Justin Timberlake, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, actor, and producer, has been in the public eye since his days as a child star on “The Mickey Mouse Club.” Rising to fame with the boy band *NSYNC, Timberlake has since carved out an impressive solo career, winning numerous awards and accolades. Known for his smooth vocals, charismatic performances, and boyish charm, Justin has captivated audiences worldwide. Let’s dive into some intriguing facts about this pop icon that showcase his dynamic personality and fascinating life.
1. His Mom Named *NSYNC
Justin Timberlake’s mother, Lynn Harless, coined the name *NSYNC using the last letters of each original member’s first name: justiN, chriS (Chris Kirkpatrick), joeY (Joey Fatone), jasoN (Jason Watkins, who sang bass before Lance Bass joined), and j.C. (JC Chasez). This clever naming set the stage for their meteoric rise in the late ’90s.
2. Ashton Kutcher’s First Victim on “Punk’d”
In 2003, Justin Timberlake had the unwanted honor of being Ashton Kutcher’s first victim on the MTV prank show “Punk’d.” The hilarious episode saw Justin being fooled into thinking his house was being repossessed. Despite the scare, he took the prank in stride, showcasing his good-natured personality.
3. Sings Himself to Sleep
When Justin Timberlake finds it hard to fall asleep, he sings himself to sleep. This endearing habit highlights his deep connection to music, which has been a constant source of comfort and creativity throughout his life.
4. His Greatest Fears
Justin Timberlake has admitted that his greatest fears include dying unloved, snakes, sharks, spiders, and falling unconscious at a concert due to the stuffed animals fans throw on stage. These fears reveal a more vulnerable side to the superstar.
5. Owner of “Southern Hospitality”
Justin owns a soul food restaurant called “Southern Hospitality” in Manhattan. Located on Second Avenue at 79th Street, it offers a taste of Southern cuisine, reflecting Justin’s Tennessee roots and love for good food.
6. A Tragic Loss
Justin Timberlake had a younger half-sister, Laura Katherine, who died minutes after birth. She was the first child of his father, Randy Timberlake, and stepmother Lisa. Sometimes falsely reported as his twin, Laura Katherine is mentioned in the liner notes of *NSYNC albums as “My Angel in Heaven.”
7. Two Younger Half-Brothers
Justin has two younger half-brothers, Jonathan Perry Timberlake (born September 12, 1993) and Stephen Robert Timberlake (born August 14, 1998), both sons of his father and stepmother. Justin shares a close bond with his family despite his busy career.
8. Fatherhood
Justin Timberlake became a father for the first time at age 34 when his wife, Jessica Biel, gave birth to their son Silas Timberlake on April 8, 2015. He experienced the joys of fatherhood again at age 39 with the birth of their second son, Phineas Timberlake, in July 2020.
9. Friends with Chris Martin
While touring in London, Justin met Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin. They struck up a close friendship, and Justin even introduced Coldplay’s performance at the 2003 VMA awards, calling them “the greatest band in the world.”
10. Relationship with Cameron Diaz
Justin Timberlake was in a high-profile relationship with actress Cameron Diaz from April 2003 to December 2006. Their romance was widely covered by the media, adding to Justin’s celebrity allure.
11. *NSYNC Beginnings
*NSYNC was started when Justin was just 14 years old. The boy band quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the best-selling boy bands of all time and setting the stage for Justin’s solo career.
12. Marriage to Jessica Biel
Justin married actress Jessica Biel in a romantic ceremony in Italy on October 19, 2012. The couple’s relationship has been a subject of media fascination, and they are often seen as one of Hollywood’s most beloved pairs.
13. Elaborate “Say Something” Video
Justin’s “Say Something” video, featuring Chris Stapleton, was a remarkable one-take/one-camera production. It required 17 musicians, a 60-person choir, five floors, two elevators, and several microphones. Shot live in the prestigious Bradbury Building in Los Angeles, where “Blade Runner” was filmed, the elaborate video took weeks of planning and involved 200 people.
14. Kevin Federline Connection
Justin’s ex-girlfriend Britney Spears‘ ex-husband, Kevin Federline, was a former background dancer for *NSYNC at the 2002 Grammy Awards and in Justin’s 2002 VMA performance. This connection adds an interesting twist to the overlapping relationships in the pop music world.
see also: 24 Things About ‘American Sweetheart’ Britney Spears
15. Close Friends
Justin Timberlake is friends with talk show host Jimmy Fallon, director Jonathan Demme, and comedian Ellen DeGeneres. His close-knit circle of friends includes some of the entertainment industry’s most influential figures.
16. Wedding Snub
Justin did not invite his former *NSYNC band members—JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Joey Fatone—to his wedding to Jessica Biel. This decision surprised many fans and sparked much speculation.
17. Forbes Earnings
In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated Justin Timberlake’s earnings for the year at $20 million. This impressive figure highlights his financial success and business acumen.
18. Grammy Win for “Cry Me A River”
Justin won a Grammy for Best Pop Male for his hit song “Cry Me A River” on February 8, 2004. The song, rumored to be about his breakup with Britney Spears, remains one of his most iconic tracks.
19. Time Magazine Recognition
Justin was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2013. This recognition solidified his status as a global superstar with a significant impact on music and culture.
20. On-Stage Accident
In early 1997, Justin broke his thumb on stage when he slipped on a puddle of water created by the audience being sprayed down due to extreme temperatures during an outdoor concert. Despite the injury, he continued to perform, demonstrating his dedication to his fans.
21. Grand Ole Opry Performance
Justin sang at the Grand Ole Opry when he was just ten years old. This early performance showcased his talent and passion for music, which would later define his career.
22. Clothing Line “William Rast”
Justin and his best friend Trace Ayala created a clothing line called “William Rast.” Launched in November 2005, the line was named after Justin’s grandfather, William Bomar, and Trace’s grandfather, whose surname is Rast. The brand reflects Justin’s interest in fashion and entrepreneurship.
23. Sneaker Collector
Justin Timberlake is an avid sneaker collector. His love for stylish and unique footwear is well-known, and he has often been spotted wearing some of the most sought-after sneakers.
24. Collects Sports Jerseys
In addition to sneakers, Justin also collects sports jerseys. His impressive collection includes jerseys from various sports teams, showcasing his passion for sports memorabilia.
25. Parents’ Divorce
Justin’s parents, Lynn Harless and Randy Timberlake, divorced when he was young. Despite this, he maintains a close relationship with both his mother and father, as well as his stepmother Lisa.
26. Half-Sister’s Tribute
Justin’s half-sister, Laura Katherine, died shortly after birth on May 14, 1997. He often mentions her in his acknowledgments in *NSYNC albums, referring to her as “My Angel in Heaven.”
27. Collaboration with Duran Duran
In 2006, Justin collaborated with Duran Duran on a song for their album. This partnership highlighted his versatility as an artist and his ability to work with diverse musical talents.
28. Jessica Biel on Tour
In 2007, Justin’s girlfriend at the time, Jessica Biel, accompanied him on his European tour. Their relationship was a subject of much media attention, and they were often photographed together during the tour.
29. Manchester United Fan
Justin Timberlake supports the English football team Manchester United FC, also known as “The Red Devils.” His love for the team adds another dimension to his diverse interests.
30. Relationship with Britney Spears
Justin dated his former “Mickey Mouse Club” co-star, Britney Spears, from 1998 to 2002. Their relationship was highly publicized and remains one of the most talked-about romances in pop music history.
31. Justin Timberlake Foundation
Justin founded The Justin Timberlake Foundation through the Giving Back Fund. The foundation’s goals are similar to the Save the Music Foundation, aiming to promote music education and support young musicians.
32. MTV Video Music Awards Winner
Justin won four MTV Video Music Awards in 2007 for “Male Artist of the Year,” “Quadruple Threat of the Year,” “Best Director,” and “Best Choreography in a Video.” These accolades highlight his talent and creativity.
33. UK #1 with “SexyBack”
Justin achieved his first UK #1 with the song “SexyBack” from his album “FutureSex/LoveSounds” in September 2006. The song’s success marked a significant milestone in his solo career.
34. Star Search Appearances
Using his first and middle names, Justin Randall, Timberlake appeared on “Star Search” at age 11. His performances on the show showcased his early talent and foreshadowed his future success in the entertainment industry.
35. Favorite Drink
Justin Timberlake’s favorite drink is milk, a simple yet classic choice that reflects his down-to-earth personality.
36. Shared Birthday with Phil Collins
Justin Timberlake and English singer Phil Collins share the same birthday, January 31st. This coincidence links two musical legends who have both made significant contributions to the industry.
37. FutureSex/LoveSounds Tour
Justin’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds” tour earned him over $126 million, making it one of the most successful tours of his career. The tour’s success demonstrated his immense popularity and ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
38. Close to His Grandfather
Justin was close to his grandfather, William “Bill” Bomar, who passed away in December 2012. He dedicated a song to his grandfather at a charity concert, expressing his deep love and respect for him.
39. Favorite Shows
Justin Timberlake’s favorite TV shows include “The Office,” “American Idol,” and “The Soup.” His taste in television reflects his appreciation for humor and entertainment.
40. European Leg of the Tour
On the European leg of his tour in 2007, Justin was joined by his girlfriend Jessica Biel. Their public appearances together during the tour fueled media speculation and solidified their status as a power couple.
FAQs:
Why was Justin Timberlake so famous?
Justin Timberlake became famous initially as a member of the popular boy band *NSYNC, which was one of the best-selling boy bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s. His fame grew further when he launched a successful solo music career, with hits like “Cry Me a River” and “SexyBack.” Timberlake is also known for his acting career, appearances on Saturday Night Live, and his overall influence in pop culture.
Did Justin Timberlake have a baby?
Yes, Justin Timberlake has two children with his wife, actress Jessica Biel. Their first son, Silas Randall Timberlake, was born in April 2015, and their second son, Phineas, was born in July 2020.
Who did Justin Timberlake date at 16?
At around 16, Justin Timberlake was in a relationship with fellow pop star Britney Spears. They met while they were both cast members on The Mickey Mouse Club and became one of the most famous celebrity couples of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
How much older is Jessica Biel than Justin Timberlake?
Jessica Biel is not older than Justin Timberlake; in fact, Justin Timberlake is slightly older. Timberlake was born on January 31, 1981, while Biel was born on March 3, 1982, making him about 13 months older.
Why did Justin and Jessica split?
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have had a few ups and downs in their relationship, leading to brief splits. However, the reasons behind their splits are largely speculative and have not been officially confirmed. Publicly, they have always maintained a strong relationship, and any past issues have been kept private, leading to their eventual reconciliation and strong marriage.