LOS ANGELES—The gay adult industry received sad news this weekend with the passing of performer Seth Peterson.
A tweet from his X (formerly Twitter) account late in the day on Saturday, March 21, made the announcement: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my fiancé and best friend Seth. I’m truly at a loss for words, and my heart is broken. For those who would like to support during this incredibly difficult time, you can do so using the link below. Thank you for your kindness and support. Kobe”
Kobe is Kobe Marsh, aka performer Cyrus Stark, who later reposted the same message on his own account. Few details are available surrounding the circumstances. On the GoFundMe page set up by Marsh, he states: “Seth was found in our home earlier today. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. These funds will go toward covering his funeral expenses, and any support during this difficult time is deeply appreciated.”
Peterson was 28 years old. He grew up in Southern California, earned a degree in neuroscience and made his industry debut at Helix in 2020. He won the Fan-Voted GayVN Award for Hottest Newcomer the following year. Peterson performed as a Helix Studios exclusive for four years, and in 2024 started the next phase of his career. It was then he began to film with the likes of Falcon | NakedSword, Next Door Studios / ASGmax, and Men.com.
“We’re heartbroken over the untimely passing of Seth,” said Ben Rush, the Falcon | NakedSword Co-Chief Content Officer & Chief Creative Marketing Officer. "Seth was a bright and unforgettable presence on every set, and we’ll always remember his energy, his humor, and the passion he poured into every project.”
Rush directed Peterson in multiple projects, including this year’s GayVN Award-winning Best All-Sex Movie, Spain in the Ass. The performer appeared in many award-winners over the years, including the 2022 GayVN Best Feature winner from Helix, Return to Helix Academy.
“I met Seth on a Falcon | NakedSword set early on," Rush continued. "What stood out right away was how quickly the work found its rhythm. There was no adjustment period, no sense of figuring things out; it just moved the way a good set is supposed to move when everything is aligned. I was familiar with his work before we met. What stood out was how consistent it felt. There was a clarity to what he was doing on camera that translated across different scenes. It never felt overworked or overly constructed. It held your attention without asking for it.”
Just last month, Peterson signed on as a Falcon | NakedSword headliner, committing to appear in six scenes for the family of studios. At the time, he said, “I’m very excited to be working more with Falcon | NakedSword. I’ve loved my time with the studio so far and am grateful they want to see more of me.”
The performer also appeared in the recent third installment of NakedSword Originals hit Bred & Breakfast series, and was set to have another banner year in high-profile projects.
“What stands out most are the working moments that came together seamlessly: Those stretches of time where everything just clicked and the work carried itself," Rush said. "Those are the moments you remember because they’re not always guaranteed, and he was part of creating them. We spent a lot of time together in Europe for Spain in the Ass and then in Southern California for Bred & Breakfast: The Push It Inn. He was always thoughtful, had a great attitude, and brought his great sense of humor to work. Also, he was a very enthusiastic fan of Burning Man, and I always loved seeing his face light up when he talked about it.”
The performer was so popular that the studio released The Best of Seth Peterson Bareback last November, a compilation showcasing his standout performances.
"Losing Seth feels like losing a piece of this industry’s heart and soul,” said Trenton Ducati, Falcon | Falcon NakedSword’s Director of Production. “I’m really grateful for every moment I got to know him and work with him. The joy he shared will live on in my memories and in the hearts of his fans. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”
Ducati directed the performer in Falcon’s Addicted to Love, and oversaw many of his other projects.
"Seth had this energy you just don’t forget," Trenton continued. "He was full of life in a way that made everything around him feel a little brighter. He really was like a little brother to a lot of us. You just wanted to look out for him, you know? And at the same time, he was out there living more than most people ever do.
“He had that nomad spirit in the best way. Always moving, always chasing something real. You’d sit with him for five minutes and suddenly you’re hearing stories about Burning Man, the road, the people he met. It was never boring. I loved hearing him talk. Not even just what he was saying, but how excited he got telling it. Like he was reliving it right there with you. He reminded you to actually live, not just go through the motions. That’s rare.”
The industry shared their shock and heartbreak on X about the news:
*Men.com: “Our hearts are heavy with the news of the great Seth Peterson's passing. Seth was an incredible soul & talent who was an absolute pleasure to work with on set. Our hearts go out to his dear friends & family during this difficult time.”
*Helix producer/director Casey Roman: “Rest easy friend, we’ll miss you so much.”
*Director Jasun Mark: “Devastated. Was such a sweet guy. Loved having him on set. Always smiling and keeping the vibes smooth.”
*Former Helix co-star and former boyfriend, Aiden Garcia: “crazy to think there’s never going to be a chance to give you a hug again, I’m sorry we left off on the note we did. still and always will have love for u in my heart you crazy boy.”
*Performer Ethan Tate: “Rest peacefully, I’m so grateful to have crossed paths with you. You taught me a lot and showed me kindness.”
*Performer Kai Taylor: “I’m gonna miss you forever & i'll hold onto our memories always”
*Performer Quin Quire: “Such a sweet guy gone too soon.”
*Performer Silas Brooks: “Fly high homie”
“It doesn’t feel real that he’s gone,” Ducati concluded. “He was one of those people you just assumed would always be out there somewhere, on the next adventure. Honestly, the sets will feel quieter without him. Not just the sound, but the spirit."
Added Rush: “Some careers in adult entertainment leave behind standout moments. Others leave behind a body of work that holds together in a quieter, more lasting way. This was the latter, and it’s something that stays.”
