Derek Hough
A revolutionary force on 'Dancing with the Stars,' he transformed TV dance with athletic, cinematic choreography, winning a record six trophies.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American dancer, choreographer, actor, singer·Birthday: May 17·Millennials
Biography
Derek Hough didn't just compete on 'Dancing with the Stars'; he reshaped its visual language and raised its competitive stakes. Moving to London as a teenager to train in ballroom, he developed a rigorous, theatrical style that fused classic technique with explosive contemporary storytelling. When he joined the American show, his partnerships became events. He approached each routine as a mini-film, crafting narratives that showcased his celebrities while integrating complex, often dangerous, lifts and sequences. His record six mirrorball trophies are a testament to his ability as a teacher and visionary choreographer. This success translated to Emmy awards for his work, validating his artistry beyond the competition floor. Evolving from dancer to judge, Hough solidified his role as an authoritative voice in popular dance, influencing a generation of viewers and setting a new benchmark for what dance entertainment could achieve on prime-time television.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Derek was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Derek Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Derek's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Holds the record for most wins (six) as a professional dancer on 'Dancing with the Stars'.
- Has won four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography.
- Starred in and choreographed for multiple live dance tours and stage productions.
- Successfully transitioned from a professional dancer to a judge on 'Dancing with the Stars'.
Did You Know?
He is the younger brother of fellow dancer and 'Dancing with the Stars' alum Julianne Hough.
He is a published author, having written a book titled 'Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion'.
He performed in the London production of the musical 'Footloose' as a teenager.
He was a finalist on the British TV dance competition 'Dance Fever'.
“I don't want to just do steps. I want to tell a story.”
