Cristan Lee Judd, widely known as Cris Judd, is a Filipino-American dancer, choreographer, and actor who gained widespread attention for his brief marriage to Jennifer Lopez. However, his career extends far beyond his personal life—Judd has worked with legendary artists, choreographed award-winning performances, & played a significant role in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Judd was raised in a multicultural household in the Philippines on August 15, 1969. His father, Larry Judd, was in the U.S. Air Force, which led to frequent relocations. Eventually, the family settled in the United States, where Judd’s passion for performing arts emerged.
At 21, Judd became interested in dance, which quickly became a professional career. Within a year, he transitioned into the entertainment industry, securing a performing role at Disney. This marked the beginning of his rise in the dance world.
Breakthrough in Dance and Choreography
Judd’s big break came when he was selected as a backup dancer for Michael Jackson’s 1995 MTV Video Music Awards performance. His exceptional skills landed him a spot on Jackson’s HIStory World Tour, where he became a lead dancer. Working alongside one of the greatest entertainers helped refine Judd’s technique and solidify his reputation in the industry.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, he had performed with several high-profile artists:
- Céline Dion (Billboard Music Awards, 1999)
- NSYNC (MTV Video Music Awards, 1999)
- Enrique Iglesias & Brian McKnight (American Music Awards, 2000)
Judd also choreographed numerous hit music videos, including:
- My Way – Usher
- Jump, Jive, & Wail – Brian Setzer Orchestra
- If I Could Go – Angie Martinez
- Tango – Julio Iglesias
Additionally, he directed the music video “Ain’t It Funny” (Remix) by Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule and worked as the creative director for Lopez’s NBC concert special “Let’s Get Loud,” managing a $5 million budget.
Reality Television and Acting Career
Judd transitioned into television, participating in various reality TV shows and acting roles. Some of his notable television appearances include:
Reality TV:
- I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (2003) – Judd won the competition and donated his $200,000 prize to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
- Dirty Dancing (2006) – Hosted the reality show adaptation.
- Your Mama Don’t Dance (2008) – Served as a judge on the Lifetime network.
- Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2008) – Helped Kris Jenner with a cheerleading routine.
- New Zealand’s Got Talent (2013) – Worked as a judge.
Acting Roles:
- Unfabulous
- Eve
- Half & Half
- Everybody Loves Raymond
- Bringing Down the House
His expertise in dance also led to choreography work for the Las Vegas show Midnight Fantasy and the MTV Video Music Awards’ 2009 tribute to Michael Jackson, where he performed in Scream alongside Janet Jackson.
Personal Life and Marriage to Jennifer Lopez
Judd met Jennifer Lopez in 2000 while working as a dancer for her music video Love Don’t Cost a Thing. Their professional relationship quickly turned romantic, leading to their marriage on September 29, 2001. However, the marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 2003.
In 2009, Judd married Kelly A. Wolfe in Laguna Beach, California, and the couple has a daughter, Vivienne Judd.
Legacy and Influence in Dance
Cris Judd’s contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond his high-profile relationship. His ability to seamlessly blend hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary dance styles has influenced many performers and choreographers. His work with legendary artists and participation in iconic performances showcase his talent and dedication to the craft.
Today, Judd continues to be involved in choreography, reality television, and mentoring aspiring dancers. His career is a testament to the entertainment industry’s power of passion and perseverance.
Cris Judd at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cristan Lee Judd |
| Born | August 15, 1969 |
| Nationality | American (Filipino heritage) |
| Profession | Dancer, Choreographer, Actor |
| Famous For | Marriage to Jennifer Lopez, Dance Career |
| Notable Works | Choreography for Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Usher |
| Reality TV Wins | I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! |
| Spouse | Kelly A. Wolfe (m. 2009), Jennifer Lopez (m. 2001–2003) |
| Children | Vivienne Judd |
Final Thoughts
While many may recognize Cris Judd as Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband, his career stands on its merit. Judd has left a lasting mark on the entertainment world, from dancing with Michael Jackson to choreographing award-winning performances and judging talent competitions. His journey from a backup dancer to a celebrated choreographer and reality TV personality inspires aspiring performers everywhere.
