Justin Timberlake is one of those rare combinations of pop star and actor, and with his Oscar nomination for Wonder Wheel, he has created a buzz. Former NSYNC boy band member Justin Timberlake has now become a superstar. Let us have a look at this 36-year-old star’s evolution from a singer to an actor.
Made it to NSYNC through Mickey Mouse Club
He first appeared in a singing competition show Star Search in 1983. He sang country songs, and no matter he did not win the show, he had sufficient exposure to be cast in The All New Mickey Mouse Club in 1989. He was cast with some of the amazing future actors Keri Russell and Ryan Gosling and to be pop-stars that later became the members of the NSYNC Band.
In 1994, when the show ended, Justin Timberlake, J.C. Chasez, and three other members of the show were recruited by the producer Lou Pearlman to form NSYNC. The band released its debut album in 1998. It was self-titled and at No.2 on the charts. Some of its included “I Want You Back” and “Tearing At My Heart.”
Going solo in the early 2000s
Timberlake launched his career in 2002 with Justified. Further, he featured hits like “Rock Your Body,” “Cry me a River” and “Like I Love You” that sold over 1.9 million copies according to the official charts.
He made a guest appearance in the Super Bowl in 2004. There he became part of an infamous “Wardrobe Malfunction,” where he ripped the leather costume of Janet Jackson to reveal her breast on live television. He apologized for the same in the subsequent Grammy’s. This led “wardrobe malfunction” to become a common pop-culture reference.
Timberlake on the big screen
Justin Timberlake now made guest appearances in the TV Series like The Wonderful World of Disney – 2000 and Top of the Pops – 2002 as soon as his music career took off. He also made small parts in a few films and made it to the big screen in 2006.
Well, 2006 was a long shot for the pop-star and the start of becoming a superstar. He was filming two movies and also created a solo album. All three of his works were released in the same year. He appeared in the films Alpha Dog and Black Snake Moan. Being a singer turned actor, his transformation was well received, and he netted some major nominations for his time and work.
A fresh out and a seat at the Oscars
Since 2013, Timberlake’s prime focus was his acting career. He was the voice of Artie in Shrek the Third – 2007, in The Love Guru – 2008 He appeared next to Jessica Simpson and Jessica Alba. He also starred opposite Jeff Bridges in The Open Road – 2009.
The Social Network was a breakthrough for Timberlake, and he won Oscar for the same. Awards like Best Writing Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Music Score, and Best Film Editing made 2010 a special year for Justin Timberlake.
Leading role in romantic movies
It was very natural for such a wonderful singer to make songs like Sexyback and Mirrors and to perform a role in romantic comedies. Bad Teacher – 2011 was his first rom-com, where he played a very hilarious and awkward middle school teacher. This project in Timberlake’s life gave a spice to his fans as he was playing a love interest on-screen with his ex-girlfriend and dating his soon-to-be wife, Jessica Biel.
Combining his talents
Justin Timberlake combined his music and acting talent in the 2016 DreamWorks Animation movie Trolls. “Can’t Stop The Feeling” achieved an Oscar nomination. He also became the executive music producer and voiced one of the lead characters.