Lance Loud

Date of Birth: June 26, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 22, 2001

Biography

Lance Loud was an American television personality, writer, and musician, best known for his role in the groundbreaking PBS documentary series “An American Family.” Born Alanson Russell Loud, his participation in the 1973 series made him a cultural icon as one of the first openly gay men on television. Loud was a member of the band “The Mumps,” which was part of the late 1970s New York punk scene. He also wrote for several magazines, including “The Advocate” and “Details.” Loud’s candid, flamboyant personality and ability to speak openly about his sexuality and life experiences made him a significant figure in LGBTQ history.

5 Interesting Facts about Lance Loud

1. Lance Loud was the first person to come out as gay on national television.

2. He was a member of the punk band “The Mumps,” which he formed with high school friend Kristian Hoffman.

3. Lance Loud’s life and family were chronicled in the PBS series “An American Family,” which is considered one of the earliest examples of reality television.

4. He later worked as a columnist and contributed to magazines such as “Details” and “The Advocate.”

5. Loud passed away due to complications from HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, and his final days were documented in the PBS special “Lance Loud! A Death in An American Family.”