Lori Shannon was a drag queen, actor, comedian, and columnist who made history as one of the first openly gay performers on television. He was best known for his role as Beverly LaSalle, a female impersonator who befriended Edith Bunker on the popular sitcom All in the Family. He also entertained audiences at Finocchio’s club in San Francisco, where he was a regular performer for many years. He died of a heart attack at the age of 45 in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of courage, humor, and talent.
Early Life and Career
Lori Shannon was born Don Seymour McLean on May 18, 1938, in Santa Barbara, California. He grew up in a conservative family and struggled with his sexuality from an early age. He moved to San Francisco in the late 1950s and began performing as a drag queen at various nightclubs. He adopted the stage name Lori Shannon, which he said was inspired by his favorite actress, Lana Turner.
Shannon developed a persona that was witty, glamorous, and confident. He considered himself “a stand-up comic in a dress”, who enjoyed startling tourists with one-liners at Finocchio’s. He also wrote an entertainment column for the Bay Area Reporter, a gay newspaper. He was well-liked and respected by his peers and fans.
All in the Family
Shannon’s breakthrough came in 1975, when he was cast as Beverly LaSalle on All in the Family. The show was a groundbreaking sitcom that dealt with controversial issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. Shannon played a female impersonator who met Archie Bunker, a bigoted and conservative patriarch, when he saved his life by giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Archie was shocked to discover that Beverly was a man, but eventually developed a friendship with him.
Shannon appeared in three episodes of the show between 1975 and 1977. His role was noteworthy for its uncommonly respectful and sympathetic treatment of Beverly as a “transvestite”. The show did not mock or ridicule him, but portrayed him as a human being with dignity and feelings. Shannon’s performance was praised by critics and viewers alike. He received fan mail from people who were touched by his character and thanked him for his courage and honesty.
Death and Legacy
On February 13, 1984, Shannon died of a heart attack at the age of 45 at Mission Emergency Hospital in San Francisco. His death was mourned by his friends, family, and fans. He was buried under his birth name, Don Seymour McLean.
Shannon’s legacy lives on as one of the pioneers of drag culture and gay visibility on television. He paved the way for other drag queens and LGBTQ+ performers to express themselves and be accepted by mainstream audiences. He also inspired generations of comedians and actors with his humor and talent. He is remembered as a trailblazer, a star, and a friend.