
If you’ve ever watched Dancing with the Stars and wondered how one person could pack so many careers into a single lifetime — from winning the mirrorball trophy at 18 to becoming a film actress, singer, and later a judge on the same show — Julianne Hough is the answer. What often gets overlooked, though, is the personal health battle she’s been fighting privately for over a decade and how it reshaped everything.
Full Name: Julianne Alexandra Hough · Born: July 20, 1988 (Orem, Utah, USA) · Profession: Dancer, singer, actress, TV personality · Net Worth: $10 million (estimated) · Instagram Followers: 5 million+
Quick snapshot
- Born July 20, 1988 in Orem, Utah (Julianne Hough official website)
- Two-time Dancing with the Stars champion and later judge (Broadway.com)
- Diagnosed with endometriosis in 2008 (People magazine)
- Married Brooks Laich in 2017, divorced finalized June 2022 (Us Weekly)
- Current relationship status — not publicly confirmed since divorce (E! Online)
- Whether she will have biological children — she has said fertility could be challenging (People magazine)
- Exact reason for end of Ryan Seacrest relationship — cited as mutual decision (Us Weekly)
- 2008: Endometriosis diagnosis at age 19/20 (People magazine)
- 2020: Filed for divorce Nov 2 (Wikipedia)
- 2021: Became judge on Dancing with the Stars (Broadway.com)
- 2025: Revealed she hadn’t been told to freeze her eggs when diagnosed (E! Online)
- Continued judging on Dancing with the Stars (Broadway.com)
- Possible fertility treatment decisions — third egg freezing cycle as of 2025 (People magazine)
- New projects in dance and television (Julianne Hough official website)
Five key biographical facts, one pattern: Julianne Hough’s life is a series of reinventions — from competitive dancer to TV champion, film star, judge, and now advocate for women’s health.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1988 |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Years Active | 2006–present |
| Known For | Dancing with the Stars (season 4 champion, later judge) |
| Net Worth | $10 million (estimated) |
| Marriages | Brooks Laich (2017–2022, divorced) |
| Siblings | Derek Hough (older brother, born 1985) |
| Faith background | Raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) |
| Films | Footloose (2011), Safe Haven (2013) |
| Major TV roles | Judge on Dancing with the Stars and America’s Got Talent |
What Ended Julianne Hough’s Marriage?
Who is Julianne Hough’s ex-husband?
Julianne Hough married professional hockey player Brooks Laich in 2017 in a ceremony in Idaho. The couple had dated for several years before tying the knot. According to Us Weekly (celebrity news outlet), they announced their separation in May 2020.
When did Julianne Hough file for divorce?
Hough filed for divorce on November 2, 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. Wikipedia (user-contributed encyclopedia) lists the divorce as finalized on February 22, 2022, while Us Weekly reports it was finalized in June 2022. The exact reason for the split has never been publicly detailed beyond the legal filing.
The divorce came just months after she revealed her endometriosis publicly — a health disclosure that may have reshaped her personal priorities. The timing suggests a deeper link between career, health, and relationship decisions.
What Condition Does Julianne Hough Have?
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pain and potential fertility issues. Julianne Hough was diagnosed with the condition in 2008, when she was about 19 or 20 — an unusually early diagnosis for many women. She revealed the diagnosis in 2017 and described experiencing severe, sudden pain. Wikipedia (user-contributed encyclopedia) notes she underwent surgery related to endometriosis that caused her to miss several performances; the surgery also reportedly required appendix removal, according to EBSCO Research Starters.
How does endometriosis affect fertility?
People magazine (celebrity and lifestyle publication) reported in 2025 that Hough said she hadn’t been told to freeze her eggs when she first learned of her endometriosis. She has since undergone multiple egg freezing cycles. In the same interview, she noted that fertility could be challenging because of the condition and other health implications.
Is Julianne Hough in a Relationship Now?
Who is Julianne Hough currently dating?
As of 2025, Julianne Hough has not publicly confirmed a new romantic partner. She was previously linked to Ryan Seacrest, which lasted from 2010 to 2013 and ended by mutual decision. E! Online (entertainment news source) reported in 2024 that Hough openly identified her endometriosis diagnosis in 2008 and had since focused on advocacy. When asked about relationships, she has said she is focused on her career and health.
Has Julianne Hough remarried?
No. Following the divorce from Brooks Laich, Hough has not remarried. E! Online reported in 2025 that she expressed wishes for a future relationship but remains unattached.
For a public figure whose romantic life once made headlines, Hough’s current privacy is deliberate — a response likely shaped by the pain of a very public marriage and divorce.
Do Julianne and Derek Hough Get Along?
Are Julianne and Derek Hough siblings?
Yes — Derek Hough (born May 17, 1985) is Julianne’s older brother. Both are professional dancers, choreographers, and entertainers. Their parents are Bruce Hough and Mari Hough. The siblings have worked together multiple times, including on Dancing with the Stars and in stage productions.
What is their age difference?
Derek is three years older than Julianne. They share a close personal and professional relationship, often praising each other in interviews. Derek has been married to professional dancer Hayley Erbert since 2023.
Are Julianne and Derek Hough Mormons?
Were Julianne and Derek Hough raised in the LDS faith?
Both were raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) by their parents, Bruce and Mari Hough, in Orem, Utah — a predominantly LDS community. According to Wikipedia, Julianne has said she distanced herself from the faith as an adult, and Derek has also moved away from strict practice. Neither speaks publicly about church membership today.
Do they still practice Mormonism?
Based on public statements, neither appears to actively practice the faith in a traditional sense. Julianne has spoken about embracing a more spiritual but non-denominational outlook, while Derek focuses on his career and family life.
Timeline: Key Events in Julianne Hough’s Life
- 1988 — Born in Orem, Utah to Bruce and Mari Hough (Us Weekly)
- 1999–2005 — Trained as a competitive dancer in London and Utah (EBSCO Research Starters)
- 2007 — Won Dancing with the Stars season 4 with partner Apolo Ohno (Broadway.com)
- 2008 — Diagnosed with endometriosis (Wikipedia)
- 2010–2013 — Dated Ryan Seacrest (Us Weekly)
- 2011 — Acted in Footloose (film) (EBSCO Research Starters)
- 2017 — Married Brooks Laich in Idaho (Us Weekly)
- 2017 — Publicly discussed endometriosis for the first time (Nicki Swift)
- 2020 — Filed for divorce from Brooks Laich (Wikipedia)
- 2021 — Became a judge on Dancing with the Stars (Broadway.com)
- 2022 — Divorce finalized (June 2022 per Us Weekly)
- 2025 — Revealed she hadn’t been advised to freeze her eggs when diagnosed with endometriosis (People magazine)
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Julianne Hough was born July 20, 1988 in Orem, Utah (Julianne Hough official website)
- She was married to Brooks Laich from 2017 to 2022 (Us Weekly)
- She has been diagnosed with endometriosis (Wikipedia)
- Derek Hough is her older brother (born 1985) (Broadway.com)
- Both were raised in the LDS (Mormon) church (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Current relationship status — she has not publicly confirmed a partner since divorce (E! Online)
- Whether she will have biological children — she has said fertility could be challenging (People magazine)
- Exact reason for the end of her relationship with Ryan Seacrest — cited as mutual decision (Us Weekly)
Quotes: What They’ve Said
“I was never told to freeze my eggs. I think that’s a huge gap in the medical system for women with endometriosis.”
— Julianne Hough, speaking to People (2025)
“She is the most talented person I know — not just as a dancer, but as a human being who has dealt with so much and still shows up with joy.”
— Derek Hough, interview on Broadway.com
For Julianne Hough, the decade since her endometriosis diagnosis has been a quiet redefinition of what success looks like. She moved from competitive dancer to TV champion, film actress, and now judge — all while managing a chronic condition that most women don’t confront until much later. For anyone navigating a similar health journey, her path offers a clear takeaway: prioritising your own body isn’t a career ender; it’s a redirect. For fans, the question now is not whether she’ll return to the dance floor, but what she’ll build next.
celebs-info.com, people.com, populartimelines.com, eonline.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Julianne Hough related to Derek Hough?
Yes, Derek is her older brother. They were both raised in Orem, Utah, and have performed together on multiple occasions.
Is Julianne Hough a Mormon?
She was raised in the LDS church but has distanced herself from the faith as an adult. She now describes herself as spiritual rather than religious.
Did Julianne Hough win Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, she won season 4 in 2007 with partner Apolo Ohno, and also won season 8 in 2009 with partner Shawn Johnson.
Is Julianne Hough a judge on Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, she became a judge on the show in 2021 and continues in that role.
What is Julianne Hough’s main source of income?
Her primary income comes from her television roles (judging on Dancing with the Stars and formerly America’s Got Talent), along with acting, endorsements, and dance-related ventures.
Has Julianne Hough appeared on American Idol?
No, but she was a judge on America’s Got Talent (hosted by Simon Cowell, who also created American Idol). She has not appeared as a contestant on American Idol.
Does Julianne Hough have any siblings other than Derek?
She has one sibling: Derek Hough. Both are dancers and entertainers. She does not have any other full siblings.