“Dancing With the Stars” alums Derek Hough and Mark Ballas have been best friends for decades. Though they’ve often competed against each other, they remain incredibly close at the end of the day.
The pair’s story began when they were children. Derek Hough’s parents sent him to London to study under the world-renowned Corky and Shirley Ballas. There, he met their son, Mark. For the next several years, the boys grew up together and developed an everlasting bond.
In honor of Mark’s milestone birthday, his best friend Derek wished him nothing but the best.
Derek Hough Wishes Mark Ballas a Very Special 40th Birthday
Mark Ballas turned 40 on May 24, 2026. In honor of the special day, Derek Hough shared several photos and videos that perfectly captured their friendship.
The first video features Mark roasting Derek with hilarious insults. Later in the post, Mark helps Derek get ready for his wedding day. The men served as the best men in one another’s weddings. No matter what phase of life the men are in, they know they can always rely on one another for support.
“Happy birthday, @markballas,” Derek penned the sweet Instagram message. “Thirty years of friendship and somehow we blinked and hit the big 4 0. From getting into trouble growing up in London to being dads and husbands, it’s wild to think of the journey we’ve been on.”
“I’m proud of the man you’ve become, watching you as a father to Banksi and a partner to BC is something special,” the “Dancing With the Stars” judge continued. “Your creativity and fearless expression are unmatched, and your talent just keeps expanding. Grateful to share this journey with you, brother. Love you.”
“Love you brother 👊🏼” Mark Ballas replied in the comments.
“Friendships like this are rare. What a special thing to have,” one fan wrote.
Mark Ballas Relied On His Best Friend During His Darkest Chapter
GettyWhile fans love seeing Derek Hough and Mark Ballas’ antics, their relationship goes far deeper. During “Dancing With the Stars” season 31, Mark Ballas and his wife, BC Jean, found out they suffered a miscarriage. Years later, Mark bravely opened up about that challenging part of his life. Derek Hough helped the couple through it.
“During my season with Charli [D’Amelio], my wife and I had a miscarriage,” the professional dancer shared on “Trading Secrets,” hosted by Jason Tartick. “That week, we found that we had a miscarriage and I had to go to rehearsal, and that was a really heavy time. At the time, Derek was one of the only people who knew.”
“We really are like brothers. And we’ve been there for each other through each other’s ups and downs,” the DWTS season 31 champion shared.
Mark Ballas stars as a judge in “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro,” which premieres on Monday, July 13, on ABC. Derek Hough returns as head judge when “Dancing With the Stars” season 35 kicks off this September.
