Derek Hough, a celebrated name in the world of dance, has mesmerized millions with his extraordinary moves, choreographic genius, and undeniable charisma. From his iconic performances on "Dancing with the Stars" to his ventures in acting, music, and live tours, Derek has established himself as a multi-talented entertainer. But have you ever wondered how much is Derek Hough worth? With a career spanning over two decades and multiple revenue streams, his net worth is a subject of great interest among fans and industry insiders alike.
As a six-time champion of "Dancing with the Stars," Derek Hough has not only earned critical acclaim but also amassed a substantial fortune. Beyond television, he has diversified his talents into acting, directing, writing, and even producing, making him a true renaissance man in entertainment. Alongside various brand endorsements, live performances, and his role as a judge on "World of Dance," Derek's financial portfolio is as impressive as his dance moves.
In this article, we delve deep into Derek Hough’s biography, career milestones, and sources of income to answer the burning question: how much is Derek Hough worth? Additionally, we’ll explore his personal life, philanthropy, and future endeavors to provide a complete picture of this dynamic performer. So, let’s dive into the life of this accomplished artist and discover what makes him a financial powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Derek Hough
- Early Life and Family Background
- How Did Derek Hough Start His Career?
- Dancing with the Stars Success
- What Are Derek Hough’s Other Career Achievements?
- Derek Hough's Net Worth in 2023
- Sources of Income for Derek Hough
- Is Derek Hough Involved in Philanthropy?
- Personal Life of Derek Hough
- How Has Derek Hough Expanded His Brand?
- Derek Hough as an Author and Director
- Future Projects of Derek Hough
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Biography of Derek Hough
Derek Hough is an American professional dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer, best known for his work on the ABC dance competition series "Dancing with the Stars." Born on May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Derek grew up in a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. Over the years, his talent, hard work, and versatility have made him one of the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry.
Below is a quick overview of Derek Hough’s personal details:
Full Name | Derek Bruce Hough |
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Birth Date | May 17, 1985 |
Birthplace | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
Profession | Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, Singer |
Years Active | 2001–Present |
Notable Shows | Dancing with the Stars, World of Dance |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
Marital Status | Engaged (to Hayley Erbert) |
Early Life and Family Background
Derek Hough was born into a large and artistic family as the fourth of five siblings. His parents, Marianne and Bruce Hough, were active in musical theater, which significantly influenced Derek’s early life. Interestingly, all four of his sisters—Sharee, Marabeth, Katherine, and Julianne Hough—are also involved in the arts, with Julianne being a renowned dancer and actress herself.
When Derek was just 12 years old, his parents made the bold decision to send him to London to live and train with dance coaches Corky and Shirley Ballas. This was a pivotal moment in his life as it allowed him to refine his dance techniques and develop a passion for ballroom dancing. His sister Julianne later joined him in London, and the two trained together, forming a dynamic sibling duo that would later take the entertainment world by storm.
During his time in London, Derek attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, where he studied various disciplines, including dance, acting, and singing. This comprehensive training laid the foundation for his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.
How Did Derek Hough Start His Career?
Derek Hough began his professional journey in the world of competitive ballroom dancing. He participated in numerous international competitions, earning accolades and building a reputation as a gifted dancer. His early successes included winning the WDSF World Youth Latin Championship and the Under-21 Latin title at the Blackpool Dance Festival.
After returning to the United States, Derek made his Broadway debut in the musical "Burn the Floor" and later joined the cast of "Dancing with the Stars" in its fifth season. This marked a turning point in his career, as the show provided him with a massive platform to showcase his talents and creativity. Over the years, Derek has partnered with several celebrities on the show, winning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy six times—a record that remains unbeaten.
In addition to his television success, Derek has choreographed for various other projects, including music videos, award shows, and live performances. His ability to blend different dance styles and create visually stunning routines has earned him widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
Dancing with the Stars Success
Derek Hough's tenure on "Dancing with the Stars" is nothing short of legendary. Joining the show in 2007, he quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his innovative choreography and infectious personality. Over the course of 17 seasons, Derek partnered with celebrities like Jennie Garth, Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, and Bindi Irwin, among others.
Some of his most memorable performances include:
- A freestyle routine with Bindi Irwin inspired by her late father, Steve Irwin
- A Paso Doble with Nicole Scherzinger that showcased his flair for dramatic storytelling
- An emotional contemporary routine with Amy Purdy, a Paralympic athlete
Derek's contributions to the show extended beyond his performances. He also served as a mentor and choreographer, helping to elevate the overall quality of the competition. His efforts earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography, cementing his status as one of the greatest dancers and choreographers of his generation.
What Are Derek Hough’s Other Career Achievements?
While "Dancing with the Stars" is a significant part of Derek Hough’s career, it’s by no means his only accomplishment. He has ventured into various other areas of entertainment, including:
- Acting: Derek has appeared in films like "Make Your Move" and TV shows such as "Nashville" and "Jane the Virgin."
- Music: A talented musician, Derek has released singles and performed live concerts, often collaborating with his sister Julianne.
- Stage Performances: He has headlined live tours, including "Dancing with the Stars: Live!" and his own show, "Derek Hough: Live! The Tour."
- Judging: Derek served as a judge on NBC’s "World of Dance," where he shared his expertise with aspiring dancers.
- Writing: In 2014, he authored a memoir titled "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion," offering insights into his life and career.
These ventures have not only showcased Derek's versatility but also contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
Derek Hough’s Net Worth in 2023
As of 2023, Derek Hough's net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. This impressive figure is the result of his diverse career in dance, television, music, and live performances. His earnings from "Dancing with the Stars," combined with his other projects, have made him one of the wealthiest dancers in Hollywood.
Stay tuned as we explore the various sources of income that contribute to Derek Hough's financial success in the next section.