Cheryl Burke: A Closer Look At Her Life, Career, And Achievements

What’s Cheryl Burke’s Net Worth and How Did She Build It?

Alright, let’s talk about Cheryl Burke. This incredible dancer, model, and television host has amassed a net worth of $4 million. Cheryl didn’t just stumble into fame—she worked her way to the top. Her rise began on ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars," where she joined as a professional dancer in the second season back in 2006. From day one, she set the bar high, winning back-to-back championships with partners Drew Lachey and football legend Emmitt Smith. That’s right—she didn’t just show up; she dominated the dance floor.

Over the course of 26 seasons, Cheryl partnered with some big names, including Wayne Newton, Rob Kardashian, Jack Osbourne, and Terrell Owens. Her technical expertise, creative choreography, and ability to teach celebrities (who might not have two left feet) made her a fan favorite and one of the most respected pros on the show. When she retired in 2022, she left behind a legacy that will be hard to top.

But Cheryl didn’t stop there. Beyond the glitz and glamour of "Dancing with the Stars," she built an empire. She released fitness DVDs, opened her own dance studio, launched a clothing line, and even started a podcast called "Pretty Messed Up." In her 2011 autobiography, "Dancing Lessons," she opened up about her personal struggles, including her journey to sobriety and experiences with abuse. Cheryl’s story isn’t just about dancing—it’s about resilience, authenticity, and reinvention.

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With three trips to the DWTS finals and two championships under her belt, Cheryl’s impact on ballroom dancing in America is undeniable. She’s not just a dancer; she’s an entrepreneur, advocate, and inspiration to millions. Her ability to evolve and thrive outside the ballroom is a testament to her determination and versatility.

Early Life: How Cheryl Burke Got Her Start

Cheryl Burke was born on May 3, 1984, in San Mateo County, California, to Stephen Burke and Sherri Bautista. She grew up with a sister named Nicole and a step-sister named Mandy. Cheryl started dancing at the tender age of four, focusing on ballet. But as she grew older, ballet lost its appeal, and she found her true passion in ballroom dancing at age 11. She quickly gravitated toward Latin styles and was competing internationally within a few years. Cheryl graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School in 2002, but her education didn’t stop there—her real classroom was the dance floor.

Career: From Ballroom to Stardom

After high school, Cheryl dedicated herself to dance, competing in international competitions and honing her craft. Her hard work paid off in 2005 when she was crowned the World Cup Professional Rising Star Latin Champion, the San Francisco Latin Champion, and the Ohio State Ball Rising Star Latin Champion. That same year, a talent scout from ABC noticed her talent and cast her on "Dancing with the Stars." She made her debut in the second season, partnering with Drew Lachey. Together, they danced their way to victory, and Cheryl was off to the races.

For the third season, Cheryl paired up with NFL legend Emmitt Smith. The duo was unstoppable, winning the competition and cementing Cheryl’s status as a dance powerhouse. Over the years, she worked with a wide range of celebrities, including Ian Ziering, Wayne Newton, Maurice Green, and Chris Jericho. While not every partnership resulted in a win, Cheryl consistently delivered top-tier performances and inspired her partners to push beyond their limits.

Between seasons, Cheryl joined the "Dancing with the Stars" live tours, traveling to cities across the country and performing with her first partner, Drew Lachey. These tours allowed her to connect with fans on a deeper level and showcase her incredible talent in a live setting.

Throughout her time on the show, Cheryl faced challenges, including injuries to her partners and intense competition. But she never let setbacks define her. In season 13, she came within inches of winning again with Rob Kardashian, finishing second. The following season, she placed third with William Levy. Her journey wasn’t always easy, but she always gave it her all.

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In season 15, the All-Star season, Cheryl reunited with Emmitt Smith. Though they didn’t win, the experience was special. She then partnered with comedian D.L. Hughley and Jack Osbourne, who inspired her with his determination despite living with multiple sclerosis. The pair finished in third place.

Cheryl took a break after season 19 to focus on other projects but returned for season 23 to partner with Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte. She skipped season 24 but came back for season 25, dancing with Terrell Owens. The pair was a fan favorite and earned five perfect scores, but they were shockingly eliminated in the semi-finals.

In later seasons, Cheryl worked with Ray Lewis, AJ McLean, and Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby. Each partnership brought new challenges and opportunities, proving that Cheryl’s passion for dance never wavered.

Beyond "Dancing with the Stars," Cheryl expanded her reach with appearances on shows like "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" and "I Can Do That." She even replaced Abby Lee Miller on the reality show "Dance Moms." Her commercial work with brands like Sargento Cheese, Depend Silhouette briefs, and Impress nails allowed her to raise over $50,000 for the non-profit organization Dress for Success, showcasing her commitment to giving back.

Personal Life: The Woman Behind the Dancer

In her 2011 autobiography, "Dancing Lessons," Cheryl opened up about a painful chapter in her life. At the age of five, she was molested by a handyman named Gerry Depaula. She bravely testified against him when she was just six years old, and he was sentenced to 24 years in prison. When he was released in 2008, Cheryl spoke publicly about her fears but refused to let his actions define her.

On the love front, Cheryl met actor Matthew Lawrence in 2006 through his brother Joey, who was competing on "Dancing with the Stars." The couple dated on and off before rekindling their relationship in 2017. Matthew proposed to Cheryl on her 34th birthday in May 2018, and they tied the knot in San Diego, California, in May 2019. Their love story is a testament to Cheryl’s ability to find happiness and balance in her life.