Bruno Tonioli’s Most Famous TV Show Roles Ever
Photo by: Disney/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
With his passionate critiques, exuberant energy, and delightfully outrageous personality, Bruno Tonioli has become one of the most beloved reality competition judges. Currently a judge on both Britain’s Got Talent and Dancing With The Stars, Tonioli’s career spans decades. His career encompasses a diverse range of roles that have showcased his versatility and passion for performance.
Bruno Tonioli’s Biggest TV Show Roles
Strictly Come Dancing (2004-2019)
Tonioli’s first claim to fame was as a judge on the BBC’s popular series Strictly Come Dancing. For those who may not know, Strictly is the British version of DWTS, where celebrities are partnered with professional dancers. On this stage, Tonioli established himself with his signature style, where he leaps to his feet after dances, unable to contain himself as he’d passionately discuss the dance’s good points and bad points. He judged this show for nearly 17 Seasons.
Dancing With The Stars (2005-Present)
When ABC adapted Strictly Come Dancing for American audiences as DWTS, Tonioli made his way to America to judge this iteration. Often perched at the end of the judge’s table, Tonioli has spent the last 32 seasons of the show leaping out of his seat to demonstrate dance moves to contestants. Additionally, he theatrically acts out his issues with their routines.
Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann (2008)
Tonioli co-created and judged this short-lived reality dance competition alongside his friend and fellow DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Pitting two rival teams against each other each week, Tonioli and Inaba traded off coaching duties and sparred over their differing dance Backgrounds. Though it only lasted one season, it showcased Tonioli’s expertise and playful rivalry with a fellow judge.
The Masked Dancer UK (2022)
Tonioli competed as the elaborately costumed Pearly King lion on the second season of the British celebrity dance competition. Adorned in pearls and sequins, Tonioli displayed his dancing background, then revealed himself in the finals, ultimately securing third place.
Britain’s Got Talent (2023-Present)
After longtime judge David Walliams exited the British talent show, Tonioli was then brought in as his replacement for Series 16 in 2023. Though new to the show, Tonioli brought his signature quick wit and flamboyant critique style to marvel over magic acts and unicyclists alike. In just his first episode, he accidentally hit the Golden Buzzer midway through a dance troupe’s routine, a first for the show, creating a delightfully chaotic moment.
