Julianne Hough: Identity, Marriage & Career Facts

There’s something quietly powerful about watching someone dance her way into the public eye only to later reveal a deeply personal part of herself. Julianne Hough, the two-time Dancing with the Stars champion, did exactly that in 2019 when she shared she was “not straight” – a disclosure that reshaped how fans understood her marriage to hockey player Brooks Laich. This article brings together the verified facts about her identity, relationships, and career milestones.

Full Name: Julianne Alexandra Hough ·
Born: July 20, 1988 ·
Occupation: Dancer, singer, actress, television personality ·
Known For: Dancing with the Stars ·
Emmy Awards: 1 (Outstanding Choreography)

The table below organizes Julianne Hough’s essential biographical details.

What does Julianne Hough identify as?

Public clarification in 2019

In an interview with Women’s Health in 2019, Hough disclosed that she had told her then-husband Brooks Laich she was “not straight.” She elaborated in a later conversation with E! Online (entertainment news): “I’m not. But I choose to be with you.”

Meaning of “not straight” in her own words

Hough has avoided more specific labels like bisexual or gay, instead describing her attraction as open. In 2024, she reflected publicly on the disclosure, telling TODAY (morning show and news) that she remains comfortable with the ambiguity. “I think the idea of putting ourselves in a box is limiting,” she said.

The implication: Hough’s approach prioritizes personal authenticity over industry norms, setting an example for public figures navigating identity disclosure.

What ended Julianne Hough’s marriage?

Marriage to Brooks Laich

Hough married professional hockey player Brooks Laich in July 2017 after several years of dating, according to People (celebrity news magazine). The marriage lasted nearly five years, but the couple announced their separation in May 2020.

Reasons for separation

In her 2019 disclosure, Hough revealed she had told Laich she wasn’t straight – a conversation that preceded the split. She later described that period as “the darkest time” of her life, partially tied to the deaths of her dogs Lexi and Harley in 2019, as she recounted to People (celebrity news magazine). “I felt like everything fell apart,” she said.

Divorce finalized in 2022

Hough filed for divorce on November 2, 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2022, as confirmed by TODAY (morning show and news).

What this means: The disclosure forced a public reckoning that few celebrities face so openly, illustrating the tension between personal truth and relationship stability.

How old is Julianne Hough?

Birth date and birthplace

Julianne Hough was born on July 20, 1988 in Orem, Utah, according to Wikipedia (free encyclopedia). She was raised in a Mormon household and moved to London at age 10 to study dance.

Current age

As of 2024, Hough is 36 years old. She regularly celebrates her birthday with fans on social media, sharing candid posts about aging and self-acceptance.

That chronological shift underscores how much of her personal and professional life has evolved since her early fame.

What are Julianne Hough’s career highlights?

Dancing with the Stars success

Hough joined Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer in Season 4 in 2007, as reported by People (celebrity news magazine). She quickly became a fan favorite, winning two mirrorball trophies with partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Shawn Johnson. She later returned as a judge and guest performer.

Emmy Award win

In 2015, Hough won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography for a routine on Dancing with the Stars, solidifying her reputation beyond competition.

Film career

Hough transitioned to acting with leading roles in Footloose (2011), Safe Haven (2013), and Grease Live (2016), as noted by EBSCO Research Starters (academic database). She also appeared in comedies like Dirty Grandpa (2016).

Music and television

Beyond dance and film, Hough has released music (her self-titled debut album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard country chart) and hosted shows including Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party and America’s Got Talent as a judge.

The pattern: each reinvention builds on her dance foundation, proving that early discipline can unlock diverse creative avenues.

Who was Julianne Hough married to?

Brooks Laich

Julianne Hough married Brooks Laich, a former NHL player for the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs, in July 2017 at a ceremony in Idaho. People (celebrity news magazine) reported the couple had been together for several years prior.

Relationship timeline

Before Laich, Hough was engaged twice: once to country singer Chuck Wicks (2009–2010) and later to no publicly named partner. She also had a long-term relationship with TV host Ryan Seacrest from 2010 to 2013, according to People (celebrity news magazine).

Post-divorce

Since the divorce was finalized in 2022, Hough has not publicly confirmed a new partner. She has spoken in interviews about focusing on self-growth and her career.

“I’m not. But I choose to be with you.”

— Julianne Hough, on telling ex-husband Brooks Laich about her sexuality in 2019, as told to E! Online (entertainment news)

Hough later described that period as “the darkest time” of her life, partially tied to the deaths of her dogs Lexi and Harley in 2019, as she recounted to People (celebrity news magazine).

The pattern is clear: Hough has used personal turbulence as fuel for professional reinvention. For her fans, the takeaway is that public figures who share their deepest vulnerabilities often face the harshest judgment – yet also inspire the deepest loyalty. For Hough, the next act is likely to be the most authentic one yet.

Frequently asked questions