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If you can't be a good example, serve as a warning: spend as much time focusing on spirituality as well as physicality; less gym and more therapy. A drug-addicted porn star committing suicide isn't shocking. It's an unfortunate cliche. I'd kill myself too if I wore sleeveless flannel. You begin to wonder who's next...

The tenure of a lifetime Hot House Exclusive isn't very long is it.

Wills-WOW-what a stunning display of empathy...and to make a catty remark about the guy's wardrobe-what a class act.

The truth is that NONE os us have ANY idea what he was dealing with -for all we know he could have a history of mental illness in his family/suffered from clinical depression, etc.

To make the sort of comment you did is just ignorant AND mean-spirited.

this is very very sad news ken was one of the best if they retired its sad but to end thear life its worse then sad hot house will never get another star like ken

As a close personal friend of Kent North I am stunned at the comments placed here. He was an intelligent, loving man who didn't have a bad word to say about anyone and who's smile brightened even the darkest London day. His career included an honoured period in the Royal Navy, he was the Parliamentary liason officer for airline British Midland, the director of a UK based gay finance company and most recently the director of funding agency PB2. His talents knew no bounds and his amazing photography and web design work were much sought after. Most of all, the love and compassion that filled his every living moment will be missed by everyone that knew him. We are all totally devastated by his accidental death and our hearts have been broken by this awful catastrophe. Your comments have hurt us all in this darkest of times. From his close and loving friend, Colin F.

A favorite and consummate performer. I enjoyed Kent North's appearances in Hot House films. I'm genuinely shocked and sad to hear this news and send the warmest condolences to his loveer, Lloyd, and the Hot House family.

Despite his schadenfreude, I'm with Team Wills on this one instead of Colin. Although Kent North (real name?) had a lot of good military and professional contributions, he will only be remembered as a porn star who died of a drug overdose because a picture paints a thousand words. The major reason why his death is known is because he filmed those sex scenes. The guy may have done nice things but he's more nicer to look at. We could all name at least three porn stars who've done this very same thing. Since Colin is closer to Kent North, it is somewhat interesting that browsing through porn sites mixes with mourning. I honestly wish Kent North's family and friends like Colin well but Wills Cliffs Notes bitchy analysis are dead on. Black humor may be a faux pas yet don't blame the messenger for the message.

Suggested title of his obituary: Lifetime Hot House Exclusive Kent North is hotter than/in hell.

My condolences, Collin. He seemed to be a warm, kind man. Do you have any idea why he overdosed?

How close could Colin have been if he says the death is "accidental"?

wow just wow...i cant believe he's dead i wanted to meet him one day...and the dark comedy that's trying to be deep and humor... real nice humanity

In answer to your comments. I saw this blog when a friend of mine told me about it in shock. I wasn't trawling for porn. Kent (and yes, I do know his real name) was known internationally for his porn career and was loved by every fan who met him. He made every single one feel like the most important fan he had, He did the films because he loved doing it and loved meeting his fans at conventions. Also, who would turn down free trips to San Francisco from London when offered? I dated 'Kent' for a while in 2000 and we have been close ever since. He was an extremely intelligent man and maybe that had something to do with this terrible event. He had been feeling down recently but not suicidal. I spoke with him every day and saw him every week. He was supposed to come to my home for lunch on July 3rd but said he was feeling unwell, then didn't make a business meeting we had that evening as we were also working together on a project here in London. I spoke with him that evening and he seemed upset, but again, not in a way to flag up any major problem. I thought he was just under a lot of stress and we arranged to meet for lunch on July 4th at my home to talk about things. Sadly, by then it was too late. Initial reports on the circumstances were mixed and confusing making it appear suspicious but we are fairly sure now that this was just an awful accident. I hope that my words here can ease the pain that a lot of his friends around are feeling. He is at peace and we all still love him with all our hearts.

(I'm copying the below post from my own blog to throw in a bit of perspective. I believe some of you need some. And a conscience.)

I’m going out on a limb here because I’m pissed off. Pissed off at the industry who has described Kent North’s suicide as “shocking.” Where’s the shock? Anyone with any sort of affiliation with the porn industry should be ashamed if they used the term because each and every one has at one moment recognized the pervasiveness of drug use among porn actors and has done nothing.

Yes, drug use is an individual choice. It was my choice. But saying one is “shocked” is like writing about a NASCAR death and saying one was “shocked” at the car wreck all the while watching the race white knuckled knowing damn well that it could all go terribly wrong in an instant. There is no “shock” anymore in the porn business as it related to drug use or suicide. It is a risk and should be called such from the start.

Those blogger, reporters, and studio heads who perpetuate the myth (as I have done in the past) that drugs aren’t a part of the industry are part of the problem. Because drugs/suicide are not talked about, there is a misconception that the industry is safe. Just like the long-forgotten safe-sex policies which stated no one would hire a performer who had appeared in BB movies, the industry chooses to ignore that which makes them look no less than complicit in the world of performer drug use.

Wake up. Stop perpetuating the myth that this is a safe, kind, caring, familial business. It is the performer who is victimized because before they know it, they are not only addicted to meth or some other drug, they are HIV positive, depressed, and near suicide. I should know. But I made it, will make it, and am tired of supporting an industry which reeks of hypocracy. And I mean reeks.

I’m truly sorry about Kent. I feel for his partner. But there is no shock. There would be no shock if this scenerio repeated itself every day for the next year. Time for the fans to understand that as well.

In response to Spencer's comments. You must realise that Kent spent only a few days each year shooting movies in the States and he fulfilled many promotional commitments for his fans, all clear headed, not stoned or tweaked or whatever you want to call it. His porn career took up a tiny part of his real life which he spent running a number of succesful professional businesses, enjoying time with his lover Lloyd and their friends. He lived in London and travelled to the States for each shoot only for a few days before returning to complete his professional commitments back home. Something he never failed to do. I'm sure that for many people in the US working in the porn industry it can become overwhelming and destroy their lives with all the associated pressures and temptations but Kent existed outside of that in the relative safety of his home here in London, away from the drug epidemic sweeping the US and that is why we are all shocked at his sudden passing.

Wow.. I'm so appalled by all of you... ESPECIALLY you Spencer!

First, wether you only knew him from his movies or if you had the pleasure of getting to know him in real life, a kind beautiful man has past.... and some of us are actually upset and in mourning for the death of a friend. Ya'll have been using his death as a platform to bitch about other crap!

Everyone just stop throwing blame and shut up so those of us who lost a friend and coworker can mourn him!

It doesn't matter if porn killed him, if meth killed him, or whatever you queens have decided was the cause and reasons...

What matters is that a human being has died. We should just offer our condolences and be respectfull of the life that just ended!

Thank you Derek, I agree totally.

CF

As someone who used to work in the porn biz back in the day, hearing about this sank my heart. Not because I knew Mr. "North" but because the story is still the same 15+ years later. As I was going over some clippings from years past with a friend from that period of my life, we were stunned at the numbers of deaths: HIV/AIDS, suicides, homicides, ODs, and accidents due to recklessness. Without having any empirical data, the mortality percentages seem clearly much higher than other professional cohorts. I think more attention needs to be paid to the psychosocial and environmental variables that affect the lives of adult video performers. Due to the lack of professional organization and societal stigmatization,these concerns remain overlooked. Perhaps some stronger advocacy efforts and professional organization might prevent some of these tragic events from happening. God bless the family and friends of this man and keep them strong. I can only imagine how hard this must be for them.

Bravo, Derek! And Colin, a hug to you; I am sorry for your loss.

There is only one point in this story, a human being has died. Those of you so quick to judge, show some bloody respect and compassion! Respect and compassion for Kent North, for Lloyd, for Colin and for those who knew and loved him. Respect and compassion for everyone who passes by you in your life.

Yes, it seems like many models, porn stars, actors, etc., have drug problems, depression, relationship problems, die too young, attempt suicide, whatever. But here is a clue...they are human and their fame, money or beauty does not stop the things that effect all of us as people. Also not everyones' capacity to cope is the same.

I was a model. In 2000, within days of signing a major modelling contract I attempted suicide. Did the stress of my fame, or chosen occupation or maintaining my looks drive me to that point? No, the problems that effect millions of others in this world put me in that place. Did I cope well with my problems? Obviously not, but luckily for me there were a few in my life who stepped in and saved me.

Did those who did not know me have compassion? No. How many times did I hear, "Why would you do that? You have looks money, fame, fans!" All I could think was, "If they only knew!"

My point here is learn to show love, respect and compassion to everyone, including yourself and perhaps someday when we read a story like Kent's we will only have words of sympathy and understanding.

I would like to say thank you for all the wonderful love and support that all of Kent's friends and family have been receiving from around the world over the last week. It's a reflection of the true beauty of this man and his loving & generous heart that so many were touched by his short time with us. Ben's partner Lloyd (Warren) has been doing a wonderful job coping with his own loss whilst helping Kent's family and close friends deal with theirs. Kent's own website will shortly be changed to include details of charities in the UK and the US, which he supported in life and which Lloyd asks that donations be made in Kent's name as a final tribute. We prepare ourselves for his funeral on Monday. Would everyone please think of him at 2pm GMT (9am EST) as we honour our beloved friend and say our final goodbyes. Thank you. Cxx

Colin,

Thank you for keeping us informed of the situation with Kent North. I will definitely be thinking of Kent and his entire family on Monday.

Though I never met Kent, I count myself not only as one of his fans but someone who admired him knowing he was very successful in his personal life. I truly appreciated knowing that Kent was "different" by being a gay actor with such great personal character along with his sexual talents. Every article ever written about Kent always included a mention about his kindness, sincerity, wittiness and that he was a true gentleman. Kent appeared to be able to blend his normal daily life with his fame as an actor with grace; this is truly a great loss for his family, friends, the love of his life Lloyd and for his fans worldwide. I for one feel a great amount of sadness that is indescribable when I think about Kent no longer being with us.

I would like to extend to Lloyd my condolences and I hope in the days, months and years ahead that you remember ever happy moment you shared with Kent. Surely they will outweigh the sorrow of his tragic death and hopefully provide you with the peace to live your life to the fullest as Kent would want you to.

Sincerely,
Greg

To all who knew Kent and mourn his loss:

First my sincerest condolences to those family and friends who are in the midst of great sadness.

In church today, I offered a quiet prayer for the soul of "Kent" that he might now know the peace which it seems eluded him. My sense is that he is at rest and looking down on us all smiling because he is happy, finally.

Secondly, I wonder whether in the midst of this tragic loss that we might learn a valuable lesson....to use our energy to nurture those relationships that are healthy for us, to seek out those whom we haven't seen in a long time and let them know how much we love them and to keep our minds, hearts and senses open for those around us who may be crying for help.

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting "Kent" but gather from all I've read and from seeing his performances that he was a man of great inner strenght, beauty and charisma. It is very easy for us to assume that those who are gifted in this way do not have vulnerabilty.

Perhaps "Kent's" passing will serve as a reminder to all of us that we are, in fact, "our brother's - or sister's - keeper" and that it is important to check in, even if to insist so that those those strong, beautiful yet frail people we know in our lives realize that they don't have to go it alone....that someone is there for them.

Thirdly, I think that a wonderful tribute to "Kent's" memory on the part of HotHouse for whom he was a "lifetime" exclusive would be to use proceeds from the sale of "Kent's" DVD performances to fund a scholarship or medical relief fund to enable performers to seek and receive counseling or spiritual direction in time of need.

That would be an even greater show of "love" on the part of his employers at HotHouse than any words or claims of being "devastated by the loss"

Rest in peace "Kent"....may flights of angels carry you to a place of joy and comfort

This is a message to Warren friend's family and mostly his partner. I had the great privilege to meet your man at IML this year and in fact the first photograph taken of me in my 30s was with him that day. He was kind and witty and was such an incredible man to meet. It will stay with me always and I am so dearly sorry for your loss! I extend my heart felt sympathy to you and his family! The reasons for people's passing - especially when there is some form of celebrity involved, least of which he was a porn star - always seems so delicious and I hope those who did care about him, try and not take notice of speculation and rumour as it is irrelevant. Your loss is far from that and I wish for you the deep strength to cope through what will be the hardest time ahead! Keep your head up and my thoughts will be with you this afternoon during his private funeral! John

I am Kent North's partner,

I have only just been informed about some of the comments on this site. My I first say thank you to Collin, Derrick and all those who have said such kind things about Kent North.

Kent's funeral service took place yesterday (Monday 16th July)near his family home in the UK. It was a wonderful service with so many people from around the world. Kent would have been so pleased at the kindness and support for his family and friends at this difficult time. Thank you.

With regard to some of the 'less kind' comments and speculation as to the cause of death I dont think it appropriate that I respond to them here. However, can I just ask that people take care in what they say, especially if they did not know him or his family as this difficult time.

The coroner has not yet concluded his inquest and I am sure everyone would agree that it is correct that we all respect this process.

Kent's family and I will co-ordinate any information through Hot House Entertainment only.

I would like to personally thank all Kent's friends, fans and especially all the team at Hot House for their affection and loyalty to Kent.

I would just finally like to add that Kent was a kind, warm and loving person. He was NOT involved in the world of drugs and was a wholsome person with a loving family and friends. He did so much for others and we will continue his support for our local charity based here in London(St Stephen's Aids Trust www.ssat.org.uk). we will also confirm our work in his name for US charities soon. Again through Hot House or his official website - www.kentnorth.com

Again thank you for the kindness shown by so many. I miss Kent so very much and am so proud to have been his partner.

Thank you,

Lloyd (aka Warren Lord)

I worked with Kent on unfortunatly was his last film yet to be released for HOt HOUSE , it was he and I one on one and as I am new in the buisness he couldnt have been kinder and sweeter. His partner was by his side the entire time , just as sweet , now to the drug rumors there is no way he was on drugs at anytime on set or during our 3 days togather , I know how people behave on such things the guy would only have one glass of white wine after a 9 hour day of shooting . if you havnt done porn you cant judge and say "they are all Druggies" go to your local gay bar on a sat night and yu will see lawyers , bankers , tweeking boozing its more apart of gay culture , no one is exempt from drugs -porn may look like guys screwing each other , however as a 41 year old new at this work it is just that WORK ,,, not always easy work , the same guys that say porn stars are vapid druggies are the same ones that a yankin it to those movies and complete hypocrites, God Bless you Kent you were a sweet kind man , Matthew

Hello everyone,
I am FX and those who knew Kent will know who I am. It has been a very difficult time since July 4th but Kent's great personality and positive attitude keeps us all going. The amount of very touching messages from people who got to meet him has been a real support. Kent is still here with us and he would want us to be happy and generous.
regards
FX

I was the waitress at your event. I just want to let you know that your tribute was wonderful and I was thrilled to serve a group of people who were so determined to honor someone so close to their heart. Sara

My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Kent and his family. I just learned of his death while searching the Hot House site. From the comments I read above and the memorial video of him I saw, he seemed like a truly terrific guy. The world is a little less brighter without a person with such a zest for life and a kind smile to everyone he met. May he rest in peace, and I pray that his friends and love ones find comfort in knowing he is now in a better place.