Dancing with the Stars fan-favorite Derek Hough will be starring on NBC's upcoming production of Hairspray Live!.
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"Hands-down the best dancer on television and one of the best in the entertainment business, Derek Hough, will be perfect in the role of Corny Collins, the cocky song-and-dance-man who hosts the TV show every teenager in Baltimore wants to be on," NBC executive Robert Greenblatt said in a statement.
"[And] we are very happy to have the inimitable Martin Short to play Edna's loving husband, Wilbur... We think he will be the perfect long-term companion to Harvey's Edna."
Hough has competed on 16 seasons of Dancing with the Stars and won six mirrorball trophies with celebrities including Jennifer Grey and Amber Riley. He took the currently-airing Season 22 off to pursue other projects.
Hough and Short join previously-announced Hairspray Live! cast members Jennifer Hudson, a former American Idol finalist, and actor Harvey Fierstein. Hudson tweeted earlier this week she's "so excited" to be taking on the role of Motormouth Mable.
Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Hairspray Live! takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on "The Corny Collins Show," a local TV program. After winning a role on the show against all odds, she meets a colorful array of characters and eventually campaigns to integrate the all-white "The Corny Collins Show."
NBC's effort to make Hairspray Live! a hit follows the network's success with The Wiz Live! last year.
Hairspray Live! is being produced by Universal Television. Alex Rudzinski and Kenny Leon will serve as directors, and Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are the production's executive producers.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
