In 2011, Julianne Hough was cast in her first leading role as the wild daughter of a preacher in the American musical film Footloose. The film is a remake of the 1984 film of the same name starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kevin Bacon, and Lori Singer.
Julianne Hough as Ariel Moore shares a scene with Kenny Wormald as Ren McCormack in the 2011 remake of Footloose (Credit: Paramount)
Ariel Moore: Hough’s Portrayal and Filming Experience
Portraying Ariel Moore opposite Kenny Wormald as Ren McCormack, filming began in September 2010 when she was 22. Despite her musical background, Hough does not sing in the movie.
Other actresses considered for the role of Ariel Moore include Hayden Panettiere, Miley Cyrus, and Amanda Bynes.
Critics Praise Hough’s Performance
Chris Tookey of the Daily Mail described Julianne Hough as a blonde, blue-eyed actress reminiscent of a young Olivia Newton-John in Grease, but with a more convincing bad-girl attitude.
“Blonde, blue-eyed and sinuous, she’s like the young Olivia Newton-John in Grease but with more convincing bad-girl attitude,” he wrote.
“Facially, she looks like a younger, even prettier Jennifer Aniston. I feel we’ll be seeing more of her,” he added.
Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormald pose together at a promotional event for their movie Footloose in 2011 (Credit: Hugh Dillon / WENN)
“The appealing lead actors do their best to keep the wackiness grounded,” Jon Niccum of the Kansas City Star wrote.
“Hough — a pleasant cross between Jennifer Aniston and Miley Cyrus — is charmingly spunky.”
Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormald pose together at the premiere of Footloose in 2011, with Hough dazzling in a red ensemble (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Footloose was released in North America on October 14, 2011, when Julianne Hough was 23. Her co-star Kenny Wormald, who played Ren McCormack, turned 27 on July 27, 2011. Julianne celebrated her 23rd birthday on July 20, 2011.
Following her successful portrayal of Ariel Moore in Footloose, Julianne Hough continued to make waves in both film and fashion. As she evolved into a Hollywood star, her red carpet appearances became just as noteworthy as her performances on screen. This was especially evident at the 2014 American Music Awards.
Julianne Hough Stuns at the 2014 American Music Awards
In November 2014, Footloose actress Julianne Hough put her perfect feet on display while joining Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Heidi Klum, and Bleona on the red carpet at the 2014 American Music Awards in Los Angeles.
Julianne Hough showcases a sleek, pulled-back hairstyle paired with elegant spike earrings at the 2014 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 23, 2014 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
For the 42nd Annual American Music Awards ceremony, the then 26-year-old Dancing with the Stars judge and actress donned a coral side-slit gown from the Zuhair Murad Resort 2015 collection, which featured a plunging beaded neckline and back.
Julianne Hough stuns in a bold, geometric coral dress with a plunging neckline at the American Music Awards, perfectly complementing her sleek hairstyle and understated accessories (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
She accessorized with Jacqui Aiche jewelry, a Hysteric Co. pavé “V Vendetta” ring, a gold pavé ear cuff, and a Lee Savage clutch.
Julianne Hough shows off the full length and intricate back design of her coral gown at the American Music Awards (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
The outfit was completed with mirrored gold leather Tamara Mellon “Fatale” sandals.
Julianne Hough completes her red carpet look with a chic metallic clutch, showcasing her delicate rings and a flawless light pink manicure (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Do you agree that Julianne was one of the best dressed at the AMAs?
Julianne Hough pairs her stunning coral gown with metallic gold strappy sandals, highlighting her black pedicure and perfectly groomed feet on the red carpet (Credit: WENN)
Her cutout Fatale sandals feature back zips and 105 mm heels.
Fatale Specchio 105 mm in Gold, $626