Is Marilu Henner Derek Hough’s DWTS Season 23 Partner?? Speculation Abounds!
Cross posting from PureDerekHough.com:
I’ve been doing some research and some spying…and this is my current guess for Derek’s partner for this season.
Keep in mind that I don’t KNOW anything for sure…this is just a hunch based on some interesting follows and such. ?
Not too much longer till we find out if I’m right or wrong….I hope I’m right. I love her. 🙂
ETA!! We have some new Intel that lends credence to my theory – we’re about 90% sure that Marilu is Derek’s partner!!
Confirmed: Derek got Marilu. Although some of you will still stick your noses in the air & go get a 2nd opinion… #dwts #YouDoYou #ImmaDoMe
— Courtney (@putUincespence) August 29, 2016
I bet you are right Heidi. And you know what? If you are, you won’t see any of Derek’s fans complaining she’s old or anything negative like what we see of other dancer fan bases. I really hope it’s her. I’ve always loved her and she’s been on my wish list.
I love her! And her memory… LOL!
I do remember someone maybe it was on a talk show or something asking her if she would ever do the show. hmmm.
She did an interview with Mark and BC a little back and she talked about being really close with Candace. Personality she’s great for the show. Not sure about dancing.
Sounds like fun!
I love her! She and Derek will be great together – both very positive and nurturing!
I think they would be great together!
She seems like a lot of fun.
But we better be prepared for the “Derek has a ringer” tag line if they are indeed paired up together.
From her wikipedia page:
“Henner took her first dance class at age two then went on to teaching dance at her family’s studio when she was 14 and choreographed shows at local high schools and colleges until leaving the Chicago area during her third year of college.”
Marilu Henner is definitely a ringer though. She’s had dance before, even teaching in her family’s studio. And that memory!
Can’t you hear it already? Derek with an “older” woman for a partner as that crowd has called for and they’ll still claim TPTB are favoring their golden boy…………….
She’s 64 years old, people! Are any of you near 64!??? The body slows down, you don’t have the stamina you used to have, you’re not as flexible, etc., etc. That’s even if you are in shape and work out everyday! I’m not that age yet, but I GET it! If anyone calls Marilu a ringer, they are very young and have no idea!
Marilu is a ringer if you’re a moron, for sure. Her age cancels out experience she had from 40 years ago…especially considering that she would be up against Laurie Hernandez.
If Marilu is a ringer…then so is Florence Henderson and the Fam fans can just STFU. Hell, Kirsti Alley may be as well!!
Marilu is 64 years old. At that age your body is no longer a “ringer” at anything. JMO.
Heck, I used to do gymnastic flips, cartwheels, backbends, you name it. Now I can barely sit indian style let alone get back up on own two feet again. It’s no fun getting old.
After checking out Twitter, I agree that this is HIGHLY plausible. Great investigative work! I really hope so because I’ve wanted her on the show for years and I think it’d be a great partnership for her and Derek.
This is going to be hilarious. The cries of happiness that “Derek gets an old partner finally” will be cancelled out with calls of “Derek as another ringer” as soon week 1 is over.
I so hope this is true! She seems like such a warm, positive, and hilarious person. I think she and Derek would be an incredible pair
I actually briefly met her about a year and half ago when she stopped by our booth at an art show. She even complimented our jewelry. I’m proud of myself for keeping my cool!?
She has the most luminous skin up close. Like she’s glowing from within. I also really love her intellegence.
This will be a great pairing if true.
LOL to Marilu being a ringer. I was wondering how long it would take for someone to say that. Now if she was paired with anyone else but Derek, they’d say differently.
Which has happened several other times in the history of the show, M8. They never learn. 🙂
She has been on my wish lair for the past couple of seasons 🙂 . Couldn’t be happier right now. plus, I’m kinda living the team name possibilities too.
Wow she looks so young, I can’t believe she’s 64. Guess it’s her lifestyle and genetics of course. And I’m getting Jennifer Grey vibes here 🙂
Sidenote, so far I’ve only heard of one person that could be the favorite from
The start and honestly she isn’t one of them. If anything Laurie is the ringer thus far but I get this weird feeling that Val is going to give typical Val choreography and let her down so this is going to be zendaya all over again.
I hate autocorrect: wish list, loving not “living”. Sorry guys 🙁
So maybe I wasn’t crazy for thinking this might be his partner a few days ago after all? 😀 To be honest, I had no idea who she was a few days ago, but after going some research I think she’s wonderful! Really looking forward to this partnership if it is indeed true. I just better not see anyone try to call a 64 year old a “ringer” LOL.
When I first read the name Marilu Henner, my mind went immediately to Mary Lou Renner the All Around Gymnast from 1984 Olympics. What a name coincidence.
Oops, Her name is Mary Lou Retton. My mistake. please excuse
Not crazy, Amanda – but it’s still just speculation on my part.
I loved her in Taxi.(Showing my age) I think she & Derek would make a wonderful partnership.
Marilu may be the oldest of the season but might be the most loved one along with probably Maureen. The nostalgia from the the main demo of the show’s gonna play a big factor and work on their favor, me-thinks.
The age does cancel out her dance experience but I still think that with her previous exposure to dance, combined with Derek’s excellent teaching, I can see this partnership being a case of “Jennifer and Derek” all over again and it excites me 🙂
Nontheless, the fam and fans have nothing to complain about considering who Val got: the biggest ringer of the season.
Thank you guys for all the spoilers!! But may I ask you – if you’re 90% sure she is Derek’s partner, does that mean she’s 100% part of this season?
I have to admit that I don’t know her, but I’m curious to see what she can bring to the dancefloor!
This is not Marilu Henner-related, but more something about the cast in general: but is it just me or aren’t there really people among the rumoured (and confirmed) celebs so far, that are proper competition (on paper) for Laurie (who is obviously the ringer of the season)? I know there are always people who will surprise us with their dancing skills or charming personalities, but I thought the producers would sign at least another person who could be an obvious fave for the MBT on paper? I actually hope they will surprise us with someone who hasn’t been rumoured or leaked yet on Tuesday xD
Marilu Henner……with Derek? Freaking cool!! I love, love, Marilu. Been a big fan of hers for decades. I was very little when that show, Taxi, was on but I remember her from back then too. I wonder if her magical memory will help her memorize routines faster and better? Not to mention she’s a dancer and was on Broadway not too long ago dancing 7 days a week. She’s amazing. This just might be my favorite season ever.
Bring it on Derek! I can’t wait to see what kind of choregraphy he will formulate for Marilu. If Derek indeed got Marilu just watch what other fans, mostly the C-bros, will say 2 seasons from now “O..M…G..! Derek gets another ringer!” Then if someone reminded them of Marilu, they’ll all say “but Marilu had dancing experience. She’s fit for a 60+ years lady. So that doesn’t count!” while totally forgetting she’s up against another big ringer Val got. Just like what they said about Amy “she’s a trained athlete” while Amy was competing against an Olympic ice dancer champion. Do they EVER think why Derek is so successful on this show? Do you know why Derek and Julianne had a successful tour? Majority of viewers don’t have twitter. They look at his talent and because he accept challenges and face it instead of whining about it on twitter. “Talk is cheap. You show who you truly are by what you consistently do. And when your actions are congruent with your words.”
Oh and I have to add I can’t believe his publicist kinda gave it away (again?) by following both Derek’s (if it’s true) and Cheryl’s partner before the cast announcement XD maybe they don’t care about leaks but Derek and Cheryl haven’t even been announced by the show yet XD
@audrey — how’d you know Cheryl was back? Just Googled it and someone posted the confirmation a few mins ago! She’s with Lochte then?
vin 2 cheryl has lochte. artem tweeted saying that cheryl was in this season. that tweet was later taken down
Well maybe Witney is in the troupe. This looks to be a crazy season.
Way to go “Sherlock PH”! If the cast reveal confirms your research, I’ll be delighted. Do you think Marilu said “I’ll sign if I get Derek?” Just curious. They’ll both have a great time together on the show.
I’m still not committed to actualy watching the season, and I would rather Derek was *not* on (let the C-bros have “their show” and prove to everyone how lame they truly are). However, since Derek is on and looks like he’ll have a lovely partner, I’ll record it so I can watch Derek’s dances (and maybe a couple of my other pro faves – if they have celebs I can stomach).
This post has been updated. 😉
I don’t know, Cidra….but I will tell you that Marilu has been following Derek for eons…and his sister Marabeth, oddly. That was one of the convincing factors for me.
His publicist wasn’t what gave it away to me. Stop assuming. I didn’t even look at who she was following…and Marilu has been following her for a very long time.
Great research! Thanks for confirming and I look forward to Derek and Marilu together. What a great pair. 🙂
I have to admit I’m amazed by her memory skills. This should definitely help her in terms of remembering the routine. She seems like a ray of sunshine too.
Derek’s the best so If she is his partner, he will make this journey a beautiful one. Love that she has a Broadway background & he’s on his way there.
I’m so excited about this pairing! Thanks for letting us know!
Dee, I can’t wait for their journey too. I love how Derek absorbs everything he can learn from every partner he has. I can’t wait to see the original choreo he does just for her and the list goes on.
Love me some Marilu Henner. Loved her on Taxi back in the day. IMO, she and Derek will be amazing together.
Yes! This is a dream partnership to me. She is such an energetic and positive person, and Derek really is the perfect partner for her.
What I love about Derek’s partners is that everyone is different. He’s had such a wide variety of people age wise, ability wise, etc. Its definitely a testament to his skills that his partners go far, but it also makes every partnership feel new. I am loving the idea of him with yet another different type of partner, and I have a feeling they are going to be one of my favorites this season.
So Val has a ringer again. When is it gonna stop?
I love Marilou Henner!!! Loved her in the sitcom “Taxi.” And haved enjoyed her in movies, and she is in Hallmark Movies a lot! She is in great shape for age 64!!!
Derek will turn her into a dancer! I’m just happy to have Derek back on the dance floor PERIOD!!!
TO MODERATORS:
I would like to thank you Courtney, PHeidi, and Vogue for your great work in keeping us informed and giving us your tidbits and more dependable feeds on the cast list before the cast is announced. And, thank you ahead of time for all the work you do/will do for Season 23.
@ Chayse
I agree, each of Derek’s partner’s is so different and I also love that with each new season we’ve now seen him take on a basically total opposite partner of the last season:
Kellie – Amber – Amy – Bethany – Nastia – Bindi – Marilu
Hell yeah!
I now have a new favorite couple with Derek and Marilu. I think Derek is really going to enjoy Marilu’s intellegence and down to earth personality.
Well, we all know that Derek is also one of the top dwts great dancers and I think if Marilu can “hang” with Derek, She will become a pretty good dancer for the season. best wishes. I hope they add some highlights to the dwts’ season this Sept by inviting Karina, or Cheryl, or Kim back. glad Whitney back and Mark my favorite. good luck everyone!!!
I predict Derek being obsessed with the whole Hyperthymesia thing. I also predict he is having a ball and is very happy.
Because he’s Derek. The antithesis of all things C-bro.
Like others here, I want to give my thanks to the mods, Court, Heidi and Vogue, for giving us all this great info!! I also want to add my thanks to them for keeping the trolls away from here! I know it’s going to be bad this season with both Maks and Derek back! Thanks for keeping the really crazy B.S. away from us! I’m sorry that you have to read it! 🙂
Derek and Marilu have a lot in common, especially in the “inspire others to be healthy” category.
With all of Derek’s MOVE stuff I kinda love that the title of Marilu’s Biography is “By all means keep on moving”.
This looks like a fun match up.Looking forward to the new season.
Loved Marilu since “Taxi” back in the day. She and Derek will make for a great pairing.
I hate to send a negative comment, and as a RABID Derek fan, it pains me even more. But she’s been a dancer her whole life, constantly going back to Broadway, and has been a fitness and health advocate forever!! So it’s only going to open the door for all of those haters who accuse the show of giving Derek ” ringers “, when we know he could literally dance with a stuffed hippo and STILL WIN!!! I was over the moon when I heard he was going to grace our televisions once again, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy being able to choreograph such an amazing dancer, however, I won’t enjoy all of the griping we’ll hear from the ” Derek haters ” over the season. At least it has somewhat made up for the fact that it sounds as if I’ll have to watch both Ryan Lochte and Amber Rose, UGH!! I’ll have to plan my snack breaks during their screen time!!
Big fucking deal, Jacqui – they would do that regardless. She’s 64 damn years old. They can kiss my ass.
They wanted him with someone older – she’s someone older. And Florence Henderson, among others, was also on Broadway.
They have no room to complain when Val is handed ringer after ringer. The biggest of all, this season.
ETA: I should add that I’m not mad at YOU, Jacqui – I’m disgusted with all the silly little twits in the world that would still complain when Val gets the biggest ringer of the season.
Preach, PH! Thankfully for my blood pressure, I’ve pretty much stopped paying any attention to the simpletons who whine about Derek. He doesn’t give a rat’s a$$, and neither do I.
As for the “Cult of Val” — heh — we know they complain because Derek scares the crap out of them. They’ll never admit it, but they know Derek’s always a threat to their precious.