When you think of Derek Hough, the first thing that comes to mind is probably his incredible dancing skills and his tight-knit relationship with his sister, Julianne. But did you know that Derek’s connection with his brother-in-law, Brooks Laich, is just as strong? In a recent interview with Closer Weekly, the 34-year-old dance phenom opened up about how much he admires and respects Brooks, calling him an "amazing man." It's not just about family ties here—there’s a genuine bond between these two that goes beyond the norm.
A Closer Look at Derek and Brooks’ Relationship
Derek isn’t shy about expressing his admiration for Brooks. During the exclusive interview, he shared, “He’s awesome. We are very, very close. We get along fantastic.” Derek went on to explain that having Brooks in his life has brought a much-needed balance, especially since his world is often filled with estrogen thanks to Julianne and other close female figures in his life. “It was nice to have a man’s man kind of come into the scene a little bit. It was a good balance,” he said. Derek, who recently partnered with Lay’s for its “Lay’s Smiles” program, also revealed that he enjoys working out with Brooks, who happens to be a professional athlete.
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Brooks Laich: The Hockey Player Who Became Family
Brooks, a former professional hockey player, has clearly left a lasting impression on Derek. “I will go to the gym, I will do workouts with my brother-in-law—he is really intense,” Derek explained. “He’s a hockey player, so he’s legit when it comes to those intense workouts. But I also love being outdoors, whether it’s wakeboarding or hiking. Anything physical, really—I’m all about staying active. Dancing keeps me super in shape, but I also do HIIT training, cycling, and even boxing. It’s all about variety for me.”
Meeting Brooks: A Funny First Impression
When Derek first met Brooks, there was a bit of a mix-up. “I thought he was Irish for three months, but he’s Canadian,” Derek recalled with a laugh. “His accent was so strong that I was like, ‘What part of Ireland are you from?’ Turns out, I’d known him for three months before realizing my mistake. It’s pretty funny now, but honestly, Brooks is such a great guy. He’s got this amazing ability to bring smiles to people’s faces wherever he goes. In a city like Los Angeles, where people are often distracted and looking over your shoulder, Brooks is completely present. That’s what really stood out to me from the start.”
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Brothers-in-Law: The Ultimate Support System
Having a strong relationship with Brooks means a lot to Derek, especially considering the close bond he shares with Julianne. “We were like a team growing up, probably more mature back then than we are now,” Derek reflected. “Now we’re more like siblings—more like kids who tease each other. She lived with me while her house was being renovated, and I lived with her when my house was being worked on. We’re just best friends, and it’s great.”
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