Bruno Tonioli has become one of television’s most beloved personalities, captivating audiences with his flamboyant judging style and infectious passion for dance. The Italian-British choreographer turned TV judge has built an impressive fortune of £9-10 million through his stellar career spanning over four decades.
From his humble beginnings in Ferrara, Italy, to becoming a household name on both sides of the Atlantic, Bruno’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s dive into the fascinating life of this dancing dynamo!
Quick Facts About Bruno Tonioli
| Full Name | Bruno Tonioli |
| Date of Birth | 25 November 1955 |
| Age | 69 years old |
| Birthplace | Ferrara, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian-British |
| Partner | Jason Schanne (2010-present) |
| Net Worth | £9-10 million |
| Languages | Italian, English, Portuguese, Spanish, French |
| Famous For | Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars, Britain’s Got Talent |
Biography
Bruno’s story begins in the charming Italian town of Ferrara, where he was born to working-class parents. His father Werther worked as a bus driver (and later painted cars), whilst his mother Fulvia was a seamstress who made car seat covers. The family lived modestly with Bruno’s paternal grandparents before moving to their own flat when he turned 12.
In 1972, after watching the musical “Cabaret” eight times in a row, Bruno had his eureka moment. Despite his parents’ dreams of him working in a bank, he was determined to pursue his passion for dance and performance.
“We had huge screaming rows because I wanted to go to art or drama school, and they wanted me to work in a bank. So I ran off to ballet classes in Rome,” Bruno revealed in a 2005 interview.
At just 18, he left Italy to join La Grande Eugène dance company in Paris before making London his permanent home in 1975.
Career
Bruno’s career took off when he began choreographing for some of the biggest names in music:
- Elton John – Featured in the iconic “I’m Still Standing” music video (1983)
- Tina Turner – Choreographed stage shows and tours
- The Rolling Stones – Worked on major productions
- Freddie Mercury – Collaborated on memorable performances
- Duran Duran – Choreographed the “Election Day” music video for side project Arcadia
Bruno’s television career began in 2004 when he joined the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips, and head judge Len Goodman. His witty commentary and theatrical reactions quickly made him a fan favourite.
In 2005, he crossed the pond to judge Dancing with the Stars in America, where he’s remained a constant presence for nearly two decades.
Recent Ventures
- 2023-present: Joined Britain’s Got Talent as a judge, replacing David Walliams
- 2022: Competed in The Masked Dancer as “Pearly King,” finishing third
- 2018: Presented BBC Radio 2’s “Bruno Tonioli at the Opera”
- 2016: Curated the album “An Italian Romance” for Decca Records
Judging Style
Bruno’s judging style is unmistakably theatrical. He’s known for:
- Physical commentary – Often leaping from his chair to demonstrate moves
- Colourful descriptions – Called contestants everything from “a little lynx on the prowl” to “a crazy bear lost in a swamp”
- Passionate reactions – His enthusiasm is genuinely infectious
- Honest critiques – Never afraid to give tough love when needed
Notable Judging Moments
- Lowest score ever: Gave Master P a ‘2’ for his Paso Doble on Dancing with the Stars
- Golden Buzzer controversy: Broke Britain’s Got Talent rules by using the Golden Buzzer twice in one season
- Historic moment: Helped facilitate the first same-sex pairing on Dancing with the Stars in 2016
Net Worth
Bruno’s £9-10 million net worth comes from multiple revenue streams that showcase his versatility in the entertainment industry:
Television Judging Salaries
- Dancing with the Stars (US): Reportedly earns around £1.2 million per season (with two seasons annually)
- Strictly Come Dancing: Previously earned £250,000 per season during his tenure (2004-2021)
- Britain’s Got Talent: Commanded a hefty £850,000 for his debut season in 2023
Additional Income Sources
- Choreography work with A-list artists including Elton John, Tina Turner, and The Rolling Stones
- Book deals from his memoir “Bruno: My Story”
- Television appearances and guest spots
- Radio presenting, including BBC Radio 2’s “Bruno Tonioli at the Opera”
Property Portfolio
Bruno’s real estate investments reflect his success:
West Hollywood Home
In 2017, Bruno purchased a stunning 2,359 square foot contemporary home in West Hollywood for $2.825 million. The property features:
- Three bedrooms
- Modern design
- Pool and deck area
- Fire pit
- Strategic location near CBS studios (where Dancing with the Stars films)
He also maintains properties in London and spends time in his native Italy, though details about these properties remain private.
Awards and Recognition
While Bruno hasn’t won major individual awards, his impact on television is undeniable:
Emmy Nominations
- 2006 & 2007: Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program (Dancing with the Stars)
Other Accolades
- 2007: Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Personality
- 2012: Kids’ Choice Award nomination for Favorite TV Judge
- 2009: Rolling Stone called him “the judge who won America’s heart”
- Recognised as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ figures in the UK
More importantly, he’s achieved something money can’t buy – the genuine affection of millions of viewers worldwide.
Personal Life
Bruno has been openly gay throughout his career, though he’s spoken candidly about the challenges he faced growing up in a small Catholic town in Italy during the 1970s.
“It was frightening. I really WAS the only gay in the village. I was labelled ‘the queenie guy’ and ‘the queer’, which was the worst thing you could be told in Italy in those days,” he shared in a 2005 interview.
Since 2010, Bruno has been in a relationship with partner Jason Schanne. The couple maintains a relatively private life despite Bruno’s public persona.
His courage in living authentically has inspired countless viewers, and Rolling Stone magazine captured it perfectly when they said Bruno had “won America’s heart with his gay-Italian-maniac steez.”
Legacy and Impact
Bruno Tonioli has fundamentally changed how we think about dance on television. His passionate advocacy for the art form, combined with his infectious enthusiasm, has inspired countless people to take up dancing. He’s not just a judge – he’s a cultural ambassador for dance.
His impact extends beyond entertainment. As one of the most visible gay men on mainstream television, he’s helped normalise LGBTQ+ representation in family-friendly programming. His authenticity and refusal to tone down his personality have paved the way for other performers to be themselves on screen.
What’s Next for Bruno?
As of 2024, Bruno continues to judge on Dancing with the Stars, bringing his unique blend of expertise and entertainment to each episode. His current Britain’s Got Talent contract pays him £800,000 per series, proving that his star power remains as strong as ever.
At 69, Bruno shows no signs of slowing down. His energy, passion, and genuine love for performance continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether he’s celebrating a perfect performance or offering constructive criticism, his dedication to the craft remains unwavering.
