Julianne Hough: Struggling to Pay Rent in L.A. Before 'DWTS'

Julianne Hough's Journey from Utah to Hollywood

Julianne Hough, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, has shared her experiences of life in Los Angeles before becoming a household name. Growing up in Utah, she was the youngest and only American to ever win the World Championship in ballroom and Latin dancing. At just 15 years old, she realized that dance wasn't the only path for her. She aspired to be an actress and a singer, which led her to make the move to Hollywood.

Hough described her early days in Los Angeles as both exciting and challenging. She lived in an apartment with other women who worked as models. While they would wake up at four o'clock in the afternoon and receive large checks in the mail, Hough was struggling financially. She often faced overdraft fees and spent her time attending auditions and going to central casting.

Six months after moving to L.A., Hough found herself in a tough spot, unable to afford her rent. However, her background in ballroom and Latin dancing opened new doors. A new show, Dancing with the Stars, was launched, and the producers reached out to her. Hough decided to take the opportunity, which led to her winning the first two seasons back-to-back. This success created a ripple effect in her career, making her feel like the stars were aligning.

Her career took off significantly, leading her to sign a record deal as a country music artist and starring alongside Tom Cruise in the 2012 film Rock of Ages. Despite her professional success, Hough's personal life was not without its challenges. Her dogs were killed by coyotes, and her marriage began to fall apart. Everything she had known started to change, marking what she described as one of the darkest times in her life.

Overcoming these experiences was a process that required time and patience. Hough emphasized the importance of self-care and focusing on things that brought her joy, such as friendships and investing in others. She believes that when feeling isolated or lonely, serving someone else can bring immense joy and momentum, changing one's energy and overall well-being.

Hough has also reflected on how she best overcomes feelings of loneliness. She suggests that the moment one feels isolated, they should think about serving someone else. This act can shift their perspective and create a positive change in their life.

Back in the Ballroom! Julianne Hough Tapped to Cohost ‘DWTS' Season 32

Hough joined Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer during the show's fourth season when she was 18. She is currently the show's cohost, alongside Alfonso Ribiero. The show airs on ABC on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, and it streams the next day on Hulu and Disney+.