Lou Reed
Acting Born Mar 2, 1942 Died Oct 27, 2013 Brooklyn, New York, USA 146 credits
Biography
Lewis Allan Reed was born on March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, USA, and died on October 27, 2013, at the age of 71. He was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who served as the guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of the rock band the Velvet Underground, alongside a solo career spanning five decades. Reed left the Velvet Underground in 1970 and subsequently stepped away from music before beginning to record his first solo album in late 1971, which was produced by Richard Robinson. In the field of acting, he is known for his work in projects such as A Night with Lou Reed, Screen Test #4, and Tak daleko, tak blízko!, and he has a total of 138 known credits.
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Career overview
Lewis Allan Reed was born on March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, USA, and died on October 27, 2013, at the age of 71. He was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who served as the guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of the rock band the Velvet Underground. His solo career spanned five decades. Reed left the Velvet Underground in 1970 and subsequently stepped back from music for a period before beginning to record his first solo album in late 1971, which was produced by Richard Robinson.
In addition to his music career, Reed is credited with known acting work and has 138 known credits listed. He became known for his appearances in films including A Night with Lou Reed, Screen Test #4, and Tak daleko, tak blízko!. His work also includes the 1989 music video Lou Reed - Dirty Blvd.
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Career timeline
Who Loves The Sun · Music
Silver Plate · Music
Moonage Daydream
1971: The Year That Music Changed EverythingThe Velvet UndergroundOh Boy! What's Wrong With You?! · Story
WBCN and the American Revolution
Barbara Rubin and the Exploding NY Underground
Popular Voices at the BBCBeside Bowie - The Mick Ronson StoryShot! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of RockShot! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock · Thanks
Andy Warhol, FluorescentStupor Mundi: Livre 1, Rituel de décapitation du papeTaylor & Ultra: On the 60s, The Factory, and Being a Warhol Superstar
Heart of a DogDanny SaysA Day in the Life of Andy WarholOccupy Wall Street: We Are The 99%
Lou Reed: Transformer & Live at Montreux 2000
Lou Reed - Remembered
David Bowie & The Story of Ziggy StardustAnton Corbijn Inside Out
Lou Reed Live Performances 1972 & 1974
Arthur 3: The War of the Two WorldsArthur and the Great AdventureBrilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Khyentse RinpocheBeautiful DarlingBowie, Iggy & Lou 1971-1973: The Sacred Triangle
Arthur and the Revenge of MaltazardThe 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts13 Most Beautiful… Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen TestsLou Reed - Lowest Form of Life
Palermo ShootingNew York Rock at the BBCAndy Warhol's Factory People... Inside the Sixties Silver FactoryA Not So Silent NightLou Reed: Through the Years: New York 1983 - Spain 2004
Seven Ages of RockNanking · Thanks365 Day ProjectLou Reed's BerlinLou Reed's Berlin · Music
The Harry Smith Project LiveVelvet Underground: Under ReviewVelvet Underground's First Public AppearanceLou Reed: Walk on the Wild Side
Vies et morts d'Andy WarholLou Reed: Walk on the Wild SideLou Reed Live at Montreux 2000
Lou Reed: Spanish Fly: Live in Spain
The BluesProzac Nation
Andy Warhol: The Complete PictureDavid Sanborn & Friends | The Super SessionClassic Albums: Lou Reed - TransformerThe Plastic People of the Universe
Wild Boys: The Story of Duran Duran
Lulu on the BridgeJohn Cale: An Exploration of His Life & MusicLou Reed: Rock and Roll HeartPatti Smith at Anthology Film Archives Febr. 19, 1998
Classic AlbumsDavid Bowie: An Earthling at 50David Bowie & Friends: A Very Special Birthday Celebration
Lo + plusBlue in the FaceNico IconAn Introduction to Harmolodics
September Songs: The Music of Kurt WeillA Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who
Late Show with David LettermanLate Night with Conan O'BrienFaraway, So Close!Harley-Davidson: The American MotorcycleBob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration
The Tonight Show with Jay LenoLou Reed - Coney Island Baby Live in JerseyLou Reed - Magic & Loss
Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy WarholLou Reed and John Cale: Songs for DrellaLou Reed and John Cale: Songs for Drella · Original Music ComposerScenes from the Life of Andy Warhol: Friendships & IntersectionsOne World, One Voice
Full Filmography
146 titles- Who Loves The Sun (2026) Music
- Silver Plate (2023) Music
- Moonage Daydream (2022) as Self (archive footage)
- 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything (2021) as Self (archive footage)
- The Velvet Underground (2021) as Self (archive footage)
- Oh Boy! What's Wrong With You?! (2021) Story
- WBCN and the American Revolution (2019) as Self (archive footage)
- Barbara Rubin and the Exploding NY Underground (2018)
- Popular Voices at the BBC (2017) as Self (archive footage)
- Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story (2017) as Self
- Shot! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock (2017) as Self - Musician (archive footage)
- Shot! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock (2017) Thanks
- Andy Warhol, Fluorescent (2016)
- Stupor Mundi: Livre 1, Rituel de décapitation du pape (2016) as Self (archive footage)
- Taylor & Ultra: On the 60s, The Factory, and Being a Warhol Superstar (2016) as Self (archive footage)
- Heart of a Dog (2015) as Doctor
- Danny Says (2015) as Self (archive footage)
- A Day in the Life of Andy Warhol (2015) as self
- Occupy Wall Street: We Are The 99% (2015) as Narrator
- Lou Reed: Transformer & Live at Montreux 2000 (2014) as Himself
- Lou Reed - Remembered (2013) as Self (Archival footage)
- David Bowie & The Story of Ziggy Stardust (2012) as Self (archive footage)
- Anton Corbijn Inside Out (2012) as Self
- Lou Reed Live Performances 1972 & 1974 (2011)
- Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds (2010) as Maltazard (voice)
- Arthur and the Great Adventure (2010) as Maltazard (voice)
- Brilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (2010) as Self
- Beautiful Darling (2010) as Self (archive footage)
- Bowie, Iggy & Lou 1971-1973: The Sacred Triangle (2010) as Self (archive footage)
- Homeland: The Story of the Lark (2010)
- Red Shirley (2010)
- Red Shirley (2010) Director
- Red Shirley (2010) Producer
- Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009) as Maltazard (voice)
- The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts (2009) as Self
- 13 Most Beautiful… Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests (2009) as Self
- Lou Reed - Lowest Form of Life (2009)
- Palermo Shooting (2008) as Self
- New York Rock at the BBC (2008)
- Andy Warhol's Factory People... Inside the Sixties Silver Factory (2008)
- A Not So Silent Night (2008) as Self
- Lou Reed: Through the Years: New York 1983 - Spain 2004 (2008) as Vocals / Guitar
- Seven Ages of Rock (2007) as Self
- Nanking (2007) Thanks
- 365 Day Project (2007) as Self
- Lou Reed's Berlin (2007) as Self
- Lou Reed's Berlin (2007) Music
- Lou Reed's Berlin (2007) Lyricist
- The Old, Weird America: Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music (2007) as Self
- Lou Reed: Live (2007) as Vocals / Guitar
- Zeitkratzer And Lou Reed: Metal Machine Music (2007) as Electric Guitar
- Zeitkratzer And Lou Reed: Metal Machine Music (2007) Music
- Perfect Day (2007) Music
- The Harry Smith Project Live (2006) as Self
- Velvet Underground: Under Review (2006)
- Velvet Underground's First Public Appearance (2006) as Self
- Lou Reed: Walk on the Wild Side (2006)
- Vies et morts d'Andy Warhol (2005)
- Lou Reed: Walk on the Wild Side (2005) as Himself
- Lou Reed Live at Montreux 2000 (2005) as Himself
- Lou Reed: Spanish Fly: Live in Spain (2004) as Self
- The Blues (2003) as Self
- Prozac Nation (2003) as Lou Reed
- Andy Warhol: The Complete Picture (2001) as Self
- David Sanborn & Friends | The Super Session (2001) as Self
- Classic Albums: Lou Reed - Transformer (2001) as Self
- The Plastic People of the Universe (2001) as Self
- Wild Boys: The Story of Duran Duran (2000) as Self (archive footage)
- Lulu on the Bridge (1998) as Not Lou Reed
- John Cale: An Exploration of His Life & Music (1998) as Self
- Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart (1998) as Self
- Patti Smith at Anthology Film Archives Febr. 19, 1998 (1998) as Self
- Classic Albums (1997) as Self
- David Bowie: An Earthling at 50 (1997) as Self - Live on Stage with Bowie
- David Bowie & Friends: A Very Special Birthday Celebration (1997) as Self - Special Guest
- Lo + plus (1995) as Self
- Blue in the Face (1995) as Man with Strange Glasses
- Nico Icon (1995)
- An Introduction to Harmolodics (1995)
- September Songs: The Music of Kurt Weill (1994) as Self
- A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who (1994) as Self
- Late Show with David Letterman (1993) as Self - Musical Guest
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self - Musical Guest
- Faraway, So Close! (1993) as Lou Reed
- Harley-Davidson: The American Motorcycle (1993)
- Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration (1993) as Self
- Curious: The Velvet Underground in Europe (1993) as Self
- The Velvet Underground - Velvet Redux Live MCMXCIII (1993) as guitar, vocals
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992)
- Lou Reed - Coney Island Baby Live in Jersey (1992) as Performer
- Lou Reed - Magic & Loss (1992) as Himself
- Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol (1990) as Self (archive footage)
- Lou Reed and John Cale: Songs for Drella (1990) as Self
- Lou Reed and John Cale: Songs for Drella (1990) Original Music Composer
- Scenes from the Life of Andy Warhol: Friendships & Intersections (1990) as Self
- One World, One Voice (1990) as Self
- The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball (1989) as Self
- Decade (1989) as Self
- Warhol's Cinema 1963-1968: Mirror for the Sixties (1989) as Self (archive footage)
- Permanent Record (1988) as Himself
- Coverup: Behind the Iran Contra Affair (1988) Music
- Superman's 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of the Man of Steel (1988) as Self
- The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball (1987) as Self
- Bye Bye Kipling (1986) as Self
- The Making of Sun City (1985) as Self
- Lou Reed Live at Capitol Theatre (1984) as Self
- Lou Reed: Live in Barcelona (1984)
- Rock & Rule (1983) as Mok (singing voice)
- Get Crazy (1983) as Auden
- The Making of Rock & Rule (1983) as Self
- A Night with Lou Reed (1983) as Self - Vocals, Guitar
- Late Night with David Letterman (1982) as Self - Musical Guest
- One Trick Pony (1980) as Steve Kunelian
- Rock 'n' Roll Man - Lou Reed in concerto 1980 (1980)
- Leonard Cohen: Under Review: 1934-1977 (1977)
- How the Ladies Pay (Lou Reed) (1977) as Self
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Musical Guest
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self (uncredited)
- Lou Reed - Ancienne Belgique 22-05-1974 (1974) as Himself
- Jimi Hendrix (1973) as Self
- The Velvet Underground at Bataclan '72 (1972)
- Gerard Malanga's Film Notebooks (1970) as Self
- The Velvet Underground: Loaded (1970) as Self
- Diaries, Notes, and Sketches (1968) as Self
- Exploding Plastic Inevitable (1967) as Himself
- The Velvet Underground in Boston (1967) as Himself
- Chelsea Girls (1966) Original Music Composer
- The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound (1966) as Self
- The Velvet Underground Tarot Cards (1966) as Himself
- Salvador Dalí (1966) as Self
- The Velvet Underground: Psychiatrist's Convention, NYC, 1966 (1966)
- Andy Warhol + Roy Lichtenstein (1966)
- Screen Test [ST271]: Lou Reed (Hershey) (1966) as Himself
- Moe Gets Tied Up (1966)
- The Velvet Underground Rehearses (1966) as Self
- Venus in Furs (1966) as Himself
- Screen Test [ST270]: Lou Reed (Hershey) (1966) as Himself
- Screen Test [ST265]: Lou Reed (Eye) (1966) as Himself
- Screen Test [ST268]: Lou Reed (Apple) (1966) as Himself
- Screen Test [ST263]: Lou Reed (1966) as Himself
- Screen Test: Lou Reed (Coke) (1966) as Himself
- Screen Test [ST264]: Lou Reed (1966) as Himself
- Andy Warhol Screen Tests (1965) as Self
- The Making of an Underground Film (1965) as Self
- Whips (1964) as Self
- Final Weapon as The Holder
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Lou Reed best known for?
Lou Reed is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Stupor Mundi: Livre 1, Rituel de décapitation du pape (2016), The Ultimate Rider (2026), Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds (2010), Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009).
When and where was Lou Reed born?
Lou Reed was born on March 2, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. They passed away on October 27, 2013.
How many credits does Lou Reed have?
Lou Reed has accumulated over 146 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1964 to 2026.
What is Lou Reed's background in cinema and television?
Lewis Allan Reed was born on March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, USA, and died on October 27, 2013, at the age of 71. He was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who served as the guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of the rock band the Velvet Underground, alongside a solo career spanning five decad...