The Truth About Derek Hough's Broadway Career
Derek Hough and Julianne Hough are pretty much the first siblings of dance, each of them being accomplished dancers in their own right. Both Houghs have dominated on "Dancing with the Stars," serving as the professional dancers to guide the less-graceful stars.
Derek Hough in particular has been a "Dancing with the Stars" favorite — helping his partners to take home the Mirror Ball Trophy a record six times, according to Gold Derby — with Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley, and Bindi Irwin all emerging victorious in their respective seasons. (His sister, Julianne, has been a winner herself two times, with partners Apolo Anto Ohno and Helio Castroneves.)
Although Derek Hough spent nine years competing on "Dancing with the Stars," in 2020, he made the transition from contestant to judge, taking over for Len Goodman, as Variety reported. But did you know the dancer also set his sights on Broadway? Unfortunately, there were a number of roadblocks that got in the way.
Derek Hough's Broadway chapter is a complicated one
Following Derek Hough's initial planned exit from competing on "Dancing with the Stars," he had intentions of making his way back to Broadway. He debuted on Broadway in 2010, in "Burn the Floor," but prior to that performed on the London's West End in "Footloose," according to Broadway News. Derek also appeared as Corny Collins in "Hairspray! Live" on NBC.
In 2016, Playbill announced that Derek would star in a Broadway production of "Singin' in the Rain" as Don Lockwood, the role originated by Gene Kelly. However, the production was delayed; while publicly the reason was "due to a lack of available theatres," many speculated that the real reason the production wasn't moving forward was due to the scandal surrounding producer Harvey Weinstein. Because of this, Hough returned to "Dancing with the Stars." "I'm actually glad it didn't work out," the dancer later admitted, per Broadway World. "We're in talks right now with the right people."
While it appears that the "Singin' in the Rain" revival never came to fruition, it's clear there will never be any shortage of opportunities for Derek Hough — be it on "Dancing with the Stars" or otherwise.