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50 Facts About Justin Timberlake

Bonita Mckinzie

Written by Bonita Mckinzie

Modified & Updated: 23 Sep 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Biography.com

Who is Justin Timberlake? Justin Timberlake, born January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, is a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Known for his versatility, Timberlake first gained fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC before launching a successful solo career. With hits like "Cry Me a River" and "SexyBack," he has won numerous awards, including ten Grammys and four Emmys. Beyond music, Timberlake has made a mark in film and television, appearing in movies like The Social Network and hosting Saturday Night Live. Married to actress Jessica Biel, he is also a dedicated philanthropist.

Key Takeaways:

  • Justin Timberlake's journey from a musical family in Memphis to pop stardom showcases his early roots and rise to fame, including his time on The Mickey Mouse Club and NSYNC.
  • Beyond his music career, Timberlake's impact extends to acting, philanthropy, business ventures, and fashion, solidifying his status as a versatile pop culture icon.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Family
02Education and Early Career
03The Mickey Mouse Club
04NSYNC Formation and Success
05Solo Career and Breakthrough
06Acting Career
07Awards and Accolades
08Influence and Legacy
09Personal Life
10Business Ventures
11Memorable Performances
12Collaborations and Influences
13Social Media and Public Image
14Controversies
15Impact on Music and Pop Culture
16Acting and Television
17Music Festivals and Live Performances
18Philanthropy and Charity Work
19Business Ventures and Collaborations
20Fashion and Style
21Social Media Presence
22Legacy in Entertainment
23Timberlake's Lasting Impact

Early Life and Family

Justin Timberlake's journey to stardom began in Memphis, Tennessee. His early years were filled with music, thanks to his family's influence.

  1. Justin Randall Timberlake was born on January 31, 1981, to Randall Timberlake, a Baptist church choir director, and Lynn Harless.
  2. Musical Roots: His grandfather introduced him to country music legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.
  3. Siblings: Justin has two half-brothers, Jonathan and Stephen, from his father's second marriage.
  4. Tragic Loss: He had a half-sister, Laura Katherine, who passed away shortly after birth in 1997.

Education and Early Career

Timberlake's early exposure to music and performance set the stage for his future success.

  1. Education: He attended the University of Nebraska High School, though there's no record of him graduating.
  2. Church Choir: At eight, he began singing in the church choir.
  3. Star Search: At 11, he appeared on Star Search, performing country songs as "Justin Randall".

The Mickey Mouse Club

Justin's big break came when he joined The All-New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future stars.

  1. Mouseketeer: In 1993 and 1994, Timberlake was a Mouseketeer alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Ryan Gosling.

NSYNC Formation and Success

Timberlake's next major step was forming one of the most successful boy bands of all time.

  1. NSYNC: After leaving The Mickey Mouse Club, he and JC Chasez formed NSYNC.
  2. Debut Album: NSYNC's self-titled debut album was released in 1998.
  3. Record-Breaking: Their album No Strings Attached (2000) sold over 14 million copies, becoming one of the fastest-selling albums in history.

Solo Career and Breakthrough

After NSYNC, Timberlake launched a solo career that would cement his status as a pop icon.

  1. Solo Debut: His first solo album, Justified (2002), included hits like "Cry Me a River".
  2. Grammy Awards: Timberlake has won ten Grammy Awards, including Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Dance Recording.

Acting Career

Timberlake's talents extend beyond music; he's also made a name for himself in Hollywood.

  1. Film Roles: He has appeared in films like The Social Network (2010) and Bad Teacher (2011).
  2. Voice Acting: He voiced a character in the animated film Trolls (2016).

Awards and Accolades

Timberlake's work has earned him numerous awards across different fields.

  1. Emmy Awards: He has won four Primetime Emmy Awards.
  2. Brit Awards: Timberlake has won three Brit Awards.
  3. Billboard Music Awards: He has nine Billboard Music Awards to his name.

Influence and Legacy

Timberlake's impact on pop culture and music is undeniable.

  1. Time 100: He appeared on the Time 100 list of most influential people twice, in 2007 and 2013.
  2. Nicknames: Often called the "President of Pop" and "Prince of Pop" by journalists.
  3. FutureSex/LoveSounds: His second album, FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006), pushed the boundaries of pop music.

Personal Life

Timberlake's personal life, including his marriage and philanthropy, also garners attention.

  1. Marriage: He married actress Jessica Biel in 2012.
  2. Children: The couple has two children together.
  3. Philanthropy: Timberlake supports various causes, including the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Business Ventures

Beyond entertainment, Timberlake has ventured into business and fashion.

  1. Production Company: He owns TenThousandProjects, which produces films and TV shows.
  2. Fashion Collaborations: He has worked with designers like Tom Ford and Gucci.

Memorable Performances

Timberlake's live performances are often highlights of his career.

  1. Super Bowl LII: He performed at the Super Bowl LII halftime show in 2018.
  2. Tours: His tours, like the Justified tour in 2003, are known for elaborate stage designs.

Collaborations and Influences

Timberlake's collaborations with other artists have produced some of his biggest hits.

  1. Jay-Z: He worked with Jay-Z on "Suit & Tie".
  2. Madonna: Collaborated with Madonna on "4 Minutes".

Social Media and Public Image

Timberlake maintains a strong presence on social media, engaging with fans regularly.

  1. Instagram and Twitter: Active on both platforms, sharing updates and interacting with fans.
  2. Fashion Icon: Known for his stylish outfits, often featured in fashion magazines.

Controversies

Like many celebrities, Timberlake has faced his share of controversies.

  1. Super Bowl Performance: His 2018 Super Bowl performance received mixed reviews.
  2. Cultural Appropriation: Faced allegations of cultural appropriation in his music videos.

Impact on Music and Pop Culture

Timberlake's influence on music and pop culture is far-reaching.

  1. Redefining Pop: Credited with helping to redefine the pop genre in the early 2000s.
  2. Fashion Influence: His fashion sense often sets trends in the industry.

Acting and Television

Timberlake's acting career includes notable roles in both film and television.

  1. Saturday Night Live: Frequent host and musical guest, known for memorable sketches.
  2. The Lonely Island: Collaborated with The Lonely Island on several projects.

Music Festivals and Live Performances

Timberlake's live performances at music festivals are often highlights of the events.

  1. Coachella: Performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
  2. High-Energy Shows: Known for elaborate stage designs and high-energy performances.

Philanthropy and Charity Work

Timberlake's philanthropic efforts extend to various causes and organizations.

  1. Shriners Hospitals: Supports the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
  2. Starkey Hearing Foundation: Involved with the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Business Ventures and Collaborations

Timberlake's business ventures include collaborations with major brands.

  1. Nike and Apple: Collaborated with both brands on various projects.
  2. TenThousandProjects: His production company has produced several films and TV shows.

Fashion and Style

Timberlake's fashion sense often makes headlines and sets trends.

  1. Tom Ford and Gucci: Collaborated with these designers on several fashion projects.
  2. Fashion Icon: Recognized as a fashion icon in the industry.

Social Media Presence

Timberlake's social media presence helps him maintain a strong connection with fans.

  1. Engagement: Regularly engages with fans on Instagram and Twitter.
  2. Updates: Shares updates about his projects and personal life.

Legacy in Entertainment

Timberlake's contributions to music, film, and television have left a lasting impact.

  1. Versatility: Known for his versatility as an artist.
  2. Pop Culture Icon: Continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.

Timberlake's Lasting Impact

Justin Timberlake's journey from a young Mouseketeer to a global superstar is nothing short of impressive. With a career spanning over two decades, he's made significant contributions to music, film, and television. His versatility as a singer, songwriter, actor, and producer has cemented his place in pop culture. Timberlake's influence extends beyond entertainment, with his philanthropic efforts and business ventures showcasing his multifaceted talents. From chart-topping hits to memorable movie roles, Timberlake continues to evolve and inspire. His legacy is marked by numerous awards, iconic performances, and a lasting impact on the industry. As he continues to push boundaries and redefine success, Timberlake remains a prominent figure, influencing new generations of artists and fans alike. His story is a testament to hard work, talent, and the power of reinvention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Justin Timberlake famous?
Justin Timberlake shot to fame as a member of the boy band *NSYNC, one of the best-selling bands of the late '90s and early 2000s. After the band went on hiatus, he launched a highly successful solo career, further cementing his status in the music industry with hits like "Cry Me a River" and "SexyBack." Beyond music, Timberlake has made a name for himself in acting, with roles in films such as "The Social Network" and "Friends with Benefits."
What's so special about Justin Timberlake's music?
Timberlake's music stands out for its blend of R&B, pop, and soul influences, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His ability to constantly evolve his sound while still producing chart-topping hits is a testament to his creativity and understanding of the music landscape. Plus, his collaborations with top producers and artists have led to some unforgettable tracks that have left a significant mark on the industry.
Has Justin Timberlake won any awards for his work?
Absolutely! Over his career, Timberlake has racked up numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards. His knack for creating catchy tunes that resonate with a wide audience, coupled with his dynamic performances, has earned him critical acclaim and a trove of accolades.
What kind of acting roles has Justin Timberlake taken on?
Timberlake has shown impressive range as an actor, taking on diverse roles in comedies, dramas, and animated films. He's portrayed everything from a tech entrepreneur in "The Social Network" to a voice role as Branch in the "Trolls" animated movie series. His performances have demonstrated his ability to dive into different characters, proving he's not just a musician but a talented actor as well.
How has Justin Timberlake contributed to the fashion industry?
Beyond music and acting, Timberlake has made waves in the fashion world too. He co-founded the clothing line William Rast, which offers a range of apparel inspired by his Southern roots mixed with modern flair. His personal style, often seen at red carpet events, has also influenced trends, making him a fashion icon in his own right.
What's one of the most surprising facts about Justin Timberlake?
One surprising fact is that Timberlake once saved the MTV show "Punk'd" from cancellation. He was the first celebrity pranked on the show, and his genuine reaction helped boost the show's popularity, ensuring its continuation. It's a fun tidbit that shows his unexpected impact beyond his usual domains of music and acting.
Can fans expect new music from Justin Timberlake soon?
While specific details about new releases are often kept under wraps, Timberlake has hinted at working on new music. Known for his perfectionism and dedication to his craft, any upcoming projects from him are highly anticipated. Fans remain eager to hear what innovative sounds and styles he'll explore next.

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