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Ladies and gentlemen gather 'round for a story of grit, talent, and a whole lot of Backstreet swagger. We'll take a deep dive into the McLean Empire, the kingdom built by none other than the multi-talented AJ McLean. From boy band heartthrob to solo superstar, this man has conquered the music industry and amassed a net worth of $30 million. But how exactly did he do it? Well, dear readers, grab your headphones and get ready to rock because we're about to explore the journey of one of pop culture's most iconic figures. Get ready for a ride that's sure to be larger than life.
AJ McLean’s Biography
If you're a fan of the Backstreet Boys, then you definitely know AJ McLean, the heartthrob with moves smoother than butter. Born on January 9, 1978, in West Palm Beach, AJ McLean was raised by his mother and grandparents as his parents went their separate ways when he was just two years old. Despite growing up without his father, the two reunited in 1997 and have since been in regular contact.
McLean's DNA test results read like a geography quiz. He has Iberian, Central American, South American, North, West, and East European, North African, Nigerian, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Middle Eastern roots. When it comes to relationships, AJ had his fair share of romantic escapades. Luckily, he found love with model and makeup artist Rochelle Deanna Karidis, who he credits with helping him overcome his drug addiction. The duo got married in 2011, and have two daughters together.
In 2023, reports surfaced that the couple was separating, but we wish them both the best. AJ McLean has remained a force to be reckoned with, both as a solo artist and as part of the Backstreet Boys. His talents and charm have won him legions of fans around the world. So, how did AJ build his impressive net worth? You’re just about to find out!
McLean’s Highly Successful Musical Career
Who would've thought a lisp and a love for dance would pave the way to a highly successful musical career? As a child, McLean had a speech impediment that gave him a lisp and a tendency to stutter. However, this did not stop him from pursuing his passion for performing. With his mother's encouragement, he started dancing lessons at the age of four, studying everything from ballet to ballroom, tap to Hip Hop. The rest, as they say, is history.
McLean joined the Backstreet Boys, becoming their member at the age of 14, despite the group's original age range of 16 to 19. The rest of the band, including Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Kevin Richardson, and Kevin's cousin Brian Littrell, were all in their late teens or early twenties. Regardless of his age, McLean contributed to the band's success in the late '90s to early 2000s. The group has since celebrated its 20th anniversary and released a new album, In a World Like This, in 2013.
McLean also explored solo ventures, creating a character named Johnny No Name, who he used as his alter ego. His solo project, Johnny No Name, which featured rap and rock music, was released in 2000. He is living proof that you can achieve great success by staying true to yourself and pursuing your dreams. His net worth is estimated at around $30 million and he has used his success to give back to the community through charity work.
AJ’s Rewarding Stints in Film and Television
From Nickelodeon Guts to The Bravest Knight, AJ McLean has had some rewarding stints in film and television. The Backstreet Boy has kept himself busy with guest appearances and voice-over work in between making music with his bandmates. In the early '90s, he made a name for himself on Nickelodeon as Mean McLean. Fast forward a few years, and he's gracing the screen with Arthur, Sesame Street, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Talk about range!
That's not all, McLean has also graced the stage at Saturday Night Live, proving he's not just a pretty face. He made his film debut with the Backstreet Boys in This Is the End, and even lent his voice to Disney's The Lion Guard as the golden mole, Kuchimba. The impact of his acting career on his net worth can't be overlooked either. McLean has certainly earned his fair share of the spotlight, and his bank account has grown as a result.
McLean also recently announced that he'll be hosting the second season of Fashion Hero. From kids' game shows to award-winning TV dramas, McLean has proven he can do it all. His versatility and range as an actor have certainly paid off in more ways than one. We can't wait to see what he'll do next!
AJ McLean’s Businesses and Other Ventures
AJ McLean isn't just a talented actor and singer, he's also quite an entrepreneur. In 2015, he decided to give the vape industry a shot and launched Skulleeroz Vapor. Shortly after his launch, it seemed like every celebrity was trying to get in on the vape game but AJ wasn't done there. He wanted to show the world that he is not just a one-trick pony. In 2020, he announced the launch of Ava Dean Beauty, a nail polish line inspired by his daughters Ava and Lyric.
Aside from his business ventures, AJ has also made an impression on reality TV. In 2020, he was announced as a contestant on season 29 of Dancing with the Stars. While he may not have won the Mirrorball trophy, he definitely won the hearts of viewers. He didn't stop there though. In fact, he decided to take things to the next level by competing in RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race as Poppy Love, and guess what? He won! As a result, Trans Lifeline was the recipient of a $100,000 award. Not bad, AJ, not bad.
Sources: Celebrity Net Worth, In Touch Weekly, and BigNameBio