Brooke Burke
An American host who parlayed modeling success into a durable television career, guiding reality competitions and travel shows with warm, confident authority.
Born 1971 (age 55)·American television personality·Birthday: September 8·Generation X
Biography
Brooke Burke's career is a study in smart adaptation. She first gained attention as a model and as the adventurous host of E!'s late-night travel series 'Wild On!', which showcased her willingness to try anything from bungee jumping to tasting exotic foods. Rather than fading after that show's run, she strategically pivoted into the heart of mainstream television. She hosted the rockstar reality competition 'Rock Star' and later won the mirrorball trophy on 'Dancing with the Stars', a victory that led to a multi-season stint as the show's co-host. This role cemented her image as a poised, relatable, and empathetic presence in the high-stakes world of live TV. Beyond hosting, she has built a fitness and wellness brand, Brooke Burke Body, leveraging her own commitment to health into a digital business. Her longevity stems from an authentic, approachable charisma that makes audiences feel they're in capable hands, whether she's introducing a magic trick on 'Penn & Teller: Fool Us' or leading a workout.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Brooke was born in 1971, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brooke Was Born
The biggest hits of 1971
#1 Movie
Fiddler on the Roof
Best Picture
The French Connection
#1 TV Show
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Brooke's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1971Born
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1976Started school
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1984Became a teenager
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Could drive
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1989Could vote
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Turned 21
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Turned 30
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2011Turned 40
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 50
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 55 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the seventh season of 'Dancing with the Stars' with professional partner Derek Hough.
- Served as co-host of 'Dancing with the Stars' for eight seasons, from 2010 to 2013.
- Launched and runs a successful fitness and lifestyle brand, 'Brooke Burke Body', centered on a subscription app and digital content.
- Hosted the syndicated travel and adventure series 'Wild On!' for the E! network, which became a cult hit in the early 2000s.
Did You Know?
She was a spokesmodel for Skechers footwear in the early 2000s.
She is a licensed helicopter pilot.
She published a book of photographs and essays titled 'The Naked Mom' in 2011.
She is of Portuguese descent on her father's side.
“The world is a big place, and I'm not afraid to go out and taste it.”
