Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough (born July 20, 1988) is an American dancer, singer, actress, and TV personality. From Dancing with the Stars champion to musician and Broadway performer, explore her life, achievements, and creative voice.

Introduction

Julianne Alexandra Hough (born July 20, 1988) is a multi-talented American entertainer who has built a career spanning dance, music, film, television, and stage.

She first rose to fame through her performances on Dancing with the Stars, where she became one of the youngest professional dancers to win the competition. Over time, she expanded into recording music, acting in films, hosting television, and even making a Broadway debut.

Early Life & Background

Julianne Hough was born in Orem, Utah as the youngest of five children.

She began formal dance training as a child, focusing on ballroom and other styles. At around age 10, she and her brother Derek went to London to study with Corky and Shirley Ballas. Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts (in London) and returned to the U.S. for high school (Las Vegas Academy, Alta High School).

Career & Achievements

Dancing with the Stars & Choreography

• In 2007, Julianne joined ABC’s Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer and won two consecutive seasons (with partners Apolo Ohno in season 4 and Hélio Castroneves in season 5).

• She earned Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Choreography (2007) and later won an Emmy in 2015 (shared with her brother) for her choreography on Dancing with the Stars.

• After leaving as pro dancer in 2009, she returned to the show later as a judge (2014–2017) and guest judge.

• In 2023, she became co-host of Dancing with the Stars (alongside Alfonso Ribeiro) starting in Season 32.

Music & Recording

• Julianne signed with Mercury Nashville in December 2007 to pursue a country music career.

• Her debut album, Julianne Hough (released May 20, 2008), debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200.

• She also released a holiday EP, Sounds of the Season: The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection.

• Some singles include “That Song in My Head” (which charted) and “My Hallelujah Song.”

• Plans for a second full album titled Wildfire were discussed, but its release was shelved due to her growing momentum in acting and the performance aspects of her career.

Acting & Stage

• Her film debut (uncredited) was in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001).

• Her first major acting appearance was in Burlesque (2010).

• She starred in the remake of Footloose (2011) as Ariel Moore.

• Other film roles include Rock of Ages (2012), Safe Haven (2013), Paradise (2013), and Curve (2015).

• On television, she portrayed Sandy in the Grease Live! production (2016).

• In 2022, she made her Broadway debut in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.

• She also hosted The Tony Awards: Act One (2022).

Entrepreneurial & Wellness Ventures

• Julianne founded KINRGY, a movement and wellness program centered on creating energy through movement.

• She co-owns a wine company, Fresh Vine Wine, with actress Nina Dobrev.

• She has done brand collaborations (apparel, activewear) and other entrepreneurial projects tied to her personal brand and wellness ethos.

Personal Life & Challenges

• Julianne was once a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but later said she was no longer a practicing Mormon.

• She has spoken publicly about her diagnosis of endometriosis (2008), which led to surgery and briefly impacted her Dancing with the Stars participation.

• She dated country singer Chuck Wicks (2008–2009), then later had a relationship with Ryan Seacrest (2010–2013).

• In 2017, she married former professional hockey player Brooks Laich. The couple separated in 2020, and the divorce was finalized in 2022.

• In recent reflections, she opened up about going through a “darkest time” in life when personal losses (including her dogs) and her marriage breakdown converged, and how she found healing through connection and resilience.

Artistic Style & Presence

Julianne Hough is often described as a triple threat—someone whose talents span dance, singing, and acting.

Her musical style is rooted in country and pop, blending emotional ballads with rhythmic tracks.

Her performances reflect her dance background: she brings physical expressiveness, movement awareness, and stage presence into her acting and musical work.

Her ventures into wellness, movement, and conscious living (e.g. KINRGY) also show her interest in the integration of art, health, and life.

Notable Quotes & Philosophy

While Julianne is not primarily quoted like a philosopher, here are some resonant sentiments and public reflections:

“Dance has always been my first love.”

In public interviews and social media, she has emphasized self-care, authenticity, and resilience—particularly when discussing her struggles during personal loss and growth periods.

On her approach to movement: through KINRGY, she frames movement as a pathway to energetic health and inner connection.

Lessons & Takeaways

1. Versatility and reinvention
   Julianne’s ability to move among dance, music, acting, hosting, and wellness shows how diversification can sustain a long-term creative career.

2. Body, wellness & performance integration
   Her emphasis on movement from a wellness perspective suggests that art and health can feed one another, not compete.

3. Vulnerability in public life
   Her candidness about health (endometriosis), personal loss, and mental strife highlights that success often coexists with struggle.

4. Following core passion
   Even as she branched into many areas, she often reiterates that dance—and embodied expression—was her point of origin.

5. Resilience through change
   From early success to personal setbacks, Julianne shows how adapting, healing, and re-emerging can be part of the narrative.

Conclusion

Julianne Hough’s journey is a rich tapestry of art, movement, and self-discovery. She began as a prodigiously talented dancer and found breakthrough success on Dancing with the Stars. From there, she expanded her creative reach into music, film, stage, and entrepreneurship, while navigating personal challenges and evolving her identity.

Her work—whether in choreography, singing, acting, or wellness—is unified by a focus on embodiment, expression, and connection. As she continues to grow and explore new realms (Broadway, hosting, wellness), her path remains an inspiring example of how creativity, perseverance, and authenticity can sustain a multifaceted career.