Justin Timberlake’s Transition from Sexy Singer to Leading Man
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Justin Randall on <em>Star Search</em>
An 11-year-old Justin first jumped into the limelight as a tiny country singer on Star Search, using his middle name for his stage surname. Rockin’ a ten-gallon hat, a bolero tie, and a very loud shirt, Justin sadly didn’t win the hearts of the judges.
Justin Timberlake in <em>The Mickey Mouse Club</em> (1993)
Justin was cast as a member of the new Mickey Mouse Club, where he sang and danced for a year with Christina Aguilera, future 'N Sync bandmate JC Chasez, future first love Britney Spears and a young Ryan Gosling (pictured above). Check out Snakkle's gallery on Gosling's rise to fame here.
Justin Timberlake in 'N Sync
A year after the Club ended, Timberlake and Chasez were recruited by boy-band Svengali Lou Pearlman to be part of the band 'N Sync. Their self-titled debut album sold an astounding 11 million copies and made them international superstars. They produced four albums and sold 50 million copies.
Justin and Britney Spears
Justin and Britney were together as a couple for a decade before splitting in 2002. Timberlake maintains strict privacy about his personal relationships, but he left clues about what caused his heartbreak with Spears in the hit song "Cry Me a River.”
<em>Justified</em> (2002)
After seven stellar years, 'N Sync went on hiatus and Justin pursued his solo album Justified. Produced by the Neptunes and Timbaland, Justified sold 7 million copies worldwide and won two Grammys.
Ashton Kutcher decided to make Justin his guinea pig and orchestrated his first filmed celebrity practical joke for Punk’d on his friend. Kutcher made Timberlake believe that he owed $900,000 in back taxes and his house and personal items were being confiscated. Yes, Justin was really crying a river he was so upset.
Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson at Super Bowl XXXVIII
Timberlake and Jackson decided to go edgy with their performance during the halftime show when he ripped a swatch of her top off to expose her nipple-ringed breast. Surprise! Viewers and the FCC flipped out over the “wardrobe malfunction.” The pair was forced to apologize, and CBS got hammered with fines. Oops?
Justin Timberlake in <em>Alpha Dog</em> (2006)
In 2004, going back to acting became a goal for Timberlake. After a few clunkers, Justin gained attention and praise for his small role in the indie drama Alpha Dog.
Justin Timberlake in the “SexyBack” video (2006)
J.T. got super-funky with his next solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds.Leading with the single “SexyBack,” the album was a monster hit, selling 10 million worldwide.
Justin Timberlake in the <em>Saturday Night Live</em> sketch "Dick in a Box" (2006)
In 2006, Justin hosted and performed on Saturday Night Live. Together with Andy Samberg and the Lonely Planet, Timberlake helped write and perform the digital short “Dick in a Box.” Audiences went crazy for it, and the video went viral on YouTube, launching the aging show into the digital age.
Justin Timberlake and Madonna in “4 Minutes” (2007)
In 2007, Timberlake went into the studio with Madonna and they produced four songs, including “4 Minutes,” which appeared on Madonna’s Hard Candy album. Justin also made a cameo in the music video.
Justin Timberlake in the <em>Saturday Night Live</em> sketch “Motherlover” (2009)
In 2007, Justin started dating actress Jessica Biel. After four years together, many speculated the duo would wed, but they split in 2011, only to be seen together again months later looking very together...
Justin Timberlake in <em>The Social Network</em> (2010)
Timberlake played real-life Napster founder and venture capitalist Sean Parker in The Social Network. In a strictly dramatic turn, Justin nailed the big persuasive personality of Parker and gained positive critical attention.
Justin Timberlake in <em>Bad Teacher</em> (2011)
Looking for laughs, Timberlake played the straight man to Cameron Diaz’s horribly shallow gold-digger teacher in the summer comedy hit Bad Teacher.
Justin Timberlake in <em>In Time</em> (2011)
Trying on a new genre, Timberlake stars in his first sci-fi film, In Time. Falsely accused of murder, Timberlake’s character has to steal time to survive.
<em>The 20/20 Experience</em> (2013)
Timberlake followed up In Time with roles in Trouble with the Curve and Runner Runner. He dropped the first half of The 20/20 Experience in March 2013 and the second in September. The albums received critical success and Timberlake picked up two Grammy awards.
<em>Inside Llewyn Davis</em> (2013)
Timberlake snagged a role in The Coen Brother's latest Inside Llewyn Davis about a young struggling folk singer (Oscar Isaac) in 1960s New York. He plays Jim, a folk singer friend of Llewyn's.
