Lance Bass: The Untold Story of Hollywood’s Harsh Reality

NSYNC Star Reveals How His Sexuality Cost Him a Major TV Role

Lance Bass, the former NSYNC heartthrob, recently opened up about a shocking moment in his career: losing a sitcom deal with The CW after coming out as gay. Speaking candidly on the Politickin’ podcast, Bass shared how Hollywood’s biases against LGBTQ+ actors nearly ended his career.

The CW Sitcom That Never Was

In 2006, Lance Bass was poised to transition from pop stardom to sitcom fame. The CW had greenlit a pilot starring Bass, but everything changed after he publicly came out on the cover of PEOPLE magazine.

“We were about to shoot the pilot, and they said, ‘We can’t do the show anymore,’” Bass recalled. The reason? Executives believed viewers couldn’t separate his real-life identity from the character he was set to portray. “They told me, ‘You have to be seen as straight to play a straight character.’”

The fallout was swift and brutal. Casting directors turned their backs, labeling him “too famous for being gay.” Even his agents distanced themselves, leaving Bass to rebuild his career from scratch. “Everyone just kind of fell off,” he shared. “I had to completely restart and rebrand at that moment.”

Forced Out and Fighting Back

Bass didn’t come out by choice—it was forced upon him by media speculation. “I was outed by the press and given just 24 hours to respond,” he revealed. The fear was overwhelming. At the time, being openly gay in Hollywood often meant the death of a career.

“I was terrified,” he admitted. “Every example I’d seen was that coming out would ruin everything: your career, your relationships, even your standing in the church.”

Despite the initial backlash, Bass found solace in witnessing a cultural shift. Over time, other entertainment industry figures who came out were met with support and success. “It’s actually a good thing to be yourself these days,” he said.

From Rejection to Redemption

Although his career took a hit, Bass refused to hold grudges. Surprisingly, some of the casting directors who once rejected him have since come full circle.

“They’ve cast me in several projects now,” he shared. “It’s funny and ironic, but I get it—business is business.” Bass’s resilience has led to roles in hit series like Bojack Horseman, The Rookie, and How I Met Your Father, as well as animated projects like Bossy Bear and Trolls Band Together.

The journey wasn’t easy, but Lance Bass emerged stronger, paving the way for more inclusivity in Hollywood. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how embracing one’s identity can eventually lead to both personal and professional triumphs.

A Lesson for Hollywood

Lance Bass’s experience shines a light on the systemic challenges LGBTQ+ actors face in Hollywood. The idea that an actor must mirror their character’s identity is a flawed notion that limits creativity and representation.

As society continues to embrace diversity, Bass’s story stands as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. It’s proof that authenticity, no matter how difficult, can lead to a brighter future.