Julianne Hough

Biography

Julianne Hough is an American dancer, actress, singer, and television personality who has captivated audiences with her exceptional talent and versatility. Best known for her success on Dancing with the Stars, Hough has also built a remarkable career in film, music, and Broadway. Her journey from a professional dancer to a Hollywood star showcases her dedication and passion for the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Background

Julianne Alexandra Hough was born on July 20, 1988, in Orem, Utah, USA. She was raised in a family with a strong background in dance—her parents and grandparents were all involved in the art. Hough is the youngest of five siblings, including her brother Derek Hough, who is also a renowned dancer and choreographer.

At the age of 10, she moved to London with Derek to study dance at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. During her time in the UK, she trained in ballroom, Latin, and other dance styles, winning multiple competitions and establishing herself as a rising star in the dance world.

Career in Dance: Dancing with the Stars

Julianne Hough gained widespread recognition when she joined ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars in 2007 as a professional dancer. She won the Mirrorball Trophy twice, making her the youngest professional dancer to win the competition.

• Season 4 (2007) – Partnered with Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, winning her first championship.
• Season 5 (2007) – Partnered with race car driver Hélio Castroneves, winning her second consecutive title.
• Seasons 6-8 – Returned as a pro dancer, earning multiple Emmy nominations for her choreography.

In 2014, she rejoined Dancing with the Stars as a judge, bringing her expertise to the competition. She remained on the panel until 2017, helping shape the careers of numerous dancers.

Acting Career: Hollywood and Broadway

Julianne Hough transitioned from dance to acting, landing major roles in Hollywood films.

1. Footloose (2011)

Hough starred as Ariel Moore in the remake of the 1984 classic Footloose, showcasing her acting and dancing skills. The film was a success, cementing her status as a leading actress.

2. Rock of Ages (2012)

She played the lead role of Sherrie Christian in the musical Rock of Ages, starring alongside Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, and Diego Boneta. The film, based on the hit Broadway show, allowed Hough to combine her love for music and acting.

3. Safe Haven (2013)

In this romantic drama based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, Hough starred alongside Josh Duhamel, proving her ability to handle emotional and dramatic roles.

4. Grease: Live (2016)

Hough played the iconic role of Sandy in Grease: Live, a televised adaptation of the classic musical. Her performance was widely praised, further showcasing her versatility as a performer.

5. Broadway Debut – POTUS (2022)

In 2022, Hough made her Broadway debut in the political comedy POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. Her transition to live theater demonstrated her range and talent as an actress.

Music Career

In addition to dancing and acting, Julianne Hough pursued a career in country music.

• Debut Album (2008) – Her self-titled country album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and featured hit singles like That Song in My Head.
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• Holiday Album (2008) – She released Sounds of the Season: The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection, showcasing her vocal abilities.
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• Music Tours – She toured with country stars like Brad Paisley and performed at the CMA Music Festival.

Although she later shifted her focus to acting, her brief but successful music career highlighted her versatility.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Julianne Hough has been open about her journey, including her struggles with endometriosis, which she has worked to raise awareness for.

She was married to NHL player Brooks Laich from 2017 to 2020. Following their divorce, she has continued to focus on her career and personal growth.

Hough is also actively involved in charitable causes, including those supporting mental health awareness, women’s empowerment, and performing arts education.

Recent Work and Future Projects

Hough continues to take on exciting new projects:

• Co-hosting Dancing with the Stars (2023) – She returned to the show, this time as a co-host, bringing her experience full circle.
• New Film and TV Projects – She is working on upcoming acting and producing projects, expanding her career in entertainment.