Kevin Richardson

Kevin Scott Richardson was born on October 3, 1971, in Lexington, Kentucky. From an early age, Richardson developed a passion for music, learning piano by ear at nine and participating in his church choir and high school theater. He performed with a band called Paradise, covering artists like Bobby Brown and Journey, and was an active member of his high school drama club and chorus. These formative years provided a strong foundation for his future in entertainment. After graduating high school in 1989, Richardson took on various jobs including working at Pizza Hut and tobacco farms, while also assisting at the Cathedral Domain, an Episcopal youth camp his father managed. In 1990, he moved to Orlando, Florida, becoming a cast member and performer at Walt Disney World. He portrayed characters such as Aladdin and Prince Eric and worked as a backstage tour guide. During evenings, he performed in dinner theater, taking on roles in musicals like ‘Chicago’, ‘Guys and Dolls’, and ‘Cabaret’, further honing his stage presence.

In March 1993, a friend informed Richardson about a vocal group, leading him to audition for what would become the Backstreet Boys. He subsequently invited his cousin, Brian Littrell, to audition, and Littrell was accepted, completing the group’s lineup. Richardson, as the oldest member, was often seen as the group’s ‘big brother’. The Backstreet Boys gained international success, recording five albums with Richardson during his initial 13-year tenure. In June 2006, Richardson temporarily departed from the group to pursue other ventures and focus on his family. During this hiatus, he pursued acting, notably playing Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of ‘Chicago’ in numerous cities, and starred in independent films. He officially returned to the Backstreet Boys in April 2012, rejoining for a new album and extensive touring. In addition to music and acting, Richardson has engaged in modeling for brands like Versace and served as a brand ambassador for TAG Heuer. His career showcases a consistent dedication to performance and collaboration.