Lance Bass was born James Lance Bass on May 4, 1979, in Laurel, Mississippi. He grew up in a devoutly Christian household, raised by his father, James, a medical technologist, and his mother, Diane, a middle school teacher.
From a young age, Bass displayed an interest in music and performance, singing in his church choir and participating in local performance groups.
He became a member of his high school’s competitive show choir and eventually joined the Mississippi Show Stoppers, a statewide music ensemble that helped hone his vocal abilities.
Rise to Fame with NSYNC
While still in high school, Bass received a life-changing phone call from Justin Timberlake, inviting him to audition for a new pop group called NSYNC. Timberlake had heard of Bass through their vocal coach and believed he would be a perfect fit for the group.
Bass successfully auditioned, prompting him to leave high school and relocate to Orlando, Florida, to pursue a music career.
Despite initial struggles with choreography, he dedicated himself to improving his dance skills.
At one point, music executives suggested replacing him, but the other band members refused to sign a contract without him, solidifying his place in NSYNC.
The group initially found success in Europe before breaking into the U.S. market with their debut single, “I Want You Back,” in 1997.
Their subsequent albums, particularly “No Strings Attached” and “Celebrity,” became monumental successes, breaking sales records and cementing NSYNC’s status as one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, with over 56 million records sold globally.
However, the band’s dynamic shifted in 2002 when Timberlake decided to pursue a solo career, leading to NSYNC’s hiatus and eventual disbandment. Bass expressed initial disappointment but later reconciled with Timberlake, maintaining a positive relationship.
Post-NSYNC Career
After NSYNC, Bass ventured into acting, landing roles in television shows and films. He made guest appearances on popular series like “7th Heaven” and starred in the film “On The Line,” although it did not perform well commercially.
His versatility shone through as he took on voice roles in animated series and appeared in reality television, notably competing on the seventh season of “Dancing with the Stars,” where he finished in third place.
In addition to acting, Bass explored production, establishing his own company, Lance Bass Productions.
He also hosted a daily radio show on Sirius XM, showcasing his adaptability and passion for media beyond music.
Personal Life and Advocacy
In 2006, Bass made headlines when he publicly came out as gay in an issue of People magazine. His announcement came amidst speculation about his sexuality, following sightings at gay venues.
He received the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award later that year for his courage in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Bass began dating painter and actor Michael Turchin in 2011. The couple became engaged in 2013 and married in December 2014 in a ceremony that aired on the E! network, making them one of the first same-sex couples to have their wedding broadcast on cable television.
In June 2021, they announced they were expecting twins via surrogacy, marking another significant milestone in their lives.
Passion for Space Exploration
Outside of entertainment, Bass has long harbored a fascination with space. In 2002, he was selected for the Youngest Person in Space project and underwent cosmonaut training in Russia, with aspirations of traveling to the International Space Station.
However, he ultimately did not make the journey. Despite this setback, he has remained involved in youth space programs and serves as a spokesman for World Space Week, inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and mathematics.
He is also a member of the National Space Society, advocating for space exploration.
Lance Bass’s journey from a small-town boy to a pop icon is marked by perseverance, talent, and advocacy.
With a net worth of approximately $20 million, he has made significant contributions to music, acting, and LGBTQ+ rights.
His enduring passion for space exploration further highlights his diverse interests and commitment to inspiring future generations.
Through his various endeavors, Bass continues to be a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and social advocacy.
