She once described herself as a “tormented child,” forced to grow up far too fast and wear what she called a “sexy façade” long before she understood what that meant. Today, she is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable talents — a three-time Primetime Emmy nominee, dancer, actress, and television host admired worldwide.
But behind the fame and success lies a deeply painful story that Julianne Hough only began sharing publicly in recent years.
A Childhood Marked by Abuse
Hough revealed in 2024 that she was sexually abused as a young child — a trauma she had never spoken about publicly before. During an emotional appearance on The Jamie Kern Lima Show, she disclosed that her first experience occurred when she was just four years old.
“My first experience was when I was about four years old,” she said. “It was by a neighbor in our cul-de-sac. I’ve never said that out loud in an interview before.”
She recalled returning home one day with her clothes turned inside out — a moment that alarmed her mother and prompted the family to move. “My mom freaked out,” Hough said. “She wanted to get us out of there. She didn’t want to talk about it, she just wanted to leave.”
While her mother tried to protect her the best way she knew how, Hough later reflected on how the silence surrounding the abuse left emotional scars. “There was no real repercussion for what happened,” she explained. “That was a very confusing thing to grow up with.”
Growing Up Under Pressure
Born in Orem, Utah, the youngest of five children in a devout Mormon family, Hough was raised in a politically active household. Her father, Bruce Hough, served as chairman of the Utah Republican Party and later ran for Congress.
Dance was central to the family’s life, and Julianne showed exceptional talent early on. But behind the scenes, she struggled deeply. Anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation followed her throughout childhood.
“I don’t think people would expect that from me,” she once said. “I come across as happy and positive, but I was dealing with a lot internally.”
At just 10 years old, her life changed dramatically when her parents sent her to London to train at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. The move forced her to grow up quickly.
“I was taking the subway alone every morning at 6:45,” she recalled. “One day I got off at the wrong stop and just stood there thinking, ‘Where am I?’”
“A Tormented Little Kid”
While studying in London, Hough says she was again subjected to abuse — this time emotional and physical. She later told Cosmopolitan that adults took advantage of her vulnerability.
“I was 10 years old, looking like I was 28,” she said. “I had to be this sensual dancer, but inside I was just a scared little kid.”
She explained that instead of confronting the abuse, those around her chose to move on. “We just pivoted and left. That became a pattern.”
Looking back, she says the experience robbed her of a normal childhood. “I don’t have pictures of myself just being a carefree kid. That’s really sad to me.”
Bullied Back Home
When Hough returned to the U.S., she enrolled at Las Vegas Academy and Alta High School — but fitting in wasn’t easy.
“I was bullied a lot,” she told Redbook. “People thought I was stuck-up because I’d been living in London. I got asked to prom and then stood up because other girls told the guy to ditch me.”
Despite the emotional turmoil, her talent continued to shine. By 15, she was dominating dance competitions and soon landed her first acting role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
From there, her career skyrocketed with roles in Burlesque, Footloose, Rock of Ages, Safe Haven, and Grease Live!
Rise to Fame and Public Scrutiny
Hough became a household name as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, winning twice before returning as a judge in 2014. She later joined America’s Got Talent, further solidifying her status in entertainment.
But fame came with its own challenges — intense media scrutiny, body-shaming, and high-profile relationships, including her romance with Ryan Seacrest.
“I was in love,” she admitted. “But it was overwhelming. My life changed very quickly.”
After their split in 2013, she entered what she later described as a deeply reflective period.
“I went from private jets and red carpets to feeling completely exposed,” she said. “But that moment forced me to reconnect with myself.”
Healing and Reconnection
Following her divorce from NHL player Brooks Laich, Hough began rebuilding her relationship with her parents.
“I finally let them take care of me,” she said. “That was incredibly healing.”
She also opened up about her struggle with endometriosis, a painful condition she was diagnosed with in her early 20s. For years, she believed her symptoms were normal.
“I thought that level of pain was just part of being a woman,” she said. “I didn’t know something was wrong.”
After surgery and lifestyle changes, she began advocating publicly for awareness and self-care.
Learning, Growing, and Owning Mistakes
In 2013, Hough faced backlash for wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume inspired by Orange Is the New Black. She immediately apologized, acknowledging the harm caused.
“I never meant to offend anyone,” she said. “I understand now why it was wrong.”
Actress Uzo Aduba later accepted the apology, saying the situation was an opportunity for learning.
Looking Ahead
Now in her late 30s, Hough says she’s finally at peace — open to love, but only if it aligns with her values.
“I’m not looking for a type,” she told E! News. “It’s all about energy and connection.”
After everything she has endured — abuse, pressure, illness, heartbreak — Julianne Hough stands as a powerful example of resilience.
Her story is not just one of fame, but of survival, healing, and finding strength in vulnerability.
And for many, that may be her most inspiring role yet.
