Where Are They Now? The Enduring Chemistry Of Kenny Wormald And Julianne Hough, 14 Years After Footloose

The on-screen magic between Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough in the 2011 remake of *Footloose* was undeniable, sparking a flurry of rumors about a real-life romance that captivated fans worldwide. Nearly a decade and a half later, the film remains the defining moment of their professional collaboration, a cinematic lightning-in-a-bottle that showcased their exceptional dance talent and magnetic chemistry. While the two stars have long moved on to forge impressive, yet separate, careers, the public's curiosity about their connection, and their current lives, remains as high as ever. This article, updated for late 2024 and early 2025, dives into the truth of their relationship, the legacy of their iconic film, and the latest, most current projects that define their individual stardom today.

The enduring appeal of the *Footloose* remake is a testament to their performance. Kenny Wormald, stepping into the iconic role of Ren McCormack, and Julianne Hough, as the rebellious Ariel Moore, delivered a modern take on the classic story that resonated with a new generation. Despite the intense chemistry they shared on set, the latest updates confirm that their paths have diverged into highly successful, yet distinct, professional ventures, from hosting major television shows to building a global dance empire.

Complete Biography & Current Profile: Kenny Wormald & Julianne Hough

While their careers are inextricably linked by the 2011 musical drama, both Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough have built multi-faceted careers in the entertainment industry. Here is a detailed look at their biographies and most recent professional endeavors.

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• Kenny Wormald (Ren McCormack)
• Full Name: Kenneth Wormald
• Born: July 27, 1984, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2024): 40 years old
• Career Highlights: Professional dancer, reality television star (MTV's *Dancelife*), actor, director, and choreographer. Best known for *Footloose* (2011), *Center Stage: Turn It Up* (2008), and *You Got Served* (2004).
• Current Endeavors (2024/2025): Co-owner of the renowned dance studio PLAYGROUND LA & PLAYGROUND LONDON, where he serves as a highly sought-after choreographer and master class teacher. His recent acting work includes the 2023 film *The Girl Upstairs*.
• Relationship Status: Known to be private about his personal life.
• Julianne Hough (Ariel Moore)
• Full Name: Julianne Alexandra Hough
• Born: July 20, 1988, in Sandy, Utah, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2024): 36 years old
• Career Highlights: Emmy Award-winning professional ballroom dancer, singer, actress, and television personality. Rose to fame on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), winning two seasons. Starred in films like *Footloose* and *Safe Haven*, and a judge on *America's Got Talent*.
• Current Endeavors (2024/2025): Returned as the official host of ABC's *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) for its latest seasons, alongside Alfonso Ribeiro. She is also an entrepreneur and co-hosted Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve for 2026. She continues to be a prominent figure in the dance and wellness communities.
• Relationship Status: Divorced from Brooks Laich; her dating life remains a subject of public interest.

The Footloose Phenomenon: On-Screen Chemistry vs. Off-Screen Reality

The casting of Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough for the *Footloose* remake was a masterstroke of casting, pairing two of the most talented dancers of their generation. Their shared background in dance—Wormald in hip-hop and jazz, Hough in ballroom and country—created a dynamic fusion that made the film's dance sequences sizzle. The chemistry between Ren and Ariel was palpable, leading many fans to believe the romance extended beyond the camera.

The intense speculation peaked during the film's promotional tour in 2011. Reports of the co-stars "making out" and dating circulated widely, fueling the narrative of a Hollywood showmance. However, Julianne Hough's representatives quickly and firmly shut down the rumors at the time, stating that the claims were "completely untrue" and that their relationship was strictly professional.

The reality is that both stars had to invest heavily in their on-screen dynamic. Hough, a former professional on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), and Wormald, a veteran of numerous music videos and dance tours, spent countless hours rehearsing the intricate choreography. This professional intimacy, combined with their youthful energy, is what translated into the powerful chemistry seen on screen, not a secret romance. Their appearance together on *Dancing with the Stars* for a promotional performance further solidified their status as the definitive dance pair of that year.

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Kenny Wormald: From Ren McCormack to Global Dance Entrepreneur

While *Footloose* gave Kenny Wormald international recognition as an actor, his true passion and primary focus has always been dance and choreography. In the years following the film's release, Wormald strategically leveraged his fame to build a significant presence in the global dance community.

His most significant venture today is as a co-owner of PLAYGROUND LA, one of the most respected and popular dance studios in Los Angeles, which has since expanded to include PLAYGROUND LONDON. This enterprise is a hub for professional dancers, choreographers, and celebrities, cementing Wormald's status not just as a performer, but as a key figure and mentor in the industry. He is known for his dynamic master classes, teaching a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary styles.

In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Wormald continues to pursue acting. His most recent film credit, *The Girl Upstairs* (2023), demonstrates his continued growth as an actor, showcasing a desire to move beyond dance-centric roles. His net worth in 2024 is estimated to be in the millions, a reflection of his diverse career spanning acting, reality TV, and dance studio ownership.

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Julianne Hough: From DWTS Pro to Television Power Host

Julianne Hough’s career trajectory post-*Footloose* has been nothing short of explosive, solidifying her status as a mainstream television personality and entertainer. While she had already achieved fame on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), the film role opened doors to more acting and hosting opportunities.

The most significant recent update in her career is her return to the ballroom as the co-host of *Dancing with the Stars*. After serving as a professional dancer and a judge on the show, she took on the hosting role for Season 32 in 2023 and is expected to continue for the 2024/2025 seasons. Her presence brings a familiar, authoritative, and engaging energy back to the show that launched her career.

Beyond DWTS, Hough has expanded her brand into wellness and entrepreneurship. She has been a prominent advocate for mental and physical health, often sharing insights with her millions of followers. Her success across television, film, music (her debut album was a country hit), and Broadway (performing alongside her brother, Derek Hough) has contributed to an estimated net worth of $10 million in 2024, confirming her status as one of the most successful former DWTS pros.

The Enduring Legacy of the Footloose Remake

The 2011 *Footloose* remake, starring Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough, remains a cultural touchstone. It successfully updated the 1984 classic for a modern audience while preserving the core themes of rebellion, community, and the power of dance. The film is often cited alongside other dance movie franchises like *Center Stage* and *Honey*, both of which Wormald was involved in.

While the on-screen romance between Ren and Ariel did not transition into a real-life relationship, the professional bond and mutual respect between Wormald and Hough are clear. They are a prime example of co-stars whose collective energy created a timeless piece of cinema, only to go on to dominate different, yet equally successful, sectors of the entertainment world. Their story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest chemistry is the one that exists purely for the art itself.