Justin Timberlake at the L.A. premiere of The Love Guru.
Everybody loves Justin. Nope, we’re not kidding. The director and all his Love Guru co-stars only had compliments for the 27-year-old singer-turned actor. From showing his moves on the ice to churning out the laughs, this multi-talented dude seems to be good at just about everything. It’s no wonder Mike Myers just had to have him in his film.
Fandango spoke with the budding movie actor and pop music superstar about his role—as an L.A. Kings goalie—and his smorgasbord of talents (which include foot massaging).
Q: How did you get your part in The Love Guru?
Timberlake: Mike [Myers] called me and said, “I want you to play the villain in this movie I’m working on. Just read the script.” I read the script and called him back. It was too funny to pass up, and it’s Mike. If you’re going to do a comedy, do it with the best.
Q: After your “Saturday Night Live” appearance, Myers said he was impressed with what you did comedically. Did that boost your confidence?
Timberlake: Definitely. Mike told me, “I think you understand comedy and I can’t really see anybody else playing this role and pulling it off like you.” That meant a lot to me—I grew up watching Mike on “SNL” and Wayne’s World.
Q: How important is an acting career to you with all your other successes?
Timberlake: It’s a huge passion of mine. I got a phone call when I was 14—a record company, BGM, wanted to sign [our band]. Two weeks before that, the plan was for me to go to L.A. for pilot season. So, I guess everything turns out the way it’s supposed to. It’s always been something I’ve been very serious about. I just think that the opportunities are starting to come in the right way.
Q: Why didn’t you start acting earlier?
Timberlake: I’ve wanted to do it for a while, but you get sent the worst scripts based on the fact that you’re popular with a certain demographic. That was when I was a teenager, and I just constantly passed up on those because I didn’t like the material.
Q: Your co-stars Meagan Good and Romany Malco said you give good foot massages.
Timberlake: I did rub both of their feet. No I didn’t. Don’t start that rumor. [Laughs] I did rub Meagan’s feet. She has nice feet.
Q: Mike Myers, the director, and pretty much the whole cast said you’re incredible at everything. How is that possible?
Timberlake: I bribe the cast to say those things. [Laughs]
Q: You did well on the golf course with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Ever think about being a pro golfer?
Timberlake: That is the one thing in life that I’d come this close to trading everything for, but I do love my job.
Q: How was your comedic experience in the rink?
Timberlake: I did takes and takes of dancing on the ice. I was informed that I had the most outtakes. I went out there and I was like, “Let me dance ridiculously and see what happens.” The whole time there was no music playing. I’d go on for four or five minutes, and get to the point where I’d think, “Man, this is not funny.” We did a whole roll of film once and the director (finally) said “Cut!” I got a huge applause from all the extras. I was like, “Thank God!” [Laughs]
Q: How much hockey training did you have?
Timberlake: I’m an athlete at heart. I got a crash course for two weeks and had someone work extensively with me on how to play goalie. I had skated a little bit before, but it ain’t the same thing. Hockey is one of the hardest sports I’ve ever tried to play. Goalies are such unbelievable skaters—they’re all from Canada, too, and born with skates on their feet so they have a slight advantage.
Q: What’s the best part about being a rock star?
Timberlake: I don’t know, man. You’ll have to ask a rock star.
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