Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer who first gained national attention as a cast member on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club during his childhood. He went on to become a key figure in the massively successful boy band *NSYNC before establishing a solo career that has spanned more than two decades and earned him multiple Grammy Awards. For a complete account of his early years and rise to fame, the Justin Timberlake research biography offers extensive detail.
Born on January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, Timberlake grew up surrounded by music and began performing at a young age. His transition from child television performer to pop superstar is one of the most notable career arcs in modern entertainment, and he has remained a fixture in music, film, and popular culture ever since.
Beyond music, Timberlake has built a parallel career as an actor, appearing in critically acclaimed films such as The Social Network and Inside Llewyn Davis, while also voicing characters in major animated franchises. According to biographical sources, he has sold more than 88 million records worldwide across his solo work and time with *NSYNC.
Key insights at a glance:
- Timberlake launched his solo career in 2002 with Justified, featuring hits like “Cry Me a River” and “Rock Your Body.”
- He has released six solo albums, including FutureSex/LoveSounds and Man of the Woods.
- His acting credits include The Social Network, Friends with Benefits, and Trolls.
- He married actress Jessica Biel in 2012, and the couple has two sons.
- He has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been nominated for additional honors.
- One biography source describes him as one of the most commercially successful entertainers in the world.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Justin Randall Timberlake |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Genres | Pop, R&B, dance |
| Vocal Range | Tenor |
| Major Collaborators | The Neptunes, Timbaland |
| Spouse | Jessica Biel (married 2012) |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Record Labels | Jive, RCA, Rocket Music |
| Solo Albums | Justified, FutureSex/LoveSounds, The 20/20 Experience, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2, Man of the Woods, Everything I Thought It Was |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100 million (single-source estimate) |
What Are Justin Timberlake’s Most Important Songs and Albums?
Timberlake’s music career divides naturally into two chapters: his time with *NSYNC and his solo work. The boy band achieved enormous commercial success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, selling over 50 million albums according to one biography source. When Timberlake stepped out on his own, he quickly established himself as a solo artist with a distinct sound shaped by producers like The Neptunes and Timbaland. In-depth analysis of his musical evolution is available via the Britannica entry, which traces his artistic development across each album cycle.
Breakthrough Solo Album: Justified (2002)
Justified marked Timberlake’s formal departure from *NSYNC’s bubblegum pop image. The album produced several major hits, including “Like I Love You,” “Cry Me a River,” and “Rock Your Body.” Its success cemented him as a viable solo artist and set the tone for his later, more experimental work.
Continued Success with FutureSex/LoveSounds
His second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, pushed his sound into more electronic, R&B-inspired territory. Songs from that era, particularly “SexyBack,” became defining hits of the mid-2000s. Biographical sources consistently point to this period as a high point in his commercial and critical trajectory.
Later Albums and Recent Releases
Timberlake continued releasing music throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s. His discography includes The 20/20 Experience, its sequel The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2, Man of the Woods, and his 2024 album Everything I Thought It Was. His song “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” from the Trolls soundtrack became a global hit.
One source indicates Timberlake has had four consecutive No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. Another source specifies six Grammy wins, while a different source mentions four Emmy Awards. These figures vary slightly across biographical references, reflecting different counting methods for awards.
What Are Justin Timberlake’s Most Notable Movies and Acting Roles?
Timberlake’s acting career began alongside his music success, and he has steadily built a filmography that spans independent dramas, studio comedies, and animated features. His roles have ranged from supporting character parts to leading man positions. A full list of his on-screen work appears on his IMDb page, which catalogues every film and television credit.
Dramatic Roles and Critical Recognition
His performance in The Social Network (2010), where he played Sean Parker, is frequently cited as a standout. One source notes that he has been recognized for Oscar-nominated film performances, although the specifics of which films those nominations relate to remain unclear.
Comedies and Romantic Films
Timberlake has appeared in several studio comedies, including Friends with Benefits, Bad Teacher, and Trouble with the Curve. These roles showcased his comedic timing and expanded his appeal beyond music audiences.
Voice Work in Animated Films
He voiced the character Branch in the Trolls franchise, which includes Trolls and Trolls World Tour. In addition to voice acting, Timberlake contributed music to those projects, including the hit single “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
His filmography includes Alpha Dog, Black Snake Moan, Southland Tales, In Time, Runner Runner, Inside Llewyn Davis, and Wonder Wheel. This mix of studio and independent projects reflects a deliberate effort to avoid being typecast.
What Is Justin Timberlake’s Net Worth and Business Portfolio?
Financial information about celebrities often varies widely depending on the source and the date of publication. For Timberlake, one biography source estimates his net worth at $100 million. This figure should be treated as a rough estimate rather than a verified current valuation, as newer consensus financial data was not available in the research materials.
Beyond his earnings from music and acting, Timberlake has engaged in business ventures. He has been involved in a clothing line and holds a stake in the Memphis Grizzlies, a professional basketball team. These investments supplement his entertainment income and contribute to his overall financial profile.
The $100 million net worth figure comes from a single biographical source. More recent or comprehensive financial assessments were not part of the available research. Readers should treat this number as an educated approximation rather than a definitive statement.
Timeline: Key Moments in Justin Timberlake’s Career
- 1981: Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 31.
- 1990s: Appears as a cast member on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club.
- 1995: Joins *NSYNC at age 14.
- 2002: Releases debut solo album Justified.
- 2006: Releases FutureSex/LoveSounds, featuring “SexyBack.”
- 2010: Appears in The Social Network as Sean Parker.
- 2012: Marries actress Jessica Biel.
- 2016: Releases “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” from the Trolls soundtrack.
- 2018: Releases Man of the Woods.
- 2024: Releases Everything I Thought It Was.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Justin Timberlake?
Public figures accumulate a mixture of well-documented facts and less certain claims. Timberlake’s career is no exception. The table below separates what biographical sources consistently report from information that varies or lacks consensus.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee | Exact current net worth (one source says $100 million) |
| Married Jessica Biel in 2012 | Precise number of Grammy wins (sources mention six or other counts) |
| Has two sons | Specific details about business ventures and share sizes |
| Released six solo albums | Full touring history and setlist data |
| Appeared in numerous films and voiced Branch in Trolls | Exact height, which is not included in available sources |
Why Does Justin Timberlake’s Career Matter in Pop Culture?
Timberlake’s longevity in the entertainment industry is unusual. He transitioned from a child television star to a boy band member, then to a solo performer, and finally to a film actor and entrepreneur. Each stage of his career built on the previous one, allowing him to remain relevant across multiple decades and audience generations.
His frequent collaborations with influential producers like Timbaland and The Neptunes helped define the sound of mid-2000s pop and R&B. His acting roles have introduced him to audiences who may not follow his music closely. His marriage to Jessica Biel has made him a recurring subject of celebrity coverage. Together, these factors make him a consistently visible figure in entertainment media.
What Are the Best Sources for Information About Justin Timberlake?
Several reputable biographical sources provide information about Timberlake’s life and career. These references offer different types of coverage, from short factual summaries to more detailed career retrospectives.
“One source estimates total worldwide sales of his solo and *NSYNC recordings at more than 88 million copies.”
Biographical research summary
“Sources describe him as one of the most recognizable pop entertainers of his generation, known for his showmanship, tenor vocal range, and collaborations with producers such as The Neptunes and Timbaland.”
Biographical research summary
For a more detailed overview of Timberlake’s complete career, the Justin Timberlake research biography provides extensive coverage of his music, acting, and personal life. His Biography.com profile offers a concise summary of major career milestones. For perspective on his cultural impact, the EBSCO research starter provides an academic overview. The Britannica entry covers his biography with editorial oversight. His IMDb page provides a comprehensive filmography, and his Instagram Profile offers current updates directly from the artist. Fans of his music can also follow him on Spotify.
What Is the Bottom Line on Justin Timberlake’s Career?
Justin Timberlake has built one of the most durable careers in modern pop entertainment. Starting as a child performer, he achieved massive success with *NSYNC, reinvented himself as a solo artist, and then expanded into acting and business. While specific details like his exact net worth and precise award count vary across sources, the broad outline of his career is well documented. He remains an active performer and public figure, with continued relevance in music, film, and popular culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Justin Timberlake’s real name?
His full name is Justin Randall Timberlake. He was born on January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, according to biographical sources.
How tall is Justin Timberlake?
The available research materials do not include a verified height for Timberlake. This specific detail is not consistently reported across biographical sources.
Who is Justin Timberlake married to?
He married actress Jessica Biel in 2012. The couple has two sons, according to one biography source.
What was Justin Timberlake’s first solo song?
His debut solo album Justified (2002) included the hit singles “Like I Love You,” “Cry Me a River,” and “Rock Your Body.”
Does Justin Timberlake have any upcoming tour dates?
The research materials do not confirm specific tour dates or locations. His Instagram Profile is the most reliable place to find current scheduling announcements.
What movies has Justin Timberlake been in?
His film roles include The Social Network, Friends with Benefits, Bad Teacher, Trouble with the Curve, Alpha Dog, Inside Llewyn Davis, In Time, Runner Runner, Black Snake Moan, Southland Tales, and Wonder Wheel.
Is Justin Timberlake in the Trolls movies?
Yes, he voices the character Branch in the Trolls franchise. He also contributed music to those films, including the hit song “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
How many Grammy Awards has Justin Timberlake won?
Sources vary on the exact count. One biography source mentions six Grammy wins, while another source references four consecutive No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart.
Did Justin Timberlake perform at the Super Bowl halftime show?
He has performed at the Super Bowl halftime show, but specific performance details were not included in the available research materials.
What is Justin Timberlake’s most-streamed song?
The research materials do not provide streaming statistics for individual songs. His most commercially successful songs include “SexyBack” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” according to biographical sources.
Daniel Mercer is Music & Theatre Correspondent at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering music, theatre, concerts, West End coverage, festivals, live entertainment and album releases.