Derek Hough Siblings: A Closer Look at the Dancer’s Family Tree

Derek Hough PHOTO/Deadline
Derek Hough is a renowned American professional dancer, choreographer, actor, singer, and television personality, widely recognized for his exceptional talent in Latin and ballroom dance.
Born on May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah, he grew up in a supportive family environment that emphasized creativity and performance.
As the fourth of five children born to parents Bruce and Marriann Hough, Derek developed a passion for dance early on, influenced by his family’s artistic background.
He is particularly famous for his long tenure on the ABC competition series Dancing with the Stars, where he achieved remarkable success and later transitioned into roles as a judge and choreographer.
Siblings
Derek’s siblings form a close-knit family of five children, with Derek and his younger sister Julianne Hough being the most prominent in the entertainment world.
The three older sisters, Sharee, Marabeth, and Katherine, were also involved in dance, singing, and acting during their childhood.
Growing up in a Latter-day Saint household in Sandy, Utah, the siblings participated in family performances and a band-like group activity that kept them immersed in the arts.
While Julianne pursued a high-profile career in dance and acting similar to Derek’s, the older sisters ultimately chose different life paths.
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Career
Hough’s career took off at a young age when, at 12, he moved to London with his sister Julianne to train intensively under renowned coaches Corky and Shirley Ballas.
This period, lasting about ten years for Derek, honed his skills in various dance styles, theater, and gymnastics.
He returned to the United States and joined Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer starting in 2007, where he competed across multiple seasons until 2016.
His partnerships with celebrities consistently delivered high placements, and he holds the record for the most Mirrorball Trophy wins by a professional, securing six victories with different partners.
Beyond the show, Derek has choreographed innovative routines, embarked on tours such as Move Live on Tour with Julianne, appeared in television productions like Nashville and Hairspray Live!, released music, authored a bestselling memoir titled Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion, and taken on hosting and judging roles.
Accolades
Hough earned a record-breaking six Mirrorball Trophies on Dancing with the Stars, more than any other professional.
For his innovative choreography on the series, he received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Choreography and won the prestigious award four times, in 2013, 2015, 2021, and 2023.
