Julianne Hough facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Julianne Hough
Hough in 2016
Born	Julianne Alexandra Hough (1988-07-20) July 20, 1988 (age 37) Orem, Utah, U.S.
Alma mater	Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
Occupation	Dancer singer actress television personality
Years active	2001–present
Spouse(s)	Brooks Laich ​ ​ (m. 2017; div. 2022)​
Relatives	Derek Hough (brother) Hayley Erbert (sister-in-law)

Julianne Alexandra Hough (born July 20, 1988) is an American dancer, singer, actress, and television star. She first became famous as a professional dancer on the TV show Dancing with the Stars. She won two seasons of the show with her celebrity partners.

After leaving the show as a dancer, she later returned as a judge. For her amazing dance routines on the show, she was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards and won one in 2015 with her brother, Derek Hough.

Hough has also acted in many movies. She had a small part in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when she was young. Her first major roles were in the movies Burlesque (2010), Footloose (2011), and Safe Haven (2013). She also played Sandy in the live TV musical Grease in 2016. In 2023, she became the co-host of Dancing with the Stars.

Early Life and Training

Hough and her brother Derek at the 2014 Kaleidoscope Ball

Julianne Hough was born in Orem, Utah. She is the youngest of five children in a Mormon family. Her brother, Derek Hough, is also a famous professional dancer. Dancing runs in their family, as all four of their grandparents were dancers.

Hough started dancing when she was nine years old. When she was 10, she and her brother Derek moved to London, England. They lived and trained with their coaches, Corky and Shirley Ballas. In London, they studied at the famous Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. There, they learned many types of dance, like jazz, ballet, and tap, as well as singing and acting.

At age 15, Hough became the youngest dancer and the only American to win two major dance titles at the Blackpool Dance Festival, a world-famous competition. After moving back to the United States, she finished high school in Las Vegas and Utah.

Career

Dancing with the Stars

Hough performing in March 2009

Hough joined Dancing with the Stars in 2007. In her first season, she and her partner, Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno, won the competition. This made her the youngest professional dancer to ever win the show. She won again the next season with her partner, race car driver Hélio Castroneves.

After a few more seasons, Hough left the show to focus on her music and acting career. However, she often returned as a guest. In 2014, she became a permanent judge on the show and stayed until 2017. In 2023, she returned to the show again, this time as a co-host with Alfonso Ribeiro.

Music Career

Hough performing at a George Strait Concert in 2009

Hough is also a talented country singer. In 2008, she released her first album, called Julianne Hough. It was a big hit and went to number one on the Top Country Albums chart. Her first single was called "That Song in My Head".

She toured with famous country singer Brad Paisley and won the Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Artist in 2009. Although she planned a second album, she decided to focus more on her acting career. She has said she would like to return to music in the future.

Acting Career

Hough's first movie role was a small, uncredited part as a Hogwarts student in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Her first big role was in the 2010 movie Burlesque, where she acted alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera.

She became a leading actress in the 2011 remake of Footloose. She then starred in the musical movie Rock of Ages with Tom Cruise and the romantic movie Safe Haven, based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks.

In 2016, she played the famous role of Sandy in Grease Live!, a live musical broadcast on television. She has also appeared in TV shows like Heartstrings and was a judge for one season on America's Got Talent.

Broadway Debut

In 2022, Hough starred in her first Broadway play, a comedy called POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great ... Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. Critics loved her performance. That same year, she co-hosted the pre-show for the 75th Tony Awards, which celebrate the best of Broadway theater.

Personal Life

Hough was in a relationship with country singer Chuck Wicks from 2008 to 2009. She later dated television host Ryan Seacrest from 2010 to 2013.

In 2017, she married professional hockey player Brooks Laich. They separated in 2020, and their divorce was finalized in 2022.

In 2013, Hough wore a Halloween costume that caused controversy because it involved blackface. She quickly apologized on Twitter, saying, "I realize my costume hurt and offended people and I truly apologize."

Hough has been open about her experience with endometriosis, a medical condition, to help raise awareness for others. She also co-owns a wine company called Fresh Vine Wine with her friend, actress Nina Dobrev.

Images for kids

• 

  Hough performing at a 2009 Birthday Bash concert

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and Honors

See also

In Spanish: Julianne Hough para niños