Cheryl Burke Biography
Cheryl Burke is a well-known American professional dancer, television personality, and podcast host, most famous for her time on Dancing with the Stars. She’s become one of the standout dancers on the show, thanks to her incredible choreography, fierce competitive spirit, and two wins of the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. But there’s more to Cheryl than just her dance moves; she’s also made headlines for her personal life, including her divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence, her inspiring weight-loss journey, and her choice to step back from competitive dancing.
In recent years, Cheryl has branched out beyond the traditional TV scene, diving into podcasting and engaging in meaningful discussions about relationships, personal growth, and life after reality TV. Her evolution from a young ballroom dancer to a well-respected figure in the entertainment world has made her a fascinating topic for fans eager to learn more about her age, family, career, and what she’s up to these days.
Cheryl Burke Age and Early Life
Cheryl Burke was born on May 3, 1984, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California. Fast forward to 2026, and she’s 42 years old. From a young age, Cheryl was captivated by the performing arts, starting her journey with ballet before falling in love with ballroom dancing when she was around 11.
Cheryl Burke Education
Cheryl attended Menlo-Atherton High School in California, graduating in 2002, as noted in various biographical sources.
Unlike many in the entertainment industry who opt for a traditional college path, Cheryl dedicated herself to professional dance training early on. She immersed herself in ballroom techniques, mastering both Latin and International Standard styles, and took part in dance competitions across the globe. This hands-on training and competitive spirit laid the groundwork for her successful career in entertainment.
Cheryl Burke Height
Cheryl Burke stands at about 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.
Parents and Siblings
Cheryl Burke is the proud daughter of Stephen Louis Burke and Sherri Burke, who is sometimes referred to as Sherri Bautista in various biographies. Her dad has Ashkenazi Jewish roots, while her mom hails from the Philippines. Unfortunately, her parents split up when she was quite young, and her mom eventually found love again and remarried.
Cheryl has a sister named Nicole and a stepsister named Mandy, adding to her vibrant family dynamic. Her diverse heritage has played a significant role in shaping her identity, and she has openly shared her journey of reconnecting with her Filipino roots.
In her early years, Cheryl faced some tough challenges, which she candidly addressed in her 2011 autobiography, “Dancing Lessons: How I Found Passion and Potential on the Dance Floor and in Life.” In this book, she dives into her childhood, the struggles with self-esteem, and the unique pressures that come with growing up in the spotlight.
Cheryl Burke Husband: Is She Married?
Cheryl Burke was once married to actor Matthew Lawrence, but they parted ways in 2022. As of October 2026, there’s no public indication that she has remarried.
The two first crossed paths back in 2006, thanks to Lawrence’s brother, Joey, who was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Cheryl and Matthew started dating, had a brief split, but eventually found their way back to each other.
Matthew popped the question on Cheryl’s 34th birthday, May 3, 2018, and they tied the knot on May 23, 2019, in beautiful San Diego, California. However, in February 2022, Cheryl filed for divorce, and by September of that same year, their divorce was finalized.
Since the split, Cheryl has opened up about embracing her independence and focusing on personal growth. In May 2026, she shared with Us Weekly that she’s prioritizing herself and isn’t actively looking for a new relationship.
Cheryl Burke Children
Cheryl Burke does not have any known biological children. During her three-year marriage to Matthew Lawrence, they did not publicly share any news about having kids together.
Post-divorce, Cheryl has been channeling her energy into her career, personal wellness, and exploring new passions beyond competitive dance. She has emphasized the importance of self-discovery and creating a fulfilling life on her own terms.
Cheryl Burke TV Shows
Cheryl Burke has graced the screen in a variety of television shows over the years. While she’s primarily celebrated for her incredible ballroom dancing skills, her talents have led her into the realms of reality TV, variety shows, guest spots, and even hosting gigs.
– Dancing with the Stars: A professional dancer and proud two-time champion.
– Dance Moms: Stepped in for Abby Lee Miller as a dance coach during season 7.
– I Can Do That: Took on the challenge as a contestant on this NBC variety show back in 2015.
– The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Made a fun guest appearance on this beloved Disney Channel sitcom.
– Hell’s Kitchen: Enjoyed a memorable moment as a VIP guest diner.
– Worst Cooks in America: Showcased her culinary skills as a celebrity contestant in 2025.
Cheryl Burke Dancing with the Stars
Cheryl Burke became a household name thanks to her incredible journey on Dancing with the Stars, where she first stepped onto the dance floor in the show’s second season back in 2006. With her impressive dance moves, innovative choreography, and knack for guiding her celebrity partners, she quickly captured the hearts of fans everywhere.
Cheryl made history by clinching victory in two back-to-back seasons:
– Season 2: She took home the trophy with singer Drew Lachey from 98 Degrees.
– Season 3: She did it again, this time with former NFL star Emmitt Smith.
These wins solidified her status as one of the most accomplished professional dancers in the show’s history. Over the years, she has teamed up with a diverse array of celebrities from the worlds of music, sports, television, and reality TV. Some of her other notable partners include Rob Kardashian, Jack Osbourne, Wayne Newton, and AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys.
In season 30, she paired up with Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby, and together they finished in a commendable third place. After an impressive run, Cheryl announced her retirement from the competition at the conclusion of season 31 in 2022. Her official biography highlights not only her achievements on the dance floor but also her extensive contributions to the dance and entertainment industry.
Why Does Cheryl Burke Look So Different?
Cheryl Burke’s appearance has sparked quite a bit of chatter among fans, and it’s largely because she’s stepped away from the intense world of professional ballroom dancing to embrace a new lifestyle. This shift has led to comments about her face, eyebrows, hairstyle, weight, and makeup choices.
In 2026, Burke addressed the criticism head-on, clarifying that her facial structure, particularly her naturally hollow temples, plays a role in how her eyebrows look. She also firmly denied the online rumors suggesting she had a brow lift or facial transplant, as well as claims about using Ozempic.
There are several reasons why her look has evolved over the years:
– Natural aging: Now in her early 40s, Burke’s appearance has naturally changed since her early 20s when she first gained fame on Dancing with the Stars.
– Lifestyle changes: With her retirement from competitive dance, she no longer adheres to the same grueling performance schedule.
– Weight changes: Burke has openly discussed how her body has transformed since leaving the show.
– Makeup and hairstyles: Variations in eyebrow shapes, haircuts, lighting, and makeup techniques can significantly alter someone’s look.
– Personal growth: Burke has shared her journey toward embracing a more natural beauty style, moving away from the heavy makeup often seen in ballroom performances.
In the end, Burke has urged people to appreciate her journey and evolution rather than comparing her current appearance to photos from two decades ago.
Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke: What Happened?
Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence shared a relationship that unfolded over several years, featuring an early romance, a later reunion, marriage, and ultimately, divorce. Lawrence, an American actor, is best known for his roles in television and film, particularly in Boy Meets World.
Their love story kicked off in the mid-2000s when they crossed paths through Dancing with the Stars, thanks to Matthew’s brother, Joey. They first dated from 2007 to 2008, then reconnected years later and tied the knot in 2019.
However, their marriage came to an end when Burke filed for divorce in 2022, which was finalized in September of that same year. Despite the media frenzy surrounding their relationship, both have since moved on to new chapters in their lives.
Cheryl Burke Weight Loss
Cheryl Burke has been candid about her complex relationship with weight, fitness, and body image. As a professional ballroom dancer, she dedicated many years to maintaining the physical fitness necessary for intense rehearsals, live performances, and televised competitions.
After her time on Dancing with the Stars, Burke revealed that she lost around 30 to 35 pounds, although the exact numbers can vary. She has shared how changes in her daily routine and lifestyle have influenced her body.
Her weight journey has garnered attention, especially since she faced criticism regarding her appearance during her television career. Burke has opened up about the struggles with body image and emphasized the importance of fostering a healthier relationship with herself.
Her experience serves as a reminder that weight and appearance can fluctuate with age, lifestyle choices, and changes in physical activity. It’s crucial not to jump to conclusions about visible changes being solely due to a specific diet, medication, or health issue.
What Happened to Cheryl Burke?
Cheryl Burke hasn’t vanished from the entertainment scene; rather, she made the decision to retire from Dancing with the Stars in 2022 and has since been on a journey to explore new avenues beyond the dance floor.
Her exit signified the closing of a significant chapter in her life, wrapping up over twenty years of professional dance experience. After stepping away from the show and going through a divorce, she turned her attention to podcasting, personal growth, and various business ventures.
Burke has been open about her struggles with body image, her journey to sobriety, and the challenges of growing up under the public’s gaze. By 2026, she was actively addressing online criticism and sharing her desire to move forward without being confined to her past television persona.
So, her narrative isn’t really about fading from view; it’s more about reshaping her career after spending years on one of America’s most beloved reality competition shows.
Cheryl Burke Now: What Is She Doing in 2026?
As of October 2026, Cheryl Burke is diving into an exciting new chapter that revolves around beauty, podcasting, and personal growth.
In May 2026, People shared that Burke is embracing her role as a beauty creator and is part of the 2026 Sephora Squad, a year-long initiative for beauty influencers and brand ambassadors. She mentioned that she’s loving the shift away from competitive dancing and is discovering how makeup can be a powerful form of self-expression.
Here’s what she’s currently passionate about:
– Beauty content: Delving into makeup, self-expression, and exploring various beauty products.
– Podcasting: Keeping the conversation going about entertainment, relationships, and her personal journey.
– Mental wellness: Offering insights from her own experiences with self-esteem and growth.
– Life after DWTS: Crafting a new identity beyond her days as a professional ballroom dancer.
Cheryl has also been vocal about the challenges of facing online scrutiny, especially when people compare her current look to her younger self.
For those curious if Cheryl Burke has made a comeback to Dancing with the Stars as a regular pro, it seems her career has taken a different path. She’s focusing on fresh creative endeavors rather than returning to her previous full-time role.
Cheryl Burke Net Worth
Cheryl Burke’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth.
