Justin Timberlake
Born 1981 · Age 44
American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer and dancer; rose to fame in *NSYNC, later a multi‑Grammy winning solo artist and actor.
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Life & Career Timeline
Appeared on Star Search as child performer
Performed country music on televised talent show as 'Justin Randall'.
Joined The All New Mickey Mouse Club
Cast member (Mouseketeer) from 1993–1995; met future collaborators Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, JC Chasez, Ryan Gosling.
Recruited to form NSYNC
Timberlake and JC Chasez joined an all‑male vocal group that became *NSYNC (group formed 1995).
NSYNC began recording/performing in Europe
The band started performing and recording in Europe, launching their early professional career.
NSYNC released self‑titled debut album
Debut studio album released in 1998; sold ~11 million copies worldwide.
Acted in TV movie 'Model Behavior'
Appeared in The Wonderful World of Disney movie Model Behavior (2000).
NSYNC released No Strings Attached (record opening week)
No Strings Attached sold 2.4 million copies first week (fastest‑selling album at the time).
Performed at the Academy Awards with NSYNC
NSYNC performed at the Oscars (noted high‑profile appearance).
NSYNC released Celebrity
Fourth studio album Celebrity (2001) sold ~1.8 million copies in first week.
NSYNC went on indefinite hiatus
Group announced an indefinite hiatus after Celebrity tour completion; members pursued solo projects.
First celebrity prank on Punk'd
First celebrity guest on Ashton Kutcher's Punk'd; later appeared to punk Kelly Osbourne.
Debuted solo single 'Like I Love You' at MTV VMAs
Premiered first solo single during the August 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.
Released debut solo album 'Justified'
Justified debuted at #2 on Billboard 200 with first‑week sales of 439,000; sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Justified & Stripped co‑headlining tour with Christina Aguilera
Co‑headlined a summer 2003 tour promoting solo material.
Recorded 'I'm Lovin' It' for McDonald's campaign
Recorded theme for McDonald's 'I'm Lovin' It' campaign; deal earned an estimated $6 million.
Won two Grammy Awards for Justified and 'Cry Me a River'
At the 2004 Grammys won Best Pop Vocal Album (Justified) and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ('Cry Me a River').
Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime 'wardrobe malfunction'
Performing with Janet Jackson, a costume reveal exposed Jackson's breast; massive media controversy; Timberlake apologized.
Founded JayTee Records
Started his own record company, JayTee Records.
Had throat surgery to remove nodules
Underwent operation to remove nodules from his throat; advised to rest voice for months.
Performed 'SexyBack' at 2006 MTV Video Music Awards
High‑profile VMA performance that boosted the single's visibility.
Released 'FutureSex/LoveSounds'
Second solo album debuted at #1 on Billboard 200 with 684,000 first‑week sales; spawned hits like 'SexyBack'.
SNL 'Dick in a Box' sketch (host & musical guest)
Performed in an iconic SNL digital short with Andy Samberg that became a viral hit and later won an Emmy.
Embarked on the FutureSex/LoveShow tour
Major world tour supporting FutureSex/LoveSounds (began January 2007).
Voiced Prince Artie in 'Shrek the Third'
Provided voice work for animated film released May 18, 2007.
Won two Grammys at the 50th Annual Grammys
Won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ('What Goes Around...Comes Around') and Best Dance Recording ('LoveStoned/I Think She Knows').
Released '4 Minutes' with Madonna
Lead single from Madonna's Hard Candy; global hit topping charts in 21+ countries.
Starred in 'The Love Guru'
Had a starring role in the Mike Myers comedy released June 20, 2008.
Executive producer on MTV's 'The Phone'
Served as executive producer for reality series which premiered on April 21, 2009.
Portrayed Sean Parker in 'The Social Network'
Acclaimed acting role in the Oscar‑winning film about Facebook's origins.
Starred in multiple 2011 films
Major roles in Bad Teacher, Friends with Benefits and In Time (all released 2011).
Attended USMC birthday ball as date to Kelsey De Santis
Was invited via viral YouTube request and attended the Marines' birthday ball in Richmond, VA.
Began work on 'The 20/20 Experience'
Started sessions in June 2012 with no fixed rules; reunited with collaborators (Timbaland, others).
Married Jessica Biel
Married actress Jessica Biel in Puglia, Italy on October 19, 2012.
Returned to music with single 'Suit & Tie' (feat. Jay‑Z)
Lead single from The 20/20 Experience announced in January 2013; peaked top 5 on Hot 100.
Released 'The 20/20 Experience'
Album debuted at #1 with ~968,000 copies sold in the U.S. first week; became the best‑selling album of 2013 in the U.S.
Received Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
Honored at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards; also won Video of the Year for 'Mirrors'.
Released 'The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2'
Companion album released Sept 30, 2013; debuted at #1 on Billboard 200.
Released Michael Jackson duet video 'Love Never Felt So Good'
Featured on Michael Jackson's posthumous album Xscape; Timberlake directed/co‑released the video.
Won three Grammys at the 57th Annual Grammys
Won Best R&B Song ('Pusher Love Girl'), Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ('Holy Grail'), Best Music Video ('Suit & Tie').
Released 'Can't Stop the Feeling!' for Trolls soundtrack
Lead single debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100; sold ~2.4 million downloads in the U.S. and was the best‑selling song of the year.
Premiere of concert film 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids' at TIFF
Space‑age themed concert film directed by Jonathan Demme premiered at Toronto International Film Festival; Netflix released it Oct 12, 2016.
Released animated film 'Trolls' (voiced Branch) and executive music producer
Provided voice of Branch and executive music produced the soundtrack; spawned sequels.
Opened the 89th Academy Awards
Performed 'Can't Stop the Feeling!' opening the Oscars ceremony; song had earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Released album 'Man of the Woods'
Fifth studio album released Feb 2, 2018; first single 'Filthy' released Jan 5, 2018.
Headlined Super Bowl LII halftime show
Performed a medley including selections from Man of the Woods and a duet with a video projection of Prince.
Began 'Man of the Woods' tour
Tour started March 13, 2018 in Toronto; concluded April 13, 2019. It was among the top‑grossing tours of 2018.
Received honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music
Awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of musical achievements.
Released 'The Other Side' with SZA for Trolls World Tour
Single from Trolls World Tour soundtrack released with accompanying video.
Released 'Don't Slack' (feat. Anderson .Paak)
Song contributed to the Trolls World Tour soundtrack.
Released 'Better Days' with Ant Clemons
Single premiered on virtual benefit concert 'Rock the Runoff'.
Performed at the inauguration of Joe Biden
Performed as part of the Celebrating America special, collaborating with Ant Clemons.
Sold music catalogue to Blackstone‑backed fund
Reported sale of ~200 songs / catalogue to a fund backed by Blackstone in a deal said to be just over $100 million.
Timbaland revealed sixth studio album completed
Producer Timbaland said the new album had been finished and reclaimed the FutureSex/LoveSounds era sound.
Released 'Keep Going Up' with Timbaland & Nelly Furtado
Single released September 1, 2023 as a collaboration with Timbaland and Nelly Furtado.
Reunited with NSYNC; released 'Better Place' for Trolls soundtrack
Brief reunion with former bandmates and released single for Trolls Band Together soundtrack.
'Selfish' debuted at #19 on Billboard Hot 100
'Selfish' marked his highest debut in six years; became his 39th solo Hot 100 entry.
Performed free Memphis concert; debuted new single 'Selfish'
One‑night Orpheum concert in Memphis where he live‑debuted 'Selfish' and teased upcoming album.
Announced album 'Everything I Thought It Was' and promoted 'Selfish' on Fallon
Appeared on The Tonight Show, announced album due in March 2024 and released 'Selfish'.
Musical guest on Saturday Night Live
Performed 'Selfish' and 'Sanctified' as SNL musical guest (Jan 27, 2024).
Intimate concert at Irving Plaza on 43rd birthday
Held an intimate show in New York City on his birthday, continuing album promotion.
Released promotional single 'Drown'
Promotional single released Feb 23, 2024 as part of album rollout.
One‑off concert at The Wiltern with NSYNC reunion moment
Performed a surprise NSYNC reunion medley and new album track 'Paradise' at The Wiltern.
Released album 'Everything I Thought It Was' and single 'No Angels'
Album and second single released March 15, 2024; album debuted at #4 on Billboard 200.
Performed NPR Tiny Desk show
Half‑hour Tiny Desk performance promoting the new album.
Launched the Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Tour began April 29, 2024 in Vancouver; was reported as his fastest selling tour with >$140M in initial ticket sales and 1M+ tickets expected.
Added nine tour dates due to overwhelming demand
Pollstar reported nine additional shows added; over 1 million tickets already sold for Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
Arrested and charged with DWI (reported)
Reported arrest June 18, 2024 on Long Island for driving while intoxicated; released after arraignment (reported by media).
Announced Lyme disease diagnosis
Timberlake publicly announced being diagnosed with Lyme disease after wrapping up a world tour.
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