*NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick Once ‘Signed More Autographs’ as His “Fairly Oddparents ”Character Chip Skylark Than as Himself

**Chris Kirkpatrick Reflects on His Dual Legacy as a Pop Star and Animation Icon**

Chris Kirkpatrick’s fame transcends his time as a member of the iconic boy band *NSYNC, an assertion he demonstrated during a recent interview with Butch Hartman, creator of the beloved animated series *The Fairly OddParents*. As a voice actor for the character Chip Skylark in five episodes of the show, Kirkpatrick has carved a niche that resonates with a younger audience, a contrast to the mixed reception he received when discussing his pop career.

During their discussion, Kirkpatrick, now 54, recounted a memorable experience from his return to his middle school in Ohio in 2008. He was invited to inspire the students with stories of his journey in the music and entertainment industries. Interestingly, while the students seemed uninspired by his stint with *NSYNC, their excitement surged when they learned about his role in *The Fairly OddParents*.

Kirkpatrick shared, “When they introduced me and mentioned my time with *NSYNC, there was little reaction. But when I was introduced as the voice of Chip Skylark, the reaction was astonishing. I thought kids’ heads were going to blow up.” He described the response as frenetic, with students shouting and celebrating his character, reflecting the enduring popularity of Chip Skylark.

During the talk, Kirkpatrick offered insights from his own life, detailing his humble beginnings, and conveying a message of hope and possibility for the students, many of whom graduated from the small school of around 70 pupils. A notable moment arose when a student inquired about the character Vicki, known for her mean-spirited role as Timmy Turner’s babysitter. Kirkpatrick explained that Vicki’s portrayal stemmed from the actress playing a part rather than a reflection of her true character.

An amusing turn in the discussion occurred when the subject of music resurfaced. A student requested that Kirkpatrick sing “My Shiny Teeth and Me,” a signature song performed by Chip Skylark. Kirkpatrick reflected on this moment, saying, “I signed more autographs as Chip Skylark than as Chris Kirkpatrick.” The enthusiasm of the children was palpable, with some even presenting drawings of him, leaving him momentarily perplexed about how his animated alter ego would sign an autograph.

In their conversation, Hartman praised the song for its lasting legacy, highlighting Kirkpatrick’s unique contribution. “That song has become iconic, and I’m grateful for that,” Hartman remarked. He credited Kirkpatrick for delivering the track with a distinctive flair, emphasising that the voice behind Chip Skylark was solely his.

Despite the passage of time, Kirkpatrick finds that he remains primarily associated with three aspects of his career: his time in *NSYNC, his role as Chip Skylark, and his feature in an Eminem song. This trifecta defines his public persona, shaping how fans and audiences engage with him.

The interest in Kirkpatrick’s character Chip Skylark illustrates the powerful connection that animated series can create, particularly with younger viewers. The emotional response from the middle school students serves as a testament to the lasting impact of his work in children’s television, demonstrating that his legacy reaches far beyond the pop charts.

As Kirkpatrick continues to navigate his diverse career, his experiences as both a musician and a voice actor reflect the multiple facets of his artistic identity. His involvement in both realms reinforces the narrative that one can achieve success in various forms of entertainment, inspiring future generations to think beyond traditional career paths.

In a world where pop culture often dominates headlines, Kirkpatrick’s story serves as a reminder of the different ways in which talent can resonate. From the glittering stages of *NSYNC to the imaginative world of animation, Chris Kirkpatrick has made his mark and continues to do so, both in the eyes of adults who grew up listening to his music and children who sing along to his animated hits.