Chris Kirkpatrick, a prominent figure in the world of entertainment, is best known for his role as a member of the iconic boy band NSYNC. With a net worth of $10 million, Kirkpatrick’s career has spanned music, reality television, and voice acting. Born on October 17, 1971, in Clarion, Pennsylvania, Kirkpatrick has Irish, Scottish, Native American, and Spanish ancestry. His journey from humble beginnings to international stardom is a testament to his talent and perseverance.
Early Life and Musical Aspirations
Christopher Alan Kirkpatrick grew up in Clarion, Pennsylvania, before moving to Dalton, Ohio, where he attended Dalton High School. His passion for music led him to Rollins College in Orlando, Florida, where he studied while working as a performer at Universal Studios. It was here that Kirkpatrick honed his skills as a singer with The Hollywood Hi-Tones, a Doo Wop group, and supplemented his income by working as a busboy at Outback Steakhouse.
Formation of NSYNC
In 1995, Kirkpatrick’s life changed when he met Lou Pearlman, a music producer renowned for his role in creating the Backstreet Boys. Seizing the opportunity, Kirkpatrick proposed forming a new boy band. Pearlman agreed to finance the project if Kirkpatrick could recruit other talented young singers. Kirkpatrick reached out to Justin Timberlake, whom Pearlman remembered from The Mickey Mouse Club. Timberlake brought in his friend JC Chasez, and the lineup was completed with Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, a former colleague of Kirkpatrick from Universal Studios.
NSYNC quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, with over 50 million records sold worldwide. Their second album, No Strings Attached, set a record by selling 2.4 million copies in its first week. Kirkpatrick was particularly noted for his countertenor voice, which added a unique dimension to the group’s harmonies.
Post-NSYNC Career
After NSYNC disbanded in 2002, Kirkpatrick took a break from the spotlight. He re-emerged in 2007 with the reality show Mission Man Band on VH1. The show featured former boy band members attempting to rekindle their careers. Alongside Kirkpatrick were Bryan Abrams of Color Me Badd, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, and Rich Cronin of LFO. Together, they formed the supergroup Sureshot, recorded music, and performed publicly.
In 2008, Kirkpatrick joined the cast of the CMT reality show Gone Country, which focused on celebrities aspiring to become country music singers. Although he did not win, his performance of an original song, “That’ll Get Ya By,” received praise from the show’s judge, John Rich.
Voice Acting and Other Ventures
Beyond his musical career, Kirkpatrick has found success as a voice actor, most notably voicing Chip Skylark in the popular Nickelodeon series The Fairly OddParents. He also ventured into fashion with his clothing line, Fu-Man Skeeto, inspired by urban skater fashion. Although the line was short-lived, it added another dimension to his versatile career.
Kirkpatrick has appeared in various films and music videos, including cameos in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!, Dead 7, and the music video for Good Charlotte’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” His involvement in these projects showcases his willingness to explore different facets of entertainment.
Personal Life and Family
In his personal life, Chris Kirkpatrick married his long-time girlfriend, Karly Skladany, on November 2, 2013. The couple wed in a ceremony attended by family and friends in Orlando, Florida. They welcomed their son, Nash, in 2017, marking a new chapter in Kirkpatrick’s life as a father.
Legacy and Influence
Chris Kirkpatrick’s journey from a small-town performer to a member of one of the world’s most famous boy bands is a story of talent, determination, and adaptability. His contributions to NSYNC have left a lasting impact on the music industry, and his post-band endeavors in reality TV, voice acting, and fashion demonstrate his versatility as an entertainer.
Kirkpatrick’s story also highlights the challenges and opportunities that come with fame. While NSYNC’s breakup could have marked the end of his public career, Kirkpatrick reinvented himself, exploring new genres and media. His work continues to resonate with fans of all ages, proving that his influence extends far beyond the heyday of boy bands.
Conclusion
Chris Kirkpatrick remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his musical talents and contributions to pop culture. As he continues to explore new opportunities, his legacy as a member of NSYNC and a versatile performer endures. With a successful career spanning music, television, and voice acting, Kirkpatrick exemplifies the power of reinvention and the enduring appeal of genuine talent.