Derek Hough Bio, Age, Height, Wife Hayley Erbert, Career, DWTS Judge Salary, Net Worth, Emmy Awards, & Facts
Derek Hough is the most decorated professional dancer in Dancing with the Stars history, a six-time Mirrorball Trophy winner who has parlayed ballroom excellence into a multi-faceted career as a judge, choreographer, actor, singer, and television host. Born in Utah and forged in the competitive dance halls of London, he returned to American television in 2007 and never left, becoming a fixture in primetime while collecting four Emmy Awards for choreography along the way. In 2026, he is navigating the most transformative chapter of his life: new fatherhood, a new hosting gig, and the continued evolution of a brand built entirely on movement.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Derek Bruce Hough |
| Nick Name | Derek |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, Singer, Television Host |
| Birth Date | May 17, 1985 |
| Age | 41 years 1 month old |
| Birth Place | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Hometown | Sandy, Utah |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | 6-Time Dancing with the Stars Champion, 4-Time Emmy Winner, DWTS Judge, Host of Extra |
| Ethnicity | White / Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) / 157 lbs (71 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Qualification | Trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, London |
| Religion | Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (raised) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Hayley Erbert (m. August 26, 2023) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Everley Capri, b. December 29, 2025) |
| Family Tree | Father: Bruce Hough (businessman, former Utah GOP chair); Mother: Mariann Hough; Sisters: Sharee, Marabeth, Katherine, Julianne |
| Hobbies | Music (piano, guitar, drums, bass), fitness, travel, cooking |
| Current Work | Dancing with the Stars Judge; Host of Extra (Season 32–present) |
| Years Active | 2001–present |
| Net Worth | Estimated $8 million |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
Early Life & Education
Derek Bruce Hough was born on May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up in the suburb of Sandy as the fourth of five children in a Mormon family with deep dance roots. His parents, Bruce and Mariann Hough, met on a college ballroom dance team in Idaho, and all four of his grandparents were dancers. His father later co-founded Nutraceutical Corporation, which reached a valuation of $300 million before its sale in 2017, and served two terms as chairman of the Utah Republican Party.
Hough’s childhood was not easy. He has spoken openly about being bullied as a boy in Utah, telling People in 2014 that he was “punched in the face, pretty aggressively in the stomach… tied up in trees and left in fields.” He has since forgiven his tormentors, crediting dance with giving him the confidence to survive.
When Derek was 12 years old, his divorcing parents sent him to London to live and study with dance coaches Corky and Shirley Ballas, alongside their son Mark Ballas (who would later become a fellow DWTS pro). His sister Julianne joined him several months later. Originally intended as a three-month stay, Derek remained in London for ten years, attending the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and receiving intensive training in singing, theater, gymnastics, jazz, ballet, and tap. The three children formed a pop music trio called 2B1G (“2 Boys, 1 Girl”) and performed at competitions across the UK and US.
Career Journey
Competitive Dancing and Early Stage Work (2001–2007)
Before his television breakthrough, Hough built an impressive competitive resume. He won the IDSF World Latin U-21 Championship in 2002 and the Blackpool U-21 Latin title with partner Aneta Piotrowska in 2003. He also earned the LA Outstanding Dancer of the Year and New York Dance Alliance Outstanding Dance awards.
His stage career began in London, where he starred as Ren in the original West End production of Footloose: The Musical at the Novello Theatre in 2006, earning a Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Award nomination as London Newcomer of the Year. He also appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar and danced in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium.
Dancing with the Stars: The Record-Breaking Run (2007–2016)
Hough joined Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer in Season 5 (2007) and immediately made an impact. Over nine seasons as a pro, he won a record-breaking six Mirrorball Trophies—a feat no other pro has matched. His winning partnerships were:
| Season | Celebrity Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Jennie Garth | 4th place |
| 6 | Shannon Elizabeth | 6th place |
| 7 | Brooke Burke | Winner |
| 8 | Lil’ Kim | 5th place |
| 9 | Joanna Krupa | 4th place |
| 10 | Nicole Scherzinger | Winner |
| 11 | Jennifer Grey | Winner |
| 13 | Ricki Lake | 3rd place |
| 14 | Maria Menounos | 4th place |
| 18 | Amy Purdy | Runner-up |
| 19 | Bethany Mota | 4th place |
| 20 | Nastia Liukin | 4th place |
| 21 | Bindi Irwin | Winner |
| 23 | Marilu Henner | 6th place |
His six wins came with Brooke Burke (Season 7), Nicole Scherzinger (Season 10), Jennifer Grey (Season 11), Kellie Pickler (Season 16), Amber Riley (Season 17), and Bindi Irwin (Season 21).
Choreography, Acting, and Expansion (2012–2020)
Between DWTS seasons, Hough expanded into choreography, acting, and music. He choreographed the short dance routine for Olympic ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White ahead of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where the pair won the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the United States in the event.
He made his Broadway debut in Burn the Floor (2010), starred in the film Make Your Move 3D (2013), and had a recurring role as Noah West on ABC’s Nashville (2014–2016). In 2016, he played Corny Collins in NBC’s live musical production of Hairspray Live! He also served as a judge on NBC’s World of Dance (2017–2020) alongside Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo.
His choreography work earned him 14 Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Choreography, with four wins—making him one of the most decorated choreographers in television history.
Return as Judge and Current Roles (2020–present)
In September 2020, Hough returned to Dancing with the Stars as a judge, replacing Len Goodman, who was unable to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions. After Goodman’s retirement and subsequent death, Hough was named interim head judge for Season 32. He has remained a fixture on the judging panel, bringing both technical expertise and performative energy to the role.
In September 2025, Hough was announced as the new host of Extra, replacing Billy Bush beginning with the show’s 32nd season. The move marked his first major foray into entertainment news hosting.
Career Stats Summary
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| DWTS Mirrorball Trophies | 6 (record) |
| Emmy Awards (Choreography) | 4 wins, 14 nominations |
| DWTS Seasons as Pro | 13 |
| DWTS Seasons as Judge | 6+ (2020–present) |
| Broadway/Stage Credits | Footloose (West End), Burn the Floor (Broadway), New York Spring Spectacular |
| Film Credits | Make Your Move 3D, Rock of Ages, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story |
| TV Series | Nashville, World of Dance, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series |
| Books | Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion (NYT Bestseller, 2014) |
| Music | Guest vocals on Breaking Benjamin’s Ember (2018) |
Personal Life
Marriage to Hayley Erbert
Derek met Hayley Erbert in 2014 when he and sister Julianne hired her as a troupe dancer for their Move Live On Tour. Hayley, a professional dancer from Topeka, Kansas, had competed on So You Think You Can Dance Season 10 at age 18. Derek passed her contact information to a DWTS producer, and she joined the show’s troupe in Season 21—the same season Derek won with Bindi Irwin. They began dating during that season and went Instagram official in May 2017.
After nearly a decade together, Derek proposed on June 2, 2022, writing, “It’s only the beginning…the beginning of forever ♥️.” They married on August 26, 2023, in Monterey County, California, in a ceremony attended by family, friends, and fellow dancers. Derek later told People that marriage changed his outlook: “It’s so interesting what a small sort of piece of metal can do to your whole persona… to want to be a man to live up to that promise daily.”
Hayley’s Near-Death Experience and Recovery
Just four months after their wedding, in December 2023, Hayley suffered a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel during the couple’s Symphony of Dance tour in Washington, D.C. She was rushed to the hospital, underwent an emergency craniectomy, and later had surgery to replace a large portion of her skull. Derek described the moment with raw emotion: “She was on the side of the stage having full seizures and, essentially, dying. It’s really hard to even put into words other than just pure fear.”
By October 2024, Hayley had returned to the ballroom, performing an emotional duet with Derek on DWTS that chronicled their journey. She wrote on Instagram, “What a crazy, emotional year it has been, but being able to perform for you all with my beautiful husband last night, was beyond anything I even thought would be possible 10 months ago.” Derek dedicated his January 2024 Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Choreography to her, saying, “Your strength and your courage this whole month has been unbelievable.”
New Fatherhood
In July 2025, the couple announced they were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Everley Capri Hough, was born on December 29, 2025. Derek announced the birth on Instagram: “Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open and our world is forever changed.” Hayley described Everley as their “rainbow after the storm,” referencing the health crisis they had endured.
Family and Siblings
Derek comes from a large, tight-knit family. His three older sisters—Sharee, Marabeth, and Katherine—and younger sister Julianne (also a dancer, actress, and DWTS alum) have all pursued creative or entrepreneurial paths. Sharee runs a fitness business called Hough Werks; Marabeth is a realtor and holistic health coach in Nashville; and Katherine is an esthetician who found love again in 2025 after the death of her partner Tony Schnur from brain cancer in 2023.
Julianne, three years Derek’s junior, has spoken about the “sadness” her older sisters felt at not having the same opportunities she and Derek received in London, though she notes there was never jealousy—only love and support. The siblings remain extremely close, with Mariann Hough (now remarried and living in Tennessee) serving as the family’s emotional anchor.
Controversies
Dating Rumors and Public Relationships
Hough’s romantic life has occasionally drawn tabloid attention. He dated DWTS partner Shannon Elizabeth for a year after Season 6, designer Lauren Conrad briefly in 2011, and was linked to actresses Nina Dobrev and Nikki Reed, as well as British singer Cheryl Cole. None of these relationships generated significant scandal, and Hough has generally kept his personal life private until his relationship with Hayley.
Health Scares
In November 2019, Hough underwent emergency appendectomy surgery after experiencing severe abdominal pain. He famously posted a video of himself dancing with Hayley shortly after the procedure, demonstrating his characteristic refusal to stay still. The 2023 crisis with Hayley’s brain hemorrhage was far more serious and became a defining moment in their relationship, though it was not a controversy so much as a public health battle that drew widespread sympathy.
Political Family Ties
Hough has largely avoided political controversy himself, but his father Bruce’s role as Utah Republican Party chair and his 2023 congressional run occasionally draw attention to the family’s conservative roots. Derek has kept his own politics private, focusing his public persona on dance and entertainment rather than partisan issues.
Awards & Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography: 4 wins, 14 nominations
- Dancing with the Stars Mirrorball Trophies: 6 (record for most wins by a professional)
- IDSF World Latin U-21 Championship: Winner (2002)
- Blackpool U-21 Latin Title: Winner (2003)
- Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Award Nomination: London Newcomer of the Year (2006)
- Kaleidoscope Award: Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA (2014, with Julianne)
- GLSEN Inspiration Award (2014)
- New York Times Bestseller: Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion (2014)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Star (pending)
Physical Statistics
| Statistic | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 157 lbs (71 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 39-32-13 in (chest-waist-biceps) |
| Shoe Size | 10 (US) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Build | Athletic, lean dancer’s physique |
| Distinguishing Features | Strong jawline, expressive hands, high-energy movement style |
Quotes
- “The road called ‘Someday’ leads to a town called ‘Nowhere’.” — From his IMDb profile, a motto that reflects his work ethic.
- “I think it’s great that they saw an amazing opportunity. That is the reason we are here today.” — On his parents’ decision to send him and Julianne to London as children.
- “Exactly a month ago, I was in the hospital. A month ago was a life-changing moment that reminded me to really cherish and savor every moment. I want to dedicate this to my beautiful wife. Your strength and your courage this whole month has been unbelievable.” — Emmy acceptance speech, January 2024, dedicated to Hayley after her brain surgery.
Favorites
| Category | Favorite |
|---|---|
| Favorite Dance Style | Latin and ballroom |
| Favorite Music | Pop, rock, alternative metal (collaborated with Breaking Benjamin) |
| Instruments | Piano, guitar, drums, bass |
| Hobbies | Music production, fitness, cooking, travel |
| Favorite Vacation Spot | Not publicly specified; enjoys international travel |
| Favorite Food | Not publicly specified |
| Favorite TV Show to Judge | Dancing with the Stars |
| Favorite Career Moment | Winning first Mirrorball Trophy with Brooke Burke |
Earnings
Hough has built a solid financial foundation through television, touring, choreography, and endorsements, though his net worth is modest compared to some entertainment figures.
- Net Worth: Estimated at $8 million as of 2024–2026.
- DWTS Judge Salary: Exact figures are not publicly disclosed, but judges on the show are believed to earn in the six-figure to low-seven-figure range per season, depending on seniority and negotiation.
- Tour Revenue: The Move Live On Tour and Symphony of Dance tour generated significant income through ticket sales and merchandise.
- Book Sales: Taking the Lead reached the New York Times bestseller list.
- Music and Acting: Additional income from film roles, Nashville, and his guest appearance on Breaking Benjamin’s album.
- Real Estate: Owns property in Los Angeles with Hayley.
Interesting Facts
- Derek is the second cousin of musicians Riker, Rydel, Rocky, Ryland, and Ross Lynch from the bands R5 and The Driver Era; their maternal grandmothers are sisters.
- He made an uncredited appearance as a Ravenclaw student in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) during his time in London.
- He can play four instruments: piano, guitar, drums, and bass.
- He and Julianne lived with Mark Ballas’s family in London for years, and Mark was in Derek’s wedding party.
- He won his first Emmy for choreography in 2013, the first year the category was moved to the Primetime Live Show.
- His 2019 emergency appendectomy did not stop him from dancing within days.
- He and Hayley announced their pregnancy in July 2025, just two years after her life-threatening brain hemorrhage.
Did You Know Already?
- Derek Hough has won more Mirrorball Trophies than any other professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars—six, with no other pro having matched the feat.
- He is one of only a handful of choreographers to win four Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Choreography.
- He choreographed the gold-medal-winning routine for Meryl Davis and Charlie White at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
- He and his sister Julianne are the only siblings to have both won DWTS as pros and later served as judges.
- His daughter Everley Capri was born on December 29, 2025, making him a first-time father at age 40.
- He replaced Billy Bush as host of Extra in September 2025.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @derekhough
- X (Twitter): @derekhough
- Facebook: Derek Hough Official
- TikTok: @derekhough
- YouTube: Derek Hough
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Derek Hough?
Derek Hough is 41 years old. He was born on May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
How tall is Derek Hough?
He stands at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) and weighs approximately 157 pounds (71 kg).
Who is Derek Hough’s wife?
He is married to Hayley Erbert Hough, a professional dancer from Topeka, Kansas. They wed on August 26, 2023, after dating since 2015.
How many times has Derek Hough won Dancing with the Stars?
He has won the Mirrorball Trophy six times as a professional dancer—a show record. His winning celebrity partners were Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley, and Bindi Irwin.
What is Derek Hough’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $8 million, built through his DWTS career, choreography work, touring, acting, music, and television hosting.
Is Derek Hough a father?
Yes. He and Hayley welcomed their first child, a daughter named Everley Capri Hough, on December 29, 2025.
How many Emmy Awards has Derek Hough won?
He has won four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography and has been nominated 14 times.
What happened to Derek Hough’s wife?
In December 2023, Hayley Erbert suffered a cranial hematoma during a tour performance and underwent emergency brain surgery. She made a full recovery and returned to dancing by October 2024.
Is Derek Hough related to Julianne Hough?
Yes. Julianne Hough is his younger sister by three years. They are both professional dancers, DWTS alumni, and Emmy-winning choreographers.
Conclusion
Derek Hough’s story is one of relentless motion—from a bullied kid in Utah to a world champion in London to the face of American ballroom dancing. He has won more trophies, earned more Emmys, and stayed on television longer than any dancer of his generation, all while evolving from competitor to judge to host to new father. As he steps into his forties with a baby girl, a wife who survived against the odds, and a new role on Extra, Hough continues to prove that the road called “Someday” was never part of his vocabulary. If this biography gave you a fuller picture of the man behind the moves, share it with fellow dance fans and let us know which Derek Hough routine is your all-time favorite.
