8 Shocking Career Moves And Life Updates From Julianne Hough In 2025-2026

Julianne Hough is currently in the middle of a massive career resurgence and personal evolution, solidifying her status as a multi-hyphenate powerhouse in Hollywood. As of December 2025, the dancer, actress, and singer has successfully transitioned from a professional dancer on 'Dancing with the Stars' (DWTS) to a beloved co-host, while simultaneously launching a new dance empire and taking on a surprising new film role that is set to shock fans.

This period marks a bold new chapter for Hough, characterized by high-profile hosting gigs, a deeper commitment to her roots in dance alongside her brother Derek Hough, and an unfiltered look at her post-divorce life. Her upcoming projects and current television presence are defining her as one of the most dynamic personalities on screen today, blending her expertise in dance with her growing portfolio in acting and hosting.

Julianne Hough: Full Biography, Career Highlights, and Net Worth

Julianne Alexandra Hough is an American dancer, singer, actress, and television personality, best known for her two-time championship run as a professional on 'Dancing with the Stars' and her starring roles in musical films.

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• Full Name: Julianne Alexandra Hough
• Date of Birth: July 20, 1988
• Age (as of 2025): 37
• Birthplace: Sandy, Utah, U.S.
• Family: Youngest of five siblings; her older brother is fellow dancer and choreographer Derek Hough. Her other siblings are Katherine, Marabeth, and Sharee.
• Early Life & Dance Training: At the age of 10, she moved to London to study at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, where she trained in various styles of dance.
• Career Debut (DWTS): Joined 'Dancing with the Stars' as a professional dancer in 2007 for Season 4, winning the competition in her first two seasons.
• Music Career: Launched a country music career in 2007; her debut self-titled album peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
• Major Film Roles: Her notable filmography includes Burlesque (2010), Footloose (2011), Rock of Ages (2012), Safe Haven (2013), and Dirty Grandpa (2016).
• Hosting Roles: Co-hosted the Miss USA competition and has been a judge on 'Dancing with the Stars' before returning as co-host.
• Net Worth (Estimated 2025): Approximately $12 million, earned through her extensive career in television, film, music, and endorsements.

From Ballroom Queen to Hollywood Host: The DWTS Resurgence and New TV Roles

Julianne Hough's return to 'Dancing with the Stars' for Season 34 in 2025 has been a major highlight of her recent career. She has seamlessly transitioned from a professional dancer and judge to a co-host alongside Alfonso Ribeiro, bringing a fresh, dynamic energy to the long-running competition series. Her presence has been credited with contributing to the show's resurgence, as she offers an insider's perspective on the technical and emotional challenges of the dance floor.

Her hosting duties are not limited to the ballroom. In a significant announcement, Hough revealed she will be stepping into the role of co-host for the 2026 Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on December 31. This high-profile gig on one of television's most-watched annual events positions her as a major fixture in primetime television, further expanding her brand beyond her dance roots. The New Year's Rockin' Eve role is a testament to her versatility and appeal to a broad audience.

Beyond the main stage, Hough continues to engage with the dance community. She was recently featured in the 'DWTS' Holiday Special, 'Dancing With the Holidays,' performing alongside current and former pros like Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson. This consistent visibility on major networks ensures she remains a constant and relevant presence in the entertainment landscape.

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The Bride! and OVATION: Hough's Bold New Ventures in Film and Dance

The most surprising element of Julianne Hough's 2025-2026 calendar is her pivot into a chilling new film role. She has joined the star-studded cast of the upcoming Frankenstein-inspired horror film, The Bride!, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The movie is set to be released in October 2025 (with some reports suggesting a 2026 date) and features an A-list ensemble including Jake Gyllenhaal, Penélope Cruz, Annette Bening, and Peter Sarsgaard. This role marks a significant departure from her previous romantic comedy and musical films like Footloose and Safe Haven, showcasing her desire to take on more complex and unexpected dramatic roles.

Simultaneously, Julianne and her brother Derek Hough are launching a groundbreaking new dance venture called OVATION. OVATION is a dance convention and competition tour designed to merge the worlds of ballroom and commercial dance, creating a unified and inclusive platform for dancers. The project, which kicks off with an impressive roster of artists including Mark Ballas, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Jenna Johnson, aims to foster an environment where attendees can "thrive and to learn." This initiative is a powerful move to leverage the Hough siblings' collective influence and expertise to shape the future of dance education and competition.

Julianne Hough's Unfiltered Life and Search for Love

Julianne Hough has been refreshingly open about her personal journey following her high-profile divorce from former professional hockey player Brooks Laich. While the dancer remains focused on her career and new ventures, she has publicly stated that she is single but remains open to finding love again. This candid approach to her personal life has resonated with fans who appreciate her honesty about navigating life post-divorce in the public eye.

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Her focus has been on personal growth and reclaiming her power, a theme she has discussed in relation to her career choices. She often shares glimpses of her healthy, active lifestyle, including fitness routines and sauna snaps, which consistently generate buzz online. Hough’s commitment to wellness, movement, and music, as highlighted on her personal website, underscores her philosophy of living life to the fullest and celebrating joy in all its forms.

In a world of guarded celebrity personas, Julianne Hough continues to be an open book, sharing her journey of self-discovery and professional reinvention. From co-hosting major television events and starring in a surprising new horror film to building a dance empire with her brother, her career trajectory in 2025-2026 is one of ambitious reinvention and unwavering authenticity.