Justin Timberlake is a household name, thanks to his chart-topping hits, memorable SNL skits, and impressive acting career. From his days as the lead singer of ‘N Sync to his successful solo career, Timberlake has proven his versatility in the entertainment industry. While his Grammy wins may not surprise you, there are some lesser-known facts about this multi-talented star. Here are 12 things you probably didn’t know about Justin Timberlake.
1. Justin Timberlake: Emmy Award Winner
While he’s best known for his Grammy wins, Timberlake has also won two Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on SNL in 2009 and 2011. With an Emmy and a Grammy under his belt, Timberlake is just a Tony and an Oscar away from achieving the coveted EGOT status.
2. The Stage Name ‘Justin Randall’
During his appearance on StarSearch in 1992, Timberlake used his middle name, Randall, as his last name. This is a common practice among celebrities, with stars like Tim Allen and Lea Michele adopting similar stage names throughout their careers.
3. From The Mickey Mouse Club to Touched By an Angel
Timberlake’s first major gig was on The Mickey Mouse Club as a child, but his next TV appearance featured the entire ‘N Sync gang. They played street performers in a 1999 episode of Touched By an Angel.
4. Ryan Gosling’s Legal Guardian
During his time on The Mickey Mouse Club, Timberlake’s mother became Ryan Gosling’s legal guardian for a year when Gosling’s mother had to return to Canada for work. The two future Hollywood stars lived together for six months and, although they don’t talk much anymore, they continue to support each other’s careers.
5. Tequila Entrepreneur
Timberlake has partnered with Sauza Tequila to create his own brand, 901 Tequila. Inspired by a trip to Jalisco, Mexico, Timberlake wanted to share the craftsmanship he witnessed in the production of fine tequila with his fans.
6. The First Celebrity to be Punk’d
Before making people laugh on SNL, Timberlake was the first victim of Ashton Kutcher’s celebrity prank show, Punk’d, which aired from 2003-2007 and briefly returned in 2012.
7. A Country Music Connection
Despite being known for pop music, one of Timberlake’s first major performances took place on country music’s biggest stage, the Grand Ole Opry, when he was just 10 years old.
8. Songwriting for Reba and Rihanna
Timberlake’s country connections don’t end with the Opry. He co-wrote and sang on Reba’s 2007 single, “The Only Promise that Remains.” In 2008, he co-wrote and collaborated on Rihanna’s hit single, “Rehab.”
9. A Twin Sister’s Tragic Loss
The most heartbreaking fact on this list is that Timberlake was born a twin, but his twin sister, Laura Katherine, passed away shortly after their birth.
10. Five Tattoos and Counting
Timberlake has five tattoos, including a flame tattoo shared with most of the ‘N Sync members. His mother has reportedly forbidden him from getting any more tattoos, except for one last one: the name of the woman he marries.
11. A Passion for Golf
In addition to his love for performing, Timberlake is an avid golfer. He and his parents purchased a golf course in Memphis to save it from closing, and he receives golf lessons from Tiger Woods’ former coach, Butch Harmon. Timberlake also hosts an annual charity golf outing.
12. Oreo Cookie Connoisseur
This quirky fact may not reveal much about Timberlake’s life, but it’s an amusing tidbit: he dips his Oreo cookies in milk for exactly seven seconds.
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
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Wrong. Not his twin. His half-sister. He was 16 when she died.