Overview and summary
Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur who first rose to global prominence in the late 1990s as a member of *NSYNC before establishing a solo music career and a varied presence in film, television, and business. This profile outlines his verified milestones, creative output, and public roles with reference to reliable sources and dates. It is designed as an evergreen reference that separates long‑term facts from temporary news.
Early life and *NSYNC formation
Childhood and education
Born on January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, Justin Randall Timberlake relocated with his family to Garland, Texas, during childhood. He attended school in Texas and later studied at the University of Memphis prior to pursuing full‑time entertainment work.
*NSYNC rise and peak
Timberlake gained worldwide recognition as the frontman of *NSYNC, a boy band formed through Disney’s The Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s and formally launched in 1995. The group released multi‑million selling albums including ‘NSYNC (1997), ‘N Sync (1998), and Celebrity (2001). Key singles such as ‘Bye Bye Bye’ and ‘It’s Gonna Be Me’ dominated charts in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Solo music career and discography
Debut and breakthrough albums
Timberlake’s solo breakthrough arrived with ‘NSYNC’s split and the 2002 release of ‘Justified’, featuring the global hits ‘Cry Me a River’ and ‘Rock Your Body’. The album was followed by ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’ in 2004, which spawned chart‑topping singles including ‘SexyBack’, ‘My Love’, and ‘What Goes Around… Comes Around’, consolidating his presence in pop and R&B.
Subsequent releases and collaborations
Further albums include ‘Man of the Woods’ (2018) and ongoing collaborations with producers and artists across genres. Over his career, Timberlake has accumulated numerous chart entries, awards, and certifications that reflect sustained commercial impact.
Acting roles and television work
Film and television milestones
Beyond music, Timberlake has built a portfolio in film and TV. Notable credits include leading and supporting roles in features such as The Social Network, Bad Teacher, and Trolls, along with recurring appearances in series such as The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live as host and musical guest. He has also engaged in digital and short‑form content through his production company.
Business ventures and brand activities
William Rast and other ventures
Timberlake co‑founded the clothing line William Rast and has invested in and promoted a range of brands spanning apparel, media, and consumer products. He has balanced these activities with music and acting, often leveraging his public profile to scale entrepreneurship.
Verified public timeline and milestones
The following table summarizes select, verifiable milestones in Timberlake’s career, emphasizing dates and clear outcomes that are widely documented by authoritative sources.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | January 31, 1981 | Biographical reference |
| Band formed | *NSYNC formed 1995; key debut 1997 | Industry and label records |
| Solo debut album | ‘Justified’ released November 2002 | Label and chart data |
| Major film roles | ‘The Social Network’ (2010), ‘Trolls’ (2016) | Studio and cast listings |
| Business launch | William Rast co‑founded early 2000s | Brand and trademark filings |
Public perception and controversies
Timberlake’s career includes high‑visibility moments, both celebratory and controversial. Notable references cited in reliable reporting include a 2004 Super Bowl halftime incident that generated sustained public and media attention and subsequent commentary from stakeholders. Throughout his career, he has engaged with causes such as disaster relief and technology innovation, contributing to a multifaceted public profile.
Frequently asked questions
- How did Justin Timberlake become famous?
- What are his primary professional roles?
- Does he still release music and perform?
He became famous as the lead singer of *NSYNC in the late 1990s, followed by a successful solo music career in the early 2000s.
He is primarily known as a musician, actor, and entrepreneur, spanning recordings, film and television, and business ventures.
Yes; he continues to release music, tour, and appear in films and television as of the latest available records.
Context and status summary
Justin Timberlake remains a prominent figure in entertainment and business, with a career spanning decades and multiple industries. This profile emphasizes verified information, notable dates, and durable context rather than moment‑specific news, ensuring long‑term reference value for readers seeking clarity and detail.