Cris Judd
Encyclopedia
Cristan Leenon "Cris" Judd (born August 15, 1969) is an American
actor and choreographer known for his brief marriage to Jennifer Lopez
. He hails from Abilene, Texas
.
in the Philippines and Hawaii
. His mother is Filipina
, his father Larry is Portuguese
. The Air Force then moved his family to Niceville, Florida
, where he attended Niceville High School
. While in Florida, Judd, an avid athlete, spent a lot of time surfing
and golfing. With a golf handicap
of four, he even considered going pro after graduation, but instead decided to go to college. While in college, he landed his first job at Disney World with friend and colleague, Wayne Brady
.
for the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards
and then danced with Jackson on the HIStory Tour, eventually becoming lead dancer for the tour. In 1999, he performed at the Billboard Music Awards with Celine Dion
, the MTV Music Awards with N'SYNC, and in 2000 at the American Music Awards with Enrique Iglesias
and Brian McKnight
, and for "Best Song" nominee That Thing You Do at the 69th Annual Academy Awards. Judd also teamed up for the first time with choreographer Eddie Garcia, a collaboration that continues to this day, to choreograph the 2000 Tour for Jordan Knight
.
choreographed numerous music videos including My Way for Usher
, Jump, Jive, & Wail for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, If I Could Go for Angie Martinez
and Tango for Julio Iglesias
. He also directed the music video, Ain't It Funny-Remix, with Ja Rule
. Judd then became creative director for Handprint Entertainment, overseeing a $5 million budget and delivering then wife, Jennifer Lopez's NBC concert special Let's Get Loud (DVD)
, which was filmed at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum
in San Juan, Puerto Rico
.
Appeared as a back-up dancer for ex-wife, Jennifer Lopez's music videos Love Don't Cost a Thing
, Play
, and I'm Real, and appeared in her I'm Gonna Be Alright video.
Judd and his former business partner Eddie Garcia produced an interactive dance DVD released in summer 2005, and has prepared the Midnight Fantasy musical for the Luxor Resort in Las Vegas
.
In 2009, Judd took part in the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards
opening dance tribute to the late King of Pop, and former mentor Michael Jackson
. Judd took part in the dance performance of "Scream
", the duet number between Michael, and Michael's sister Janet Jackson
, where Janet danced along side Judd , and other famous dance choreographers like Travis Payne
, Tina Landon
, Brian Friedman
, and Wade Robson
whom all worked with both Michael, and Janet Jackson
. Dance performance included Laurie Ann Gibson
and Tyce Diorio
.
with Emma Roberts, has appeared on Eve
, Half and Half
, and Everybody Loves Raymond
, and in Bringing Down the House
where he also served as choreographer for Steve Martin
's dance scenes.
Judd recently finished filming the role of Elliot in Goyband.
when he was crowned "King of the Jungle" in a viewer vote.
In 2006, he hosted the reality version of Dirty Dancing
, and in 2008 was a judge on Lifetime's Your Mama Don't Dance
.
In 2008 he appeared in an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians
as a choreographer/friend of Kris Jenner
.
In 2009 he appeared on the reality TV series Bad Girls Club where he choreographed their opening dance performance for FANTASY, an adult dance revue at the Luxor hotel.
in Spain when he was hired to direct her music video for "Love Don't Cost a Thing
". They were married on September 29, 2001. The marriage ended in June 2002. He also composed Jennifer Lopez's song, "Alive", which was selected as the theme song for the movie Enough
.
Judd married Kelly A Wolfe in Laguna Beach, California in November 2009.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
actor and choreographer known for his brief marriage to Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lynn Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, and fashion designer. Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Subsequently venturing into acting, she gained recognition in the 1995 action-thriller...
. He hails from Abilene, Texas
Abilene, Texas
Abilene is a city in Taylor and Jones counties in west central Texas. The population was 117,063 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Abilene Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2006 estimated population of 158,063. It is the county seat of Taylor County...
.
Early years
Before Hollywood, Judd spent his early years growing up on Air Force bases in Angeles CityAngeles City
The City of Angeles , located within the province of Pampanga in the Philippines, is locally classified as a first-class, highly-urbanized city. Its name is derived from El Pueblo de los Ángeles in honor of its patron saints, Los Santos Ángeles de los Custodios , and the name of its founder, Don...
in the Philippines and Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. His mother is Filipina
Filipino people
The Filipino people or Filipinos are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the islands of the Philippines. There are about 92 million Filipinos in the Philippines, and about 11 million living outside the Philippines ....
, his father Larry is Portuguese
Portuguese people
The Portuguese are a nation and ethnic group native to the country of Portugal, in the west of the Iberian peninsula of south-west Europe. Their language is Portuguese, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion....
. The Air Force then moved his family to Niceville, Florida
Niceville, Florida
Niceville is a city in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States, located close to Eglin Air Force Base. It originally began with the name Valparaiso, then to separate itself from the neighboring town took the unofficial name of Boggy. Upon incorporation as an official city, the name was changed to...
, where he attended Niceville High School
Niceville High School
Niceville Senior High School is a public high school in the city of Niceville, Florida. The school is SACS-accredited and considered to be the top high school within its high performing district. In 1996 NHS was selected as one of 226 secondary schools to be designated as a Blue Ribbon School of...
. While in Florida, Judd, an avid athlete, spent a lot of time surfing
Surfing
Surfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
and golfing. With a golf handicap
Golf handicap
A handicap is a numerical measure of an amateur golfer's playing ability based on the tees played for a given course. It is used to calculate a net score from the number of strokes actually played, thus allowing players of different proficiency to play against each other on somewhat equal terms...
of four, he even considered going pro after graduation, but instead decided to go to college. While in college, he landed his first job at Disney World with friend and colleague, Wayne Brady
Wayne Brady
Wayne Alphonso Brady is an actor, singer, comedian and television personality, known for his work as a regular on the American version of the improvisational comedy television series Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and as the host of the daytime talk show The Wayne Brady Show...
.
Dance career
At age 21, Judd became interested in dance. Within a year, he switched jobs and began dancing professionally with Disney. He was hired to dance with Michael JacksonMichael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
for the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards
1995 MTV Video Music Awards
The 1995 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 7, 1995, honoring the best music videos from June 16, 1994, to June 15, 1995. The show was hosted by Dennis Miller at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. David Sandlin was commissioned to design the program catalogue.TLC and Weezer were...
and then danced with Jackson on the HIStory Tour, eventually becoming lead dancer for the tour. In 1999, he performed at the Billboard Music Awards with Celine Dion
Celine Dion
Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
, the MTV Music Awards with N'SYNC, and in 2000 at the American Music Awards with Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
and Brian McKnight
Brian McKnight
Brian McKnight is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, and R&B/Pop musician. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays nine instruments: piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet....
, and for "Best Song" nominee That Thing You Do at the 69th Annual Academy Awards. Judd also teamed up for the first time with choreographer Eddie Garcia, a collaboration that continues to this day, to choreograph the 2000 Tour for Jordan Knight
Jordan Knight
Jordan Nathaniel Marcel Knight is an American singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer in the boy band, New Kids on the Block , and actor, who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. He is best known for his distinctive falsetto style of singing, influenced by The Stylistics. After New Kids On...
.
choreographed numerous music videos including My Way for Usher
Usher (entertainer)
Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
, Jump, Jive, & Wail for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, If I Could Go for Angie Martinez
Angie Martinez
Angela "Angie" Martinez is an American radio personality and occasional rapper.-Radio career:Angie Martinez got her first break in radio at the age of 16 answering hot lines at the urban radio station WQHT . There she met popular DJ Funkmaster Flex, and began working as his protégé...
and Tango for Julio Iglesias
Julio Iglesias
Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva , better known simply as Julio Iglesias, is a Spanish singer who has sold over 300 million records worldwide in 14 languages and released 77 albums. According to Sony Music Entertainment, he is one of the top 15 best selling music artists in history,...
. He also directed the music video, Ain't It Funny-Remix, with Ja Rule
Ja Rule
Jeffrey Atkins , better known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American rapper, singer, and actor.Born in Hollis, Queens, he began his career in the group Cash Money Click and debuted in 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci and its single "Holla Holla"...
. Judd then became creative director for Handprint Entertainment, overseeing a $5 million budget and delivering then wife, Jennifer Lopez's NBC concert special Let's Get Loud (DVD)
Let's Get Loud (DVD)
Jennifer Lopez: Let's Get Loud is the second DVD by American singer Jennifer Lopez, released in February 2003. The material is chosen from two concerts of the same name recorded at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Puerto Rico.-Track listing:...
, which was filmed at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum
Roberto Clemente Coliseum
The Roberto Clemente Coliseum is a sporting events and concert arena in San Juan, Puerto Rico.It was, for many years, Puerto Rico's largest indoor event facility, and it continues being one of the largest....
in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan , officially Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista , is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of...
.
Appeared as a back-up dancer for ex-wife, Jennifer Lopez's music videos Love Don't Cost a Thing
Love Don't Cost a Thing
Love Don't Cost a Thing may refer to:*"Love Don't Cost a Thing" , a 2001 song by Jennifer Lopez*Love Don't Cost a Thing , a 2003 film starring Nick Cannon and Christina Milian...
, Play
Play (Jennifer Lopez song)
"Play" is the second single from Jennifer Lopez's second album, J.Lo. Singer Christina Milian co-penned the song for Lopez before hitting the music scene herself. She has also allegedly provided vocals for the chorus...
, and I'm Real, and appeared in her I'm Gonna Be Alright video.
Judd and his former business partner Eddie Garcia produced an interactive dance DVD released in summer 2005, and has prepared the Midnight Fantasy musical for the Luxor Resort in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
.
In 2009, Judd took part in the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards
2009 MTV Video Music Awards
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 13, 2009, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, honoring the best music videos from June 19, 2008, to June 29, 2009. Comedian Russell Brand hosted the event for the second time in a row. The awards were held a few months after Michael...
opening dance tribute to the late King of Pop, and former mentor Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
. Judd took part in the dance performance of "Scream
Scream/Childhood
"Scream"/"Childhood" is the lead single from Michael Jackson's ninth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I where "Scream" is the first song and "Childhood" is the tenth song on the second disc of the album HIStory Continues. The A-side, "Scream", is a duet with his younger sister...
", the duet number between Michael, and Michael's sister Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
, where Janet danced along side Judd , and other famous dance choreographers like Travis Payne
Travis Payne
Travis Payne is an American choreographer, director, and producer. He is best known for working with Michael Jackson as the choreographer for This Is It until Jackson's death. Payne also served as the associate producer for This Is It, and along with the director, Kenny Ortega, was extensively...
, Tina Landon
Tina Landon
Tina Landon is an award-winning Mexican-American choreographer based in Los Angeles who has worked with Prince, Anastacia, Mýa, Pink, Jay-Z, Marc Anthony, Kristi Yamaguchi, Aerosmith, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Shakira, Pussycat Dolls, Tina...
, Brian Friedman
Brian Friedman
Brian L. Friedman, is an American dancer and choreographer, and has created the choreography for many popular music artists - such as Britney Spears, Beyoncé Knowles and Mariah Carey - as well as for music videos, concert tours and television and film productions.-Early life:Friedman was born in...
, and Wade Robson
Wade Robson
Wade Jeremy William Robson is an Australian dance prodigy, director, producer, songwriter, and award-winning choreographer. He began performing as a dancer at the age of five. He has directed music videos and world tours for numerous music artists such as 'N Sync and Britney Spears...
whom all worked with both Michael, and Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
. Dance performance included Laurie Ann Gibson
Laurie Ann Gibson
Laurie N. Jibsen is a creative director, VMA-winning choreographer, and Emmy-nominated director best known for her work with Lady Gaga, Diddy and Keri Hilson. She rose to public prominence as the star of MTV's Making the Band and P. Diddy and Mark Burnett’s Starmaker series...
and Tyce Diorio
Tyce Diorio
Keith "Tyce" Diorio is an American dancer and choreographer. He is best known for his work as a choreographer and guest judge on the Fox television series So You Think You Can Dance. He has choreographed and performed with Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin...
.
Acting
Judd guest-starred on UnfabulousUnfabulous
Unfabulous is an American children's television series that aired on Nickelodeon The series is about an "unfabulous" junior high school student, played by Emma Roberts...
with Emma Roberts, has appeared on Eve
Eve (TV series)
Eve is an American sitcom starring Eve, Jason Winston George, Ali Landry, Natalie Desselle-Reid, Brian Hooks and Sean Maguire. That aired on the UPN network from September 15, 2003 to May 11, 2006, with 66 episodes produced spanning 3 seasons...
, Half and Half
Half and half
Half and half refers to various beverages or liquid foods made of an equal-parts mixture of two substances, including dairy products, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks...
, and Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond is an American television sitcom that originally ran on CBS from September 13, 1996, to May 16, 2005. Many of the situations from the show are based on the real-life experiences of lead actor Ray Romano, creator/producer Phil Rosenthal and the show's writing staff...
, and in Bringing Down the House
Bringing Down the House (film)
Bringing Down the House is a 2003 American romantic comedy film, written by Jason Filardi and directed by Adam Shankman. The film stars Steve Martin and Queen Latifah.-Plot:...
where he also served as choreographer for Steve Martin
Steve Martin
Stephen Glenn "Steve" Martin is an American actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician and composer....
's dance scenes.
Judd recently finished filming the role of Elliot in Goyband.
Reality television
His television debut was on the first season of the American series of I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here. He beat out all the other contestants, earning $200,000 for the Make-a-Wish FoundationMake-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501 non-profit organization founded in the United States that grants wishes to children who have life-threatening medical conditions. The charity now operates in forty-seven countries around the world through thirty-six affiliate offices.The president & CEO of this...
when he was crowned "King of the Jungle" in a viewer vote.
In 2006, he hosted the reality version of Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing (TV series)
Dirty Dancing is an American reality television series. It is hosted by Cris Judd. This series is shown on WE: Women's Entertainment.-External links:*...
, and in 2008 was a judge on Lifetime's Your Mama Don't Dance
Your Mama Don't Dance
"Your Mama Don't Dance" is a hit 1972 song by the rock duo Loggins and Messina. Released on their self-titled album Loggins and Messina, it reached #4 on the Billboard pop chart and #19 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart as a single in early 1973."Your Mama Don't Dance" was covered in 1985...
.
In 2008 he appeared in an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Keeping Up with the Kardashians is an American reality television series that airs on E!. The series premiered in October 2007. It focuses on the personal and professional lives of the members of the Kardashian and Jenner family. There will be a 7th Season to premiere in 2012.As of September 2011,...
as a choreographer/friend of Kris Jenner
Kris Jenner
Kristen Mary "Kris" Jenner is an American television personality, socialite and businesswoman. She also is the manager for all of her family members, including Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian...
.
In 2009 he appeared on the reality TV series Bad Girls Club where he choreographed their opening dance performance for FANTASY, an adult dance revue at the Luxor hotel.
Personal life
He met future wife Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lynn Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, and fashion designer. Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Subsequently venturing into acting, she gained recognition in the 1995 action-thriller...
in Spain when he was hired to direct her music video for "Love Don't Cost a Thing
Love Don't Cost a Thing (song)
"Love Don't Cost a Thing" is the lead single from Jennifer Lopez's second studio album, J.Lo . It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, besides being her first number one in the United Kingdom. Its Spanish-language version, "Amor Se Paga con Amor" , included on the Latin American edition...
". They were married on September 29, 2001. The marriage ended in June 2002. He also composed Jennifer Lopez's song, "Alive", which was selected as the theme song for the movie Enough
Enough
The score for Enough, composed by David Arnold, was released on June 4, 2002.#"Give Me a Sign"#"F.B.I.?"#"New Leaf"#"Slim and Joe"#"Get Out of the House"#"Goodbye Gracie"#"Training Day"#"Breaking In"#"Setting the Trap"#"Fight Club"...
.
Judd married Kelly A Wolfe in Laguna Beach, California in November 2009.
External links
- http://www.movementmgmt.com Management