His parents got a divorce when he was 4 year old, and his mother gained custody over him. In 1990 he moved with his mother and his grandparents in Kissimmee, Florida. There he focused on his singing and acting career. He appeared in some Nickelodeon and Disney projects during the 1990’s. He was a cast member of GUTS, Hi Honey, I’m Home!, and Welcome Freshmen.

Backstreet Boys Era

In order to start Backstreet Boys, he, Brian Littrell and Nick Carter quit high-school. They finished their studies on the road. They hired tutors to help them finish high-school.

Backstreet Boys started in 1993, and enjoyed a world-wide success. It is one of the most iconic bands of the 1990’s and 2000’s and it is considered to be the best-selling boy band. Its members are A.J.McLean, Howie D., Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell.

Jonny NoName Solo Project

After the Backstreet Boys adventure, A.J.McLean tried to do things on his own, recording a few solo albums. Johnny NoName is an alias he uses when he performs solo. In building his character, Johnny NoName, A.J.McLean decided that he went to prison; he was raised by his mother and lived with his grandparents. He used this alter ego when he created the JNN Foundation. This was created in order to raise funds for diabetes research. It is involved in some other social causes, like keeping music classes in school. His alter ego did a 9-city tour in order to support VH1 Save the Music cause.

As solo artist he recorded 3 albums: Have It All (2000), Collaborations (2013) and The Anthem (which will be released in 2016).

Private info

Like many other celebrities he fought with drug and alcohol addiction. He was in rehab 3 times – in 2001, 2002 and 2011. He confessed that fighting addiction is one of the hardest things he had to do in his life. It is a constant battle and a moment of weakness can ruin everything.

In 2011 he married Rochelle Deanna Karidis, in Beverly Hills, California. He became a father in 2012 (November 27). His wife gave birth to a baby girl. They named her Ava Jaymes McLean.

Beside music, A.J. McLean got involved in business. In 2015 he launched Skulleeroz Vapor. This is a kind of liquid which is used for electronic cigarettes. A.J. McLean’s fortune is thought to reach a 45 million $ net worth.

Even though they do not form a band anymore, the former members still remain friends. As a proof, when A.J. got married, all of the members where there. Even when they were in trouble, the boys had each other’s back. This is the case when Nick Carter got into a bar fight and was retained by the police. Instead of blaming him he defended him. He accused media for the pressure that puts on celebrities.