Julianne Hough Is Focused On 'Leading With Love' As She Makes Broadway Debut

Julianne Hough is back in the acting scene after a hiatus from the spotlight around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hough's return marks her positively acclaimed debut into the world of Broadway with the political satire "POTUS" alongside castmates including Vanessa Williams.

The 33-year-old got candid about life on hiatus, leading every day with love, and how starring in the theatre production is a win for women. 

Hough got candid to PEOPLE about life before debuting on Broadway with "POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive."

The "Dancing With The Stars" pro took a break from Hollywood when the pandemic hit and channeled her time towards finding herself. She said:

"I tried to use that break as a personal-growth moment and reconnect with friends and family and, most importantly, myself."

After some soul-searching, Hough peacefully walked away from her marriage to former hockey star Brooks Laich. The pair were married in 2017, divorced in May 2020, and finalized their split in February. She explained:

"You think about what's important and what you would be left with at the end of your life. [It's important to] clear space so that you can put your energy and your heart into the things that you're really passionate about."

The "Safe Haven" actress is looking positively to her future and bettering herself each day. She gushed:

"My heart is open. I'm leading with love but not necessarily searching for anything. I'm focusing on the things that make me happy... I'm focusing on being the best version of myself. I'm excited to be in this state of openness."

Speaking of things that make her happy, Hough is having a blast on "POTUS." She praised the show for offering women the opportunity to be more than one thing.

The "Footloose" actress, who stars as Dusty, a farm girl who is more than meets the eye, noted she no longer feels the need to prove her worth now that she is older. 

Hough spoke on moving to New York to begin a fresh start with her new broadway job featuring an all-female cast including Vanessa Williams and Rachel Dratch. She gushed:

"This has been a dream of mine — not only to be a part of a show like this but to be a part of the Broadway community. I truly feel a sisterhood. They've really shown me what friendship is."

"POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive" opened in April and will run through August.

The show, which tackles various modern-day topics, including abortion, scored three Tony nominations on Monday, May 9.

The Blast disclosed Hough's divorce was finalized in court on February 22, 2022. The former couple released a joint statement on their separation, saying they lovingly and carefully decided to separate. The message continued and read:

"We share an abundance of love and respect for one another and will continue to lead with our hearts from that place. We kindly request your compassion and respect for our privacy moving forward."

In the spirit of leading with love and living a happy life, Hough purchased a new home following her split from Laich.

The Blast disclosed that the homeowner uploaded an Instagram photo of her seated on the floor of the new place in a pretty white dress and black socks. 

Hough styled her hair into a messy bun and looked off into the distance while a coffee mug and a bottle of wine sat next to her. She noted it was her first time sleeping over on the property, typing:

"NYC living – first night in my house, I had to get a locksmith at 2 am, no furniture, drinking my wine @freshvinewine out of my one coffee mug, and loving every minute."

The “Dirty Grandpa” star called her spot beside the fireplace an area where she will contemplate her life and next chapter.” She gushed:

"The cool part is I have been so blessed to live the life of my dreams, have family, old and new friends in my life that mutually show up for each other, and have a new sense of wonder in my eyes and heart, that this empty house feels completely full!"