FSC Issues Statement on Passing of Jim French

FSC Issues Statement on Passing of Jim French

LOS ANGELES — The Free Speech Coalition posted a message today on the passing of Jim French, founder of COLT Studio, who died last week.

The FSC said the following:

The Free Speech Coalition mourns the passing of pioneering gay adult photographer, illustrator, filmmaker and visionary Jim French, founder of COLT Studio. French died in Palm Springs on Thursday at 84.

French was already an accomplished commercial illustrator when he launched a mail-order company, Luger, in the mid-1960s, to distribute erotic photo sets of rugged men. In 1967, under the name Rip Colt, he founded COLT Studio, and began producing and selling illustrations, photos, and, eventually, movies. From the start, COLT was an industry leader, quickly earning a reputation among consumers for its artistry, erotics and distinctive COLT men.

French was one of a handful of men, including the Athletic Model Guild’s Bob Mizer and Falcon Studio’s Chuck Holmes, who not only helped invent the gay porn industry, but helped shape gay male identity at a time when mainstream depictions of gay men were overwhelming negative.

“We have truly lost a legend,” said Eric Paul Leue, executive director of the FSC. “Jim risked his life and livelihood to build a company that would influence generations of gay men, and provide a path forward for an industry just coming out of the shadows.”

French’s influence extended well beyond the adult community. An early COLT illustration was adapted by fashion designer and punk impresario Malcolm McLaren for an iconic T-shirt later worn by performers like Sid Vicious and Siouxsie Sioux. One of French’s photos appeared as the cover of The Smiths’ “Hand in Glove” single.

In recent years, galleries in New York, London and Palm Springs have held retrospectives of French’s work.

Forty years after its founding, COLT Studio Group still sells high-quality all-male erotica and pleasure products.

French is survived by his partner Jeff Turner.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Nicole Nixon Stars in Latest From Immoral

Nicole Nixon stars with Matt Bird, Dean Van Damme, and "Porno Dan" Leal in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Kiki Cali Toplines 'Pleasure Vixens 4' From BAM Visions

Kiki Cali headlines the fourth volume of "Pleasure Vixens," co-directed by multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue and Maestro Claudio, aka BAM Visions, from Evil Angel.

Brianna Coppage Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Brianna Coppage stars with her husband Phillip and Jax Slayher in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Isa Bella, Selena Ivy Topline 'Lesbian Sex 28'

Isa Bella and Selena Ivy headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “Lesbian Sex 28.”

Catherine Knight Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Catherine Knight stars in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "GRWM (To Fuck)."

Elegant Angel Premieres Nicole Kitt Showcase 'Cats Eye'

Nicole Kitt gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Private Releases 'The Love Hotel 2'

Private has released “The Love Hotel 2,” directed by Dave Menich.

Ember Fiera, Jesse Pony Headline 'TS Girls Do It Best' Sequel From TransSensual

Ember Fiera and Jesse Pony topline the sequel to “TS Girls Do It Best” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Khloe Kapri, Melissa Stratton Topline 'Lesbian Trainer 3' From Sweetheart Video

Khloe Kapri and Melissa Stratton headline the third volume of “Lesbian Trainer” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Show More