By celebrity news
November 26, 2025
It takes a lot to silence Bruno Tonioli. For over two decades, the flamboyant Italian judge has been the loudest, most energetic voice on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS), known for standing on desks, flailing his arms, and delivering critiques at decibel levels that challenge the studio’s sound system.But during the Season 34 finale of DWTS this week, something historic happened: Bruno Tonioli was left speechless.
Here is the breakdown of the moment everyone is talking about, along with a deep dive into the life, love, and career of the ballroom’s most colorful character.
The Moment Bruno Went Quiet
The scene was set for a high-stakes finale. Dylan Efron (brother of actor Zac Efron) and his pro partner Daniella Karagach took the floor for a fiery Paso Doble set to the song "Stampede."
Dylan, who had been an underdog throughout the season, delivered a performance so intense and technically precise that the ballroom erupted. But the real shock came when host Alfonso Ribeiro turned to Bruno for his critique.
Instead of his usual explosive commentary, Bruno paused. Visibly moved and seemingly overwhelmed by the transformation of the star, he simply uttered, "Actually, I'm speechless."
He eventually found his words, praising Dylan’s "sculpted" physique and calling the performance "incandescent" and "poetic." While Dylan Efron ultimately finished in fourth place (leaving the Mirrorball to his competitors), earning a moment of stunned silence from Bruno Tonioli is a trophy in itself.
While he is famous for his wild antics on the judging panel, Bruno’s background is as dramatic and colorful as his commentary.
Bruno Tonioli Young: The Dancer
Long before he was holding up "10" paddles, Bruno was a sought-after professional dancer. Born in Ferrara, Italy, in 1955, he faced bullying for being the "only gay in the village" but found his sanctuary in art and dance.
Did Bruno Tonioli ever dance professionally? Absolutely. He moved to London as a young man and became a member of the company La Grande Eugène. His big break in pop culture came in the 1980s. If you watch Elton John’s music video for "I'm Still Standing," you can spot a young, athletic Bruno Tonioli dancing in a black leotard!
Bruno Tonioli Movies & Choreography
Bruno wasn't just a background dancer; he was a choreographer to the stars. He worked with icons like Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, and Freddie Mercury.
His work also extended to film. He is credited with choreography for movies such as Ella Enchanted and The Gathering Storm. He even appeared on screen as a fashion-obsessed character in the movie What a Girl Wants.
Personal Life: Love and Family
Fans often search for "Bruno Tonioli wife," but the judge has been happily off the market in a different way for years.
Bruno Tonioli Partner
Bruno is gay and has been in a long-term relationship with his partner, Jason Schanne, since 2010. The couple is notoriously private. In 2012, they held a commitment ceremony attended by stars like Johnny Weir and Perez Hilton. Unlike Bruno, who thrives in the spotlight, Jason prefers to stay behind the scenes.
Does Bruno Have Children?
No, Bruno Tonioli does not have children. He has dedicated his life to his career, his partner, and his friends in the entertainment industry.
Bruno Tonioli Age & Net Worth
As of late 2025, Bruno is 70 years old, though he possesses the energy of someone half his age.
How rich is Bruno Tonioli?
Thanks to his dual judging roles on Strictly Come Dancing (formerly) and Dancing With The Stars, along with his choreography royalties, Bruno Tonioli’s net worth is estimated to be around $9 to $10 million. He reportedly earns a salary of roughly $30,000 per episode on DWTS.
What Happened to Bruno on Britain's Got Talent (BGT)?
Fans of the UK series Britain’s Got Talent may have noticed Bruno’s absence or the drama surrounding his exit.
Bruno joined the BGT panel in 2023, replacing David Walliams. He became an instant hit for his lack of knowledge about the rules—frequently pressing the Golden Buzzer at the wrong times and breaking the buzzer itself!
However, Bruno officially left Britain’s Got Talent recently due to insurmountable scheduling conflicts. The filming dates for BGT auditions overlapped with his commitments to Dancing With The Stars in the US. Unwilling to fly back and forth constantly across the Atlantic, Bruno chose to stick with his DWTS family. He was reportedly replaced on the BGT panel by YouTuber and boxer KSI.
The Verdict
Whether he is shouting from the rooftops or sitting in stunned silence, Bruno Tonioli remains the heart and soul of the ballroom. His reaction to Dylan Efron’s Paso Doble proves that even after 34 seasons, he can still be surprised by the magic of dance.
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