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Derek Hough

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Derek Hough
NameDerek Hough
Birth date17 May 1985
Birth placeSalt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
OccupationDancer, choreographer, singer, actor
Years active2007–present

Derek Hough is an American professional dancer, choreographer, singer, and actor, best known for his work on the ABC competition series Dancing with the Stars. He holds the record for most Primetime Emmy Award wins for Outstanding Choreography and is the winningest professional dancer in the history of Dancing with the Stars. Hough has also appeared on Broadway, in film, and as a judge on both the American and British versions of Strictly Come Dancing.

Early life and education

Born in Salt Lake City, he is the son of Marianne and Bruce Hough and the younger brother of dancer Julianne Hough. At age 12, he moved to London to train at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, living and studying under the guardianship of renowned coaches Corky Ballas and Shirley Ballas. This intensive period in England immersed him in the world of International Latin and ballroom competition, laying the technical foundation for his future career. He later returned to the United States to further his training and begin his professional pursuits.

Career

Hough's early professional work included performing in the Los Angeles production of Footloose and appearing in the film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as a Hogwarts school dancer. He gained significant recognition as a performer and choreographer for the Disney Channel series High School Musical and its subsequent concert tour. His theatrical credits expanded to include a starring role in the New York City Center production of Footloose and a lead role in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Hough made his Broadway debut in 2016, starring as Corny Collins in the hit musical Hairspray.

Dancing with the Stars

Hough joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars in its fifth season in 2007, quickly becoming one of the show's most celebrated professionals. Over 17 seasons, he won the Mirrorball Trophy a record six times with celebrity partners including Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley, and Bindi Irwin. His innovative and often theatrical choreography, which spanned styles from the Viennese Waltz to contemporary and jazz, earned him widespread acclaim and multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations. He transitioned to a judging role on the show in 2020, bringing his expertise to the panel alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and later Len Goodman.

Other ventures

Beyond television, Hough has embarked on several successful national concert tours. He served as a judge on the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. His film work includes a starring role in the 2013 remake of Make Your Move and a performance in the dance film Nashville. Hough has also released music, including the single "Hold On", and authored the book Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion. He executive produced and starred in the Disney+ holiday special Derek Hough: A Symphony of Dance.

Personal life

Hough was in a long-term relationship with former Dancing with the Stars contestant Shannon Elizabeth. He later dated Pretty Little Liars actress Lucy Hale. In 2022, he became engaged to Hayley Erbert, a dancer from his touring company, and they were married in Monterey County, California in August 2023. In late 2023, Erbert underwent emergency craniotomy surgery for a cranial hematoma, and Hough has publicly shared their journey through her recovery. He is a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Awards and nominations

Hough has won a record six Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography for his work on Dancing with the Stars, receiving nominations across multiple years. His Emmy-winning routines include performances set to music by Sia, Imagine Dragons, and Triple Espresso. He has also received several Teen Choice Awards and a Critics' Choice Television Award for his contributions to television. His choreography for the Radio City Rockettes and various television specials has been consistently recognized by industry award bodies.

Category:American dancers Category:American choreographers Category:American television personalities Category:1985 births Category:Living people