This article is taken from Derniere Heure magazine

At 23 years old, Kevin is the oldest of the Backstreet Boys, the most reserved of the group. Even though most people know that Kevin lost his father in 1991, Derniere Heure wanted to take a closer look on how this has affected the young star. Here is an exclusive interview.

Serious, reserved, and quiet. Those are the words used over and over again to describe Kevin Richardson. They are surprising traits to be found in someone his age who already has so much fame and fortune. You'd expect him to take on the behavior of his friends from time to time - the joking attitude of Brian and Nick, the excentric style of A.J., or the seductive charm of Howie. That would be easily understood, because when you're so famous at such young age, stardom can go to your head and make you a different person from who you used to be. There's no sign of such a transformation in Kevin.

"I try not to let the success go to my head; I try to stay myself, not to impersonate anyone or take on a personality that isn't my own, because what happened to me is truly a gift of destiny."

Kevin has had a wonderful life with the Backstreet Boys, and it would seem that fate is smiling on him. Almost six years ago, though, Kevin lived through a difficult or deal which changed his life. Kevin lost his father. It's not something he likes to bring up, because it's very personal, and the emotional wound it left him with has only just started to heal, and he's still in pain.

He doesn't hide, however, the fact that this loss has had an undeniable effect on his character. His father is the one who gave him the values he lives by every day, such as the importance of having a spiritual life, respecting others, and keeping both feet firmly on the ground.

"My father and I were always close. He was always there, supporting everything I did, all my decisions. He knew my dreams, my desire to become an actor or a singer, and he encouraged me to follow my dream. He believed in me. We were friends.

The only thing that I regret is that he never had a chance to see just how successful the Backstreet Boys are.