TV Dance Judge Mary Murphy
(So You Think You Can Dance)
Mary Murphy is a renowned American ballroom dance champion, accredited judge, and television personality, widely recognized for her role as a long-time judge and choreographer on the Fox series So You Think You Can Dance. Known for her exuberant personality, signature "Hot Tamale Train" catchphrase, and loud screams of praise, she has built a multifaceted career that includes competing at the highest levels of professional ballroom dance and founding a major dance academy.
Born on March 9, 1958, in Lancaster, Ohio, Murphy grew up in an athletic household with three brothers. She was a self-described "tomboy," participating in sports like basketball, track, and volleyball. She did not begin dancing until college at Ohio University, where she earned a degree in physical education and minored in modern dance.
Professional Dance Career
Murphy's career shifted toward ballroom after she attended the U.S. Ballroom Championships in New York City and realized it was her calling. Her competitive highlights include:
Austrian National Champion: She won this title in 1990 and 1991 with partner Manfred Stiglitz.
U.S. Champion: In 1996, she achieved her goal of becoming a U.S. Open American Nine Dance Champion with partner Jim Desmond.
Hollywood Work: She served as Julia Roberts' dance double in the 1995 film Something to Talk About and appeared in the film Dance With Me.
"So You Think You Can Dance"
Murphy joined the show in its first season (2005) as a guest judge and choreographer before becoming a permanent judge in Season 3. She became famous for her enthusiastic personality, signature "screaming," and for awarding high-energy dancers a seat on her metaphorical "Hot Tamale Train." ### Current Ventures Today, Murphy remains a major figure in the dance world through several business and philanthropic efforts:
Champion Ballroom Academy: She owns and operates this studio in San Diego, which she founded in 1990.
