Justin Randall Timberlake was born on 31st January 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee. This musically historical place had already produced musical idols like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. For obvious reasons this cute boy was given the nickname 'Curly'.
Almost from birth Justin was showing signs of his performing potential. Dancing along to the radio at just a few months old; singing in harmony by two and a half. Although his parents divorced when he was young he remains close to his father and his mother, Lynne. He coped with the divorce with the church's help and of course was an active member of the church choir. Justin gained his first stage experience through various talent shows and continued to develop his already considerable talents with the aid of voice lessons.
When he was twelve he was discovered at an audition for the Mickey Mouse Club kids show. He moved with his mother to Orlando, where he not only gained more showbiz experience but in his two years on the show he also got to know JC as well as Chritina Aquilera and his future girlfriend Britney Spears. When Disney cancelled the show it was perfect timing for Justin in many ways. *NSYNC was just starting out and they were able to devote all their energy to the band. His faith and his spirituality are the characteristics that keep him down to earth in the face of such major celebrity. Stardom has its down sides as well and the constant attention is sometimes difficult to deal with.
His relationship with Britney Spears has kept him in the headlines, even when he'd rather not be. It seems the stress has been too much for him at times. At the end of December 2000 a woman launched a lawsuit against Justin and the *NSYNC security team for alleged verbal abuse, and verbal and physical intimidation of her daughter. The incident seems to have occurred when Justin refused to sign an autograph and the girl shouted 'JC's much cuter anyway.' Justin is alleged to have had her taken into the hotel by security where he then verbally abused. Recent reports have also claimed Justin refused to sign autographs and was rude to fans while in Los Angeles for the American Music Awards.
Curly is the natural comic in the group and he takes enormous pleasure in making others laugh. This skill is aided by his ability to act goofily. As well as being an excellent dancer and talented musician Justin is also very sporty. His favorite sport is basketball but, because of his hectic schedule with *NSYNC he has admittedly little time to devote to his hobby.
Advanced for his age, Justin is a purposeful and ambitious young man, who knows exactly what he wants. This must explain why, despite all the stress, he still had enough energy to successfully continue his schooling through a special correspondence course for young artists. His favorite subjects were math and physics. Justin was presented with his high school diploma at a concert in his hometown of Memphis
At the beginning of *NSYNC's career, on those rare occasions when he made a mistake during the dance routines, this smart young man, being the perfectionist that he is, often reacted by pulling sweet, tormented faces. As frontman alongside JC, he carries a heavy load on his young (albeit broad) shoulders being the main focus for the cameras. His likeable, friendly smile has captured the hearts of the majority of *NSYNC fans. Despite his great success Justin remains modest and can't quite come to terms with his effect on girls. He simply can't understand why the fans become speechless when he looks at them.
