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Julianne Hough
Julianne Hough (25831904580) (cropped).jpg
Hough in 2016
Born
Julianne Alexandra Hough

(1988-07-20) July 20, 1988 (age 36)
Alma mater Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
Occupation
  • Dancer
  • actress
  • television personality
Years active 2001–present
Spouse(s)
Brooks Laich
(m. 2017; div. 2022)
Relatives

Julianne Alexandra Hough (born July 20, 1988) is an American dancer, actress, and TV star. She became famous in 2007 on the TV show Dancing with the Stars. She won two seasons as a professional dancer. Later, she returned to the show as a judge.

Julianne has also starred in movies like Footloose (2011) and Rock of Ages (2012). She played Sandy in the live TV musical Grease in 2016. In 2023, she became a co-host for Dancing with the Stars.

Early life and dance training

Julianne Hough was born in Orem, Utah. She is the youngest of five children. Her family has a strong dance background. All four of her grandparents were dancers! Her brother, Derek Hough, is also a famous dancer.

Julianne started dancing at age nine. When she was 10, she and her brother Derek moved to London. They lived and studied with their dance coaches, Corky and Shirley Ballas. At the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Julianne learned many dance styles. She also trained in singing, theater, and gymnastics.

By age 15, Julianne was a top dancer. She became the youngest American to win both Junior World Latin Champion and International Latin Youth Champion titles. These were at the famous Blackpool Dance Festival in the UK.

Career highlights

Julianne Hough has had a busy career in dance, music, and acting.

Dancing with the Stars

Julianne first appeared on Show Me the Money in 2006 as a dancer. In 2007, she joined Dancing with the Stars. She won season four with Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno. This made her the youngest professional dancer to win the show.

She won again in season five with race car driver Hélio Castroneves. Julianne left the show in 2009 to focus on her music. But she returned as a guest judge in 2013. From 2014 to 2017, she was a permanent judge. In 2023, she came back as a co-host.

Move Live On Tour

In 2014, Julianne and her brother Derek started a dance and music tour. It was called "Move Live on Tour." They performed in over 40 cities across the U.S. and Canada. The tour was very popular and sold out many shows.

They brought the tour back in 2015 and again in 2017. These tours allowed Julianne and Derek to share their love of dance with many fans.

Music career

Julianne released her first country music song, "Will You Dance With Me," in 2007. It helped raise money for the American Red Cross. She then signed with Mercury Nashville.

Her first album, Julianne Hough, came out in 2008. It reached number one on the country music charts. She released singles like "That Song in My Head" and "My Hallelujah Song." She also released a Christmas music album. In 2009, she won the Top New Female Vocalist award at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Acting and other roles

Julianne had a small role in the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Her first big movie role was in the 2010 musical Burlesque. She then starred as Ariel Moore in the 2011 remake of Footloose.

She also appeared in Rock of Ages (2012) and Safe Haven (2013). In 2016, she played Sandy in the live TV musical Grease Live!. Julianne was also a judge on America's Got Talent for one season in 2019.

Broadway debut

In 2022, Julianne made her first appearance on Broadway. She starred in the play POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great D'''*'''s Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. Critics praised her performance. She also hosted the first part of the 75th Tony Awards in 2022. She has returned to host the "Act One" pre-show for the Tony Awards in 2023 and 2024.

Personal life

Julianne Hough married NHL player Brooks Laich in 2017. They later separated in 2020 and finalized their divorce in 2022. Julianne also co-owns a wine brand called Fresh Vine Wine with actress Nina Dobrev.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2001 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Hogwarts schoolgirl Uncredited extra
2010 Burlesque Georgia
2011 Footloose Ariel Moore
2012 Rock of Ages Sherrie Christian
2013 Safe Haven Katie Feldman / Erin Tierney
Paradise Lamb Mannerhelm
2015 Curve Mallory Rutledge
2016 Dirty Grandpa Meredith Goldstein
2018 The Steam Engines of Oz Locasta Voice role
Bigger Betty Weider
2025 The Bride! Filming

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2006 Show Me the Money Herself/Dancer 7 episodes (2 unaired)
2007–2009 Dancing with the Stars Dancer/Choreographer Season 4–8
2013, 2014, 2017,
2021
Guest Judge Season 17–18, 25, 30
2014–2017 Judge season 19–24
2023–present Co-Host Season 32-present
2011 Keeping Up with the Kardashians Herself Episode: "Kim's Fairytale Wedding: A Kardashian Event – Part 2"
Strictly Come Dancing Herself/Dancer Episode: "Week 3: The Results"
2012 Punk'd Herself Episode: "Kellan Lutz"
2014 Nashville Episode: "I'm Coming Home to You"
2015 Lip Sync Battle Episode: "Julianne Hough vs Derek Hough"
2016 Running Wild with Bear Grylls Herself Season 3, episode 2
Grease Live! Sandy Special
Speechless Miss Bloom Episode: "C-h-o-Choir"
2016–2017 Miss USA Herself / Host Special
2016–17, 2020–22 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration Herself / Lead co-Host Special
2019 Billboard Music Awards Herself / Presenter Special
Heartstrings Jolene Episode: "Jolene"
America's Got Talent Herself / Judge Season 14
2020 The Disney Family Singalong Herself Special
2022 Step into the Movies with Derek and Julianne Hough
75th Tony Awards: Act One Herself (host) Paramount+ special
2023 76th Tony Awards: Act One Herself (host) Pluto TV special
2024 77th Tony Awards: Act One Herself (host) Pluto TV special

Theater

Year Title Role Notes
2022 POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great D'''*'''s Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Dusty Broadway debut
Shubert Theatre, Broadway

Podcasts

Year Title Notes
2015 Lewis Howes: The School of Greatness Episode: "Julianne Hough on Finding Your Passion and Following Your Purpose"
The podcast ended with a video of Lewis Howes testing his salsa dancing skills with Hough

Awards and honors

Year Association Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2008 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Choreography Dancing with the Stars Nominated
2009 Dancing with the Stars shared with Derek Hough
2011 ShoWest Female Rising Star of 2011 N/A Won
2012 Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie: Breakout Rock of Ages Nominated
2015 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Choreography (tie) Dancing with the Stars shared with Derek Hough & Tessandra Chavez Won

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Julianne Hough para niños

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