Derek Hough Biography: Emmy‑Winning Dancer & Television Personality, Birthdate, Birthplace, Age, Height, Ethnicity, Education, Profession, Employer, Known For, Spouse, Children, Net Worth

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” — Derek Hough

Derek Hough (born May 17, 1985 in Salt Lake City, Utah) is an American professional dancer, choreographer, actor, and television personality. He is best known for winning a record six Mirrorball Trophies on Dancing with the Stars and for serving as a judge on the show since 2020. In 2025, he is trending for speculation about his possible exit from DWTS, his new role as host of Extra, and touring with his wife Hayley Erbert and their newborn baby. His challenges include balancing family life with a demanding career, recovering from his wife’s health scare, and managing exhaustion from multiple commitments.

Timeline Overview

Year	Milestone
1985	Born May 17 in Salt Lake City, Utah
1998	Moved to London to study at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
2007	Debuted on Dancing with the Stars
2007–2016	Won six Mirrorball Trophies (record)
2013	Won first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography
2020	Became judge on Dancing with the Stars
2023	Married Hayley Erbert
2025	Trending for DWTS exit rumors, Extra hosting role, and family tour plans

Quick Facts

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Derek Bruce Hough
Birthdate	May 17, 1985
Birthplace	Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Age	40 (as of 2025)
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Profession	Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, TV Personality
Known For	Dancing with the Stars, Emmy‑winning choreography
Spouse	Hayley Erbert (m. 2023)
Children	One daughter (born 2025)
Parents	Bruce Hough and Mariann Hough
Relatives	Sister Julianne Hough (dancer/actress)
Net Worth	Estimated $8–10 million

Early Life & Education

Derek Hough was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bruce and Mariann Hough. His father was twice chairman of the Utah Republican Party, while his mother nurtured her children’s artistic talents. Derek is one of five siblings, including his famous sister Julianne Hough.

At age 13, Derek moved to London to study dance at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, where he trained in ballroom, Latin, jazz, and theater. His time in London shaped his artistry and gave him international exposure.

Derek Hough photo - wikiiTrends — **Derek Hough photo – wikiiTrends**

Career Background

Dancing with the Stars (2007–2016) Hough joined DWTS in 2007 and quickly became a fan favorite. He won a record six Mirrorball Trophies, partnering with celebrities like Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, and Bindi Irwin.

Choreography & Emmy Awards He has received 14 Primetime Emmy nominations for choreography, winning four times. His routines are praised for creativity and storytelling.

Other Projects

Appeared in films like Make Your Move (2013).
Starred in stage productions including Footloose and Burn the Floor.
Released music and performed in live tours.

Judge & Host In 2020, Hough became a judge on DWTS. In 2025, he was announced as the new host of Extra, expanding his television presence.

Challenges & Achievements

Challenges

Exhaustion: Managing multiple commitments, from DWTS to hosting and touring.
Family Health: Supporting wife Hayley after her 2023 brain surgery recovery.
Career Balance: Transitioning from dancer to judge, host, and father.

Achievements

Six Mirrorball Trophies (most in DWTS history).
Four Primetime Emmy Awards.
Successful tours and stage productions.
Expanded career into hosting and acting.

Family & Parents

Derek is the son of Bruce and Mariann Hough. His father is a political leader, while his mother is deeply supportive of her children’s artistic careers.

He married dancer Hayley Erbert in 2023. In 2025, they welcomed their first child, a daughter. Derek often shares his gratitude for family support, especially his sister Julianne Hough, with whom he has performed globally.

Salary & Net Worth

Salary: Estimated $1–2 million annually from TV, tours, and endorsements.
Net Worth: Approximately $8–10 million.

Legacy

Derek Hough’s legacy lies in his ability to blend technical mastery with emotional storytelling in dance. From DWTS champion to Emmy‑winning choreographer and now television host, he has continually reinvented himself.

His story in 2025 reflects both triumph and challenge: professional recognition alongside exhaustion and family responsibilities. As he embarks on new ventures, Derek remains a beloved figure in dance and entertainment.