Drew Lachey
He stepped out of his brother's shadow to win a mirrorball trophy and prove his own star power on national television.
Born 1976 (age 50)·American singer & actor·Birthday: August 8·Generation X
Biography
Drew Lachey, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, carved a distinct path in the pop culture landscape. While his early fame came as a member of the vocal group 98 Degrees, which sold millions of records in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was his move to the dance floor that redefined his public persona. In 2006, he partnered with professional dancer Cheryl Burke on the second season of 'Dancing with the Stars,' displaying a surprising and relentless competitive drive. Their victory wasn't just a win; it was a moment of individual triumph that showcased his work ethic and charisma beyond the boy band frame. Since then, Lachey has balanced music, acting roles, and a steady presence as a television host and personality, embodying the adaptable entertainer who thrives in live, unscripted formats.
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.
Drew was born in 1976, 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 Drew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1976
#1 Movie
Rocky
Best Picture
Rocky
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Drew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1976Born
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1981Started school
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1989Became a teenager
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
1992Could drive
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
1994Could vote
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Turned 21
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2006Turned 30
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
2016Turned 40
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 50
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the second season of ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars' with professional partner Cheryl Burke.
- As a member of 98 Degrees, achieved multiple platinum albums and top-ten singles like 'Because of You' and 'The Hardest Thing'.
- Served as the host of the live broadcast competition series 'The Big Stage' on The CW.
- Co-founded the music and entertainment company Lachey Arts with his brother Nick.
Did You Know?
He is a former Army Reserve medic, having served for six years.
He and his wife, Lea, own and operate the Lachey's Bar chain in Cincinnati.
He was a cheerleader for the University of Cincinnati, which helped his 'Dancing with the Stars' athleticism.
He voiced the character of Drew in the animated film 'The Adventures of Brer Rabbit.'
“I think the biggest thing is just to be yourself and have fun with it.”
