Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough began her screen career with an uncredited role in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001). She gained prominence as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, winning season 4 (2007) with Apolo Ohno and season 5 (2007) with Hélio Castroneves. She returned for season 6 (2008) and season 7 (2008), reaching the semi-finals, and competed again in season 8 (2009). Hough later returned to the series in various capacities, including guest performances (2011–2012), guest judge (2013), permanent judge (2014–2017), and co-host beginning in 2023.

In music, Hough released her debut country album Julianne Hough in 2008, which reached number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number three on the Billboard 200. Her singles include “Will You Dance With Me” (2007), “That Song in My Head” (2008), and “Is That So Wrong” (2010). She toured with Brad Paisley in 2008 and won Top New Artist at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2009.

Hough transitioned into film acting with roles in Burlesque (2010). She took on her first leading role as Ariel Moore in Footloose (2011), followed by starring roles in Rock of Ages (2012), Safe Haven (2013), Paradise (2013), and Curve (2015). She also starred as Sandy in the live television production Grease Live! (2016).

In television, Hough joined America’s Got Talent as a judge in 2019. She also appeared in the Netflix anthology series Heartstrings (2018) and partnered on the podcast series Transformation (2020).

Hough toured with her brother Derek Hough on Move Live on Tour (2014–2015) and Move Beyond Live on Tour (2017). She made her Broadway debut in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive (2022). She has also hosted the Tony Awards pre-show in 2022, 2023, and 2024.