When it comes to iconic partnerships on Dancing with the Stars, few have left a lasting impact quite like Derek Hough and Brooke Burke. Their unforgettable chemistry, flawless performances, and ultimate victory in Season 7 of the popular reality show earned them a place in the hearts of millions of viewers across America.
But who are Derek Hough Brooke Burke beyond the glitz and glamour of the ballroom? In this comprehensive article, we’ll take an in-depth look at their dynamic partnership, and dive into the fascinating personal life and career of Brooke Burke, including her net worth, family, and career milestones. Let’s begin by exploring how this powerhouse duo came together.
The Rise of Brooke Burke: From TV Host to Dancing Star
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 8, 1971, in Hartford, Connecticut, Brooke Lisa Burke moved to Tucson, Arizona, at a young age where she grew up with her mother and siblings. Brooke’s childhood was relatively modest, but she always had an eye on the spotlight. Hers striking looks and charming personality helped her break into modeling during her teenage years, which eventually opened doors in the entertainment world.
Her modeling career took off in the early 1990s, with Burke landing high-profile campaigns for major brands like Frederick’s of Hollywood. Her big break in the public eye came when she was cast as the host of Wild On! on the E! network in 1999. The show featured exotic locations, adrenaline-packed adventures, and the glamorous nightlife of the world’s hottest destinations, with Brooke Burke as the charismatic face leading viewers on thrilling global tours.
Brooke Burke’s early modeling work, including her appearance in Playboy magazine in 1991, laid the groundwork for her success. Over the next few years, she transitioned into acting roles, including guest spots on TV shows, and even dabbled in entrepreneurship. Yet, it was Dancing with the Stars that truly catapulted her into mainstream fame.
Brooke Burke on Dancing with the Stars
In 2008, Brooke Burke joined Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) for its seventh season. The competition show, already a ratings juggernaut, paired celebrities with professional dancers, challenging them to perform complex ballroom routines each week. While many celebrities struggled under the pressure, Burke flourished.
Paired with Derek Hough, the two immediately showcased an incredible rapport. From the moment they took the dance floor, it was clear that they had something special. Their partnership wasn’t just about technical proficiency—though they had that in spades—it was also about emotional connection, storytelling through dance, and a willingness to take risks.
Under the tutelage of Derek Hough, Burke tackled each routine with grace and determination. Week after week, they impressed both the judges and viewers, securing high scores and plenty of fan votes.
Derek Hough: The Man Behind the Moves
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Derek Hough, born on May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah, was destined for the spotlight from an early age. Coming from a family of dancers, including his equally famous sister Julianne Hough, Derek was trained in ballroom dance from a young age. He moved to London to train under world-renowned dance coaches, an experience that shaped his future as one of the best professional dancers in the industry.
Hough joined Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer in Season 5 and quickly established himself as a fan favorite due to his sharp technique and inventive choreography. By the time he was paired with Brooke Burke in Season 7, he was already seen as one of the strongest contenders on the show.
Brooke Burke and Derek Hough: A Winning Combination
What made the Derek Hough and Brooke Burke partnership so unique? Part of it was their complementary styles—Hough’s mastery of dance techniques and Burke’s natural grace and ability to learn quickly. But what truly set them apart was their ability to connect with audiences emotionally. Each performance told a story, and their chemistry was undeniable.
One of their most iconic performances was their freestyle dance in the finale, which wowed both judges and fans alike. They showcased an array of lifts, flips, and dramatic movements that displayed both trust and coordination. That night, they took home the Mirrorball Trophy, a well-deserved win that solidified their place in DWTS history.
Brooke Burke: Life Beyond Dancing
While Derek Hough continued his journey on Dancing with the Stars for several more seasons, Brooke Burke pivoted her career after her Season 7 win. She returned to the show in 2010, not as a contestant but as the co-host alongside Tom Bergeron, a role she held for several seasons. Her return to the show demonstrated her lasting popularity and further solidified her position in the entertainment industry.
But there’s much more to Brooke Burke than her time on DWTS. Let’s dive deeper into her life and career outside the ballroom.
Brooke Burke: A Multifaceted Career and Personal Life
Brooke Burke’s Transition to Fitness and Entrepreneurship
As her career in the spotlight evolved, Brooke Burke began to focus on fitness and health, which became central themes in her life. After having four children, Burke was determined to maintain her physique, not just for aesthetics but for overall well-being.
She launched Brooke Burke Body, a fitness brand that started with workout DVDs and later expanded into an all-encompassing fitness app. The app offers on-demand workouts, challenges, and lifestyle advice, with Burke leading the routines. The platform has been incredibly successful, capitalizing on her fitness knowledge and her ability to inspire others to lead healthier lives.
In addition to her fitness ventures, Brooke Burke has authored several books, including “The Naked Mom: A Modern Mom’s Fearless Revelations, Savvy Advice, and Soulful Reflections”, a candid look at her journey through motherhood, self-care, and balancing a busy career.
Brooke Burke’s Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Brooke Burke has experienced significant milestones in her personal life as well. She has been married twice. Her first marriage to Garth Fisher, a well-known plastic surgeon, lasted from 2001 to 2005. Together, they had two daughters: Neriah and Sierra.
In 2011, Brooke Burke married actor David Charvet, and the couple had two more children, a son named Shaya and a daughter named Heaven. However, their relationship ended in divorce in 2020, after nearly a decade of marriage.
Despite the challenges of balancing her personal and professional life, Brooke Burke remains focused on raising her four children and continues to speak openly about the ups and downs of motherhood.
Brooke Burke’s Net Worth: How She Built Her Empire
With a career spanning modeling, television, acting, and entrepreneurship, it’s no surprise that Brooke Burke’s net worth has seen steady growth over the years. As of 2023, her net worth is estimated to be around $30 million.
Burke’s diverse income streams come from various endeavors, including:
- Television Hosting: Her time on Dancing with the Stars, Wild On!, and numerous guest appearances on talk shows and series have contributed significantly to her wealth.
- Modeling and Endorsements: Brooke Burke has been the face of several brands, including Sketchers, Venus Swimwear, and more. Her appearance in Playboy in 1991 also brought her considerable attention and modeling offers.
- Fitness Ventures: Her Brooke Burke Body app has been a standout success, attracting subscribers from all over the world looking to follow her workout regimens and lifestyle tips.
- Authorship: Burke has written books, including a memoir and several lifestyle books that have been well received by her fanbase.
Brooke Burke’s Earnings from DWTS
Although her exact salary during her time on DWTS hasn’t been disclosed publicly, it is widely known that winners of the show take home not just the Mirrorball Trophy, but also a substantial financial reward. Additionally, her role as co-host on the show from 2010 to 2013 undoubtedly added to her wealth.
Brooke Burke Derek Hough’s Enduring Legacy
While their time on Dancing with the Stars was brief, the partnership between Brooke Burke and Derek Hough left a lasting impact on the show’s history. Their chemistry on the dance floor, combined with the hard work and dedication they both brought to their routines, made them one of the most iconic duos to ever compete.
Years after their victory, Derek Hough Brooke Burke remain close friends. Derek, of course, went on to win several more seasons of DWTS with different partners and became a global star. Today, Hough is a judge on Dancing with the Stars and continues to perform live shows and choreograph for various projects.
For Brooke Burke, her win on DWTS was a launching pad for further success in the entertainment industry, fitness world, and beyond. While she might not be performing on the ballroom floor today, she continues to inspire millions of fans through her fitness programs, entrepreneurial ventures, and motivational public speaking.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Brooke Burke Derek Hough, their partnership on Dancing with the Stars was nothing short of extraordinary. They didn’t just win Season 7; they won the hearts of millions of viewers who watched their journey unfold each week.
While Brooke Burke and Derek Hough have gone on to achieve new heights in their respective careers, their magical time together on Dancing with the Stars remains a golden moment in the show’s history.
For fans of the show, Brooke Burke and Derek Hough will always be remembered as one of the most talented and beloved partnerships to grace the ballroom floor.
