Denney Terrio is an American dancer, actor, and television personality best known for hosting the American television dance program Dance Fever from 1979 to 1985. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Terrio's parents, Denney Sr. and Helen, were of Italian and Irish descent. He began his professional career as a dancer with the Imperial Dance Company at the age of 15.
In 1979, Terrio was chosen to host the popular variety show Dance Fever, which aired on ABC during the late-1970s and early-1980s. Terrio's enthusiastic hosting style and signature catchphrases made him a fan favorite and cemented his place in dance show history. In addition to hosting Dance Fever, Terrio appeared in several films and television shows, including the 1982 comedy flick Night Shift and episodes of shows like Love Boat and Fantasy Island. He also made guest appearances on talk shows such as The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show, and the David Letterman Show.
Terrio's dance skills were showcased in the films Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1978), as well as in the Broadway show Grease. He also choreographed the dance sequences in the films Hair (1979) and The Idolmaker (1980). He also appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1979, as well as on the cover of TV Guide in 1982.
In addition to his own television and film work, Terrio has choreographed and produced several stage and television productions, including the musicals Grease, Hair, and A Chorus Line. He also produced and directed the Broadway revue Puttin’ on the Ritz in 1983.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Terrio continued to appear in television shows and films, including the 1990s sitcom Step by Step, in which he played a dance instructor. He also made appearances on shows such as Full House, Murphy Brown, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
In recent years, Terrio has continued to stay active in the entertainment industry, producing and directing documentary films and television shows. He has also served as a judge on the dance competition show DanceMasters and is the author of the book Dance Fever: The Story of Denney Terrio.
Denney Terrio is one of the most celebrated figures in the world of dance and entertainment. His success as a dancer and television personality has made him an icon in the dance world and an inspiration to many aspiring performers.
