Lance Bass Discusses Career Setbacks After Coming Out

Lance Bass, the former *NSYNC member, revealed on the Politickin' podcast that his acting career suffered significantly after he came out as gay in 2006. He recounted how a sitcom pilot he was set to shoot for The CW was abruptly canceled because executives felt audiences needed to believe he was straight to play a straight character. Bass described the aftermath as a 'career killer,' stating that casting directors informed him they could not envision him in roles due to his fame associated with being gay. Despite initially receiving a positive reception to his coming out, he faced considerable challenges in finding work in Hollywood afterward. He reflected on the confusion he felt during that time, having to rebuild his identity and career post-*NSYNC. Bass has since found various opportunities in entertainment but acknowledged the deep impact of his coming out on his professional life.