Bruno Tonioli

Bruno Tonioli. An Italian choreographer, dancer, and television personality, he is internationally renowned as a flamboyant and expressive judge on major television dance competitions. His career spans decades in the entertainment industry, beginning in the world of London's West End theatre and music video production before achieving global fame. Tonioli is best known for his long-standing roles on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and the American adaptation Dancing with the Stars.

Early life and career

Born in Ferrara, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, he developed an early passion for performance. He moved to Paris and later to London in the 1970s to pursue dance, studying at the London Contemporary Dance School. His professional break came when he joined the Lindsay Kemp Company, a pioneering avant-garde theatre troupe. Throughout the 1980s, he established himself as a successful choreographer and dancer, working on numerous West End theatre productions, including shows for the Royal Shakespeare Company. He also became a sought-after choreographer for music videos, creating routines for major artists like Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and Freddie Mercury, and worked on films such as Erik the Viking.

Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars

His television career was catapulted in 2004 when he was selected as an original judge on the BBC One celebrity dance competition Strictly Come Dancing. His exuberant, often theatrical critiques, filled with Italian-accented exclamations and dramatic physical gestures, quickly made him a standout personality on the show. In 2005, he simultaneously took on a judging role on the ABC's American version, Dancing with the Stars, commuting transatlantically for many years. He served as a judge on both juggernaut series for over 15 years, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in global reality television. In 2022, he departed Strictly Come Dancing and was replaced by Anton Du Beke, while continuing his role on the ABC program.

Other television work and appearances

Beyond his flagship judging roles, he has appeared as a guest judge on international versions of the format, including Dancing with the Stars in Australia and Danse avec les stars in France. He has been a frequent guest on British panel shows such as The Graham Norton Show and Would I Lie to You?, and participated in the ITV celebrity adventure series The Games. In 2023, he joined the judging panel of the BBC talent search Dancing on Ice, alongside Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse.

Stage and film work

His early stage work included choreography for productions like The Pirates of Penzance and involvement with the Kenny Everett television projects. In film, he served as choreographer for movies such as The World Is Not Enough and Enigma. He also appeared in front of the camera in minor acting roles, including a cameo in The Last Emperor and as a performer in Franco Zeffirelli's production of I Pagliacci at the Royal Opera House.

Personal life

He has been openly gay throughout his public career and is a resident of London. He is known for his vibrant fashion sense and maintains a private personal life, rarely discussing relationships in the media. In recognition of his contributions to television and entertainment, he was awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Chester in 2019. He is also a supporter of various LGBT charities and has participated in events for Terrence Higgins Trust.

Category:Italian choreographers Category:English television personalities Category:Strictly Come Dancing judges