Julianne Hough is one of the wealthiest and most talented dancers in history. She’s earned her fortune dancing on some of the world’s biggest stages, and she’s also ventured into other career opportunities, allowing her to build her fortune even more.
Julianne Hough has become wealthy through her career as a dancer, actress, singer-songwriter, and celebrity judge (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Although she’s known for her work in various mediums, Hough is still best known for her work as a dancer. This is how Julianne Hough rose to fame and earned a $10 million net worth along the way.
Julianne Hough’s Career Beginnings
Julianne Hough has been dancing since she was a kid. When she was just 10 years old, she and her brother, Derek Hough – who is also an accomplished and wealthy dancer – traveled across the pond to study dance at the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts in London, England.
Julianne Hough was an extra in the 2001 fantasy film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Hough returned to the United States when she was 15 years old, and entered the reality competition program Show Me the Money on ABC.
After that, Hough began working for Dancing With the Stars as one of the professional dancers paired with the celebrity contestants.
Her position on the hit ABC competition show catapulted her to fame, and she quickly became a household name in the world of dance.
More on Julianne Hough’s Dancing Career
Julianne Hough‘s dancing career is storied and successful. The dancer has worked both as a performer and a choreographer, choreographing music videos for stars like Gwen Stefani, who employed her expertise for her “Wind It Up” video.
Hough’s work has also earned her accolades, as her choreography for Para Los Rumberos on Dancing With the Stars nabbed her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography.
Julianne Hough has been both a judge and dancer for several seasons on Dancing with the Stars (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Hough has danced with several famous actors and athletes on Dancing With the Stars and has won two seasons of the show.
After spending many years as a professional dancer for Dancing With the Stars, Hough transitioned to become one of the judges and has held her position since. Her skill as a dancer is unquestioned, and some have even dubbed her one of the best dancers in the world.
Inside Julianne Hough’s Acting Career
It’s common for entertainers to dip their toes into multiple streams, and Julianne Hough is no different.
Her first professional acting experience was in an uncredited role for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and after a nine-year hiatus, Hough returned to the industry, starring in some major films.
Many of her acting roles, particularly those at the beginning of her credited career, centered around dance and performance.
Her first featured role in a movie was as Georgia in Burlesque, which starred Cher, Kristen Bell, and Christina Aguilera. Her part in the flick was as a dancer, and she was able to showcase some of her moves on camera.
Julianne Hough as Georgia and Kristen Bell as Nikki in the 2010 American backstage musical film Burlesque (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Hough’s first starring role was in the remake of the ‘80s classic Footloose, where she played Ariel opposite Kenny Wormald. This role allowed her to further display her dancing skills, and from that, she was cast as the lead in another film, Rock of Ages.
Not all of her roles have involved music and dancing, though. Hough also starred in the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’s book Safe Haven, and she had a part in the comedy Dirty Grandpa, which starred Zac Efron and Robert De Nero.
A Look at Julianne Hough’s Singing Career
Julianne Hough is not just a talented dancer and actress, she’s also a good singer. For a short while in the late 2000s, Hough gave a singing career a go. She released a self-titled country album, Julianne Hough, then toured with Jewel and Brad Paisley.
After her album’s release, Hough won awards at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards, and later that year released a Christmas EP. Aside from her brief run, Hough hasn’t had much of a singing career, but it was enough to earn her some money and cement her as a triple threat.
Julianne Hough won the Top New Artist award at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on April 5, 2009 (Credit: Carrie Nelson / Shutterstock)
Hough combined her three talents – singing, acting, and dancing – in 2016 when she took to the stage for Grease Live! on FOX. The dancer played the starring role, Sandy, and was met with critical acclaim for her performance. The live special was even nominated for 10 Emmys.
More on Julianne Hough’s Other Ventures
Julianne Hough hasn’t limited herself, or her earning potential, to singing, dancing, and acting. The dancer has worked as a judge for America’s Got Talent and has modeled, gracing the cover of various magazines.
Hough is also very well known for her fitness routine and has talked about it in detail with outlets such as Self, Health Magazine, and Shape.
Hough also has a lifestyle blog that is designed to help women with their health, both mental and physical. She is featured on the website and often promotes it through her Instagram page.
Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough became friends after meeting through their mutual hairstylist Riawna Capri (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Hough is very good friends with actress Nina Dobrev, and together they created their own wine called Fresh Vine, which is sure to earn her a little bit more money.
The dancer also started her own production company called Canary House Productions, and they have an active Instagram page where they highlight various actors and writers and encourage self-expression. Hough is always finding a new way to pad her net worth.
Julianne Hough’s Personal Life
Julian Hough has been in the public eye for many years, and therefore her personal life has been documented for the world to see.
The dancer has had several public relationships, including dating radio host and entrepreneur Ryan Secrest, and, for just over two years, she was married to hockey player Brooks Laich. Unfortunately, she filed for divorce in 2020.
With her enormous fortune, Hough has spent money on real estate, including purchasing a luxury condo in Nashville, Tennessee, and a multi-million dollar home in the Hollywood Hills, although she no longer owns the condo.
Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich married in 2017 and announced their separation in May 2020 (Credit: DFree / Shutterstock)
Hough also spends a lot of her money traveling and often documents these travels on her Instagram page. The dancer is very athletic, and she often participates in various sporting activities, like surfing, horseback riding, tree climbing, biking, swimming, and snowboarding.
Whether she’s making money or enjoying herself Julianne Hough is certainly keeping busy.
While Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez went the fierce and sexy route in jumpsuits, in April 2016 Julianne Hough decided to keep things fresh and chic in a tiny white dress at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Julianne Hough styles her hair up at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards held on April 3, 2016, at The Forum in Inglewood, California (Credit: WENN)
The then 27-year-old actress showcased her dancer’s physique in a pretty white mini frock by Jil Sander.
Julianne Hough wears a flirty white Jil Sander dress on the red carpet (Credit: WENN)
The knee-skimming dress featured delicate floral appliques, a halter neck, and a cutout yoke that flashed a hint of cleavage.
Julianne Hough holds an Edie Parker clutch at the iHeartRadio Music Awards (Credit: WENN)
The two-time “Dancing with the Stars” professional champion glammed up the girly look further with a pair of EF Collection earrings, Zoe Chicco jewels, an Edie Parker clutch, and a pair of stiletto pumps.
Julianne Hough shows off her heavy eye makeup and a voluminous updo (Credit: WENN)
She wore her hair up in a voluminous updo, and she was positively glowing with shimmering bronzed eyeshadow and pink lipstick.
Julianne Hough poses in a white Jil Stuart mini dress (Credit: WENN)
Julianne was joined on the red carpet by her brother Derek Hough, who was handsome in a Ted Baker London blazer, a light blue shirt with a striped necktie, and a pair of J Brand jeans.
Julianne Hough poses for photos with her brother, Derek Hough, at the iHeartRadio Music Awards (Credit: WENN)
We always love to see these two together. They both always look friendly and stylish, without a hint of sibling rivalry.
Julianne rounded out her look with the classic red carpet-favorite “Blade” pumps by Casadei. These pumps are made of nude leather and have pointed toes and about five-inch blade heels.
Julianne Hough’s feet in nude leather Casadei pumps (Credit: WENN)
You can check out these pumps in different versions at Casadei and Farfetch.
Casadei “Blade” Pumps, $519 – $613
