which prompted a hiatus for and ongoing spanning nearly three decades. He framed these as opportunities for resilience, stating he emerged "stronger than ever" without detailing medical interventions.

Death

Discovery and Initial Reports

Glenn Soukesian, known professionally as Colton Ford, was reported missing on the morning of May 19, 2025, prompting a search by the Palm Springs Police Department in . That same evening, the department's Team discovered his body on the Goat Trails hiking path behind 4733 E. Palm Canyon Drive. Friends identified the deceased as Ford, who was 62 years old. Palm Springs Police Lieutenant Mike Villegas stated that the incident was being investigated as a hiking accident, with no evidence of foul play. Initial reports from authorities and associates emphasized the circumstances as an unfortunate trail mishap amid routine activity in the area. In the immediate aftermath, media outlets covered the discovery, with tributes from friends highlighting Ford's character; one associate described him as possessing a "saint-like" quality. These responses focused on his personal legacy without speculating on details beyond the reported events.

Cause of Death and Toxicology Findings

The Riverside County Sheriff's Coroner's Bureau determined in its September 2025 report that Glenn Soukesian, professionally known as Colton Ford, died from acute intoxication by (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), ruled as accidental, with identified as a significant contributing condition. The , conducted following his discovery on a Palm Springs trail in May 2025, revealed no evidence of trauma, foul play, or external injuries beyond severe sunburn and consistent with prolonged exposure in desert conditions. Toxicology analysis detected at a blood concentration of 1.080 mg/L, exceeding thresholds associated with life-threatening toxicity; forensic studies indicate concentrations above 0.50 mg/L can precipitate cardiovascular collapse, , and multi-organ failure, particularly when combined with physical exertion or underlying cardiac . No other substances were reported at lethal levels, though the report emphasized 's sympathomimetic effects—elevating , , and body temperature—as causally central, likely exacerbated by Soukesian's hike in high ambient heat. , characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle impairing ventricular function, was confirmed via postmortem examination and noted as predisposing the myocardium to failure under pharmacological stress. Initial media characterizations of a " accident" were not supported by forensic evidence, which instead pointed to drug-induced physiological as the primary mechanism, debunking assumptions of mechanical mishap or environmental fatality alone. Soukesian's background as a fitness trainer and performer with a muscular physique built over decades raised speculation among observers regarding prior use, which epidemiological data links to acquired cardiac and increased risk, potentially compounding his condition; however, no direct confirmation of such history appears in official records. Broader commentary in niche communities highlighted normalized recreational use in certain social scenes, where its acute risks—often downplayed amid cultural acceptance—interact deleteriously with age-related vulnerabilities or undisclosed health issues, underscoring causal factors beyond isolated ingestion.

Works

Filmography

Colton Ford's early career included appearances in approximately twelve gay pornographic films produced between 2001 and 2002, primarily with studios such as , , and All Worlds. Notable titles include Conquered (2001), in which he portrayed a ; Prowl 3: Genuine Leather (2002); Bringing Out Brother (2002, directed by Doug Jeffries for All Worlds); Aftershock (2003, directed by for ); and Aftershock 2 (2003, directed by for ). He resumed sporadic adult film work later, including a 2023 scene with Dallas Steele. In non-pornographic media, Ford appeared as Glen (credited as Glenn Sakazian) in the feature film (2000). He played the recurring role of Sheriff Trout across 28 episodes of the television series (2007–2009), a supernatural drama aired on the here! network. Ford's stage credits include his off-Broadway debut in the musical Little House on the Ferry (2011), a production set on featuring a cast that included Seph Stanek. He later starred as Alvin in the Los Angeles production of And All The Dead, Lie Down (2014), a play by Harrison David Rivers that ran from May 2 to June 6.

Discography

Colton Ford's discography primarily consists of studio albums blending R&B, , and elements, released independently or through small labels starting in the late . His debut , Tug of War, was issued in following an initial digital release in 2007, featuring self-written tracks produced with collaborators like DJ/Producer Peter Barona. This was followed by cover albums and original works through the , with later releases emphasizing electronic and influences. Studio albums
TitleRelease yearLabel
2008
Under the Covers2009Peace Bisquit
The Way I Am2013Independent
Glenn Soukesian2016Independent
Permission2023Independent
Ford also released extended plays, including Let Me Live Again / The Music Always Gets You Back in 2011, which combined remixes and originals, and Next Chapter in 2014. Notable singles include "The Way You Love Me" (2007), a maxi-single with remixes that marked his early entry, and "" (cover, circa 2009), which appeared on covers compilations. Other singles such as "Let Me Live Again" (2011) and "Handle It" (2023, from Permission) received but lacked major chart placements. Ford's output remained focused on niche dance and without significant mainstream commercial success.

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