'Dancing with the Stars': Celebrities That Shaped America's Ballroom - Where Are They Now?
The Cast of "Dancing With The Stars"
Live from Hollywood, it's "Dancing with the Stars!" Since 2005, viewers have tuned into ABC to see some of their celebrities dance live.
According to the American Broadcasting Company, over 275 celebrities ranging from actors and athletes to YouTube sensations and politicians have competed on the show. Throughout 25 seasons, a plethora of couples has hit the dance floor to win the show's unique prize, the Mirror Ball trophy.
However, to get to hold the show's coveted Mirror Ball trophy, they must master several dance genres that range from cha-cha and the tango to the Pasodoble and contemporary dance with the help of their professional partners. In over 25 seasons, there have been impeccable routines such as Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke's freestyle to "Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)" during the show's second season. Also, fans continue to rave about Sabrina Bryan and Mark Ballas's perfect Pasodoble in the show's fifth season, and JR Martinez and Karina Smirnoff's emotional rumba that was performed in Season 13.
Once the couple dancers finish their routine, they must face the show's judges -- Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Julianne Hough. The trio (or quartet) can make or break a dancer's experience as they could influence the viewers' votes. Over 25 champions have been crowned over the show's 13 years.
As celebrities leave their professional partners and the ballroom behind them, some of the contestants' appearance on the show helped them raise their profile in the public eye. Zendaya was featured in box office hits "Spider-Man: Homecoming" and "The Greatest Showman," while Lisa Rinna has become a significant force on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Enstars is highlighting some of the celebrities who competed on ABC's ballroom series and what are they up to today.
The Cast of "Dancing With The Stars"
Live from Hollywood, it's "Dancing with the Stars!" Since 2005, viewers have tuned into ABC to see some of their celebrities dance live.
According to the American Broadcasting Company, over 275 celebrities ranging from actors and athletes to YouTube sensations and politicians have competed on the show. Throughout 25 seasons, a plethora of couples has hit the dance floor to win the show's unique prize, the Mirror Ball trophy.
However, to get to hold the show's coveted Mirror Ball trophy, they must master several dance genres that range from cha-cha and the tango to the Pasodoble and contemporary dance with the help of their professional partners. In over 25 seasons, there have been impeccable routines such as Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke's freestyle to "Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)" during the show's second season. Also, fans continue to rave about Sabrina Bryan and Mark Ballas's perfect Pasodoble in the show's fifth season, and JR Martinez and Karina Smirnoff's emotional rumba that was performed in Season 13.
Once the couple dancers finish their routine, they must face the show's judges -- Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Julianne Hough. The trio (or quartet) can make or break a dancer's experience as they could influence the viewers' votes. Over 25 champions have been crowned over the show's 13 years.
As celebrities leave their professional partners and the ballroom behind them, some of the contestants' appearance on the show helped them raise their profile in the public eye. Zendaya was featured in box office hits "Spider-Man: Homecoming" and "The Greatest Showman," while Lisa Rinna has become a significant force on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Enstars is highlighting some of the celebrities who competed on ABC's ballroom series and what are they up to today.
Kelly Monaco: Winner of Season 1 And Finalist in Season 15
"General Hospital" star Kelly Monaco instantly became part of the pop culture nexus when she became the show’s inaugural winner in 2005 with professional partner Alec Mazo. In addition to stirring up Port Charles as Sam McCall, Monaco has ventured outside of soaps and was part of the Las Vegas burlesque show "Peepshow" and was featured in the E! reality series "Dirty Soap." Monaco returned to "Dancing with the Stars" several times as she was a finalist in the show’s first All-Stars season in 2012 where she was partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy and was recruited to help Terrell Owens and Cheryl Burke in Season 25’s Trio Night.
Lisa Rinna: Season Two Semifinalist
Former "Soap Talk" host and "Days of Our Lives" actress Lisa Rinna became America’s sweetheart when she teamed up with Louis van Amstel during the show’s sophomore season. Following her elimination during the show’s semifinals week, Rinna began building a fashion empire, which involved having products on QVC. Rinna made headlines for two runs on "The Celebrity Apprentice" where she clashed with Star Jones on and off the screen. However, Rinna found redemption when she returned to the show in 2013. Currently, Rinna is part of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast and briefly returned to "Days of Our Lives."
Joey Lawrence: Season 3 Semifinalist
One of the show’s early heartthrobs was former "Blossom" star Joey Lawrence. The actor-singer was partnered with Edyta Slivinska during the show’s third season and faced off against some impeccable competitors including future "Extra" host Mario Lopez, NFL legend Emmett Smith, and actress Vivica A. Fox. Throughout this decade, Lawrence co-starred with fellow '90s icon Melissa Joan Hart on their freeform comedy series, "Melissa and Joey," and he appeared on several episodes of CBS’ reboot of "Hawaii Five-O." Lawrence also appeared on numerous competition series such as "Battle of the Network Stars," "Celebrity Family Feud," "Celebrity Name Game," and "Splash."
Joey Fatone: Season 4 Runner-Up And Season 15 Competitor
The former NSYNC member delighted audiences with his incredible routines such as a "Star Wars" tango and a "Zorro"-inspired Pasodoble with professional partner Kym Johnson. Fatone and Johnson came in second place in season 4 and was eliminated in the second week of the show’s All-Stars season. He found a new career as a game show host and announcer as he worked on "The Singing Bee," "Celebrity Circus," "Karaoke Battle USA," and "Family Feud." Fatone also reunited with his NSYNC bandmates a few times including a one-off performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards and at Lance Bass’s wedding in 2016.
Sabrina Bryan: Season 5 And Season 15 Competitor
Sabrina Bryan remains one of the most beloved celebrities to compete on the show. She earned rave reviews for several routines with professional partners Mark Ballas in the show’s fifth season and Louis van Amstel in the show’s All-Stars season in 2012. Sadly, she was eliminated halfway through the competition twice! Outside the show, Bryan served as a correspondent for ABC News and E! News Live. Bryan also lent her voice to the cartoon series "Fish Hooks" and appeared as herself on several shows such as "Dinner With Friends" and "Celebrity Family Feud."
Marissa Jaret Winkour: Season 6 Semifinalist
Tony-winning actress Marissa Jaret Winkour brought positive energy and light into the ballroom during Season 6. The "Hairspray" star teamed up with professional partner Tony Dovolani and spent nine weeks entertaining America. Since her elimination from the show, Winkour lent her voice to perform characters on several shows such as "American Dad," “King of the Hill,” and “Yo Gabba Gabba!” She briefly served as a host for “Dance Your A** Off” and “The Talk.” Recently, Winkour became the very first champion of the American version of “Celebrity Big Brother” where she beat Ross Matthews and Omarosa Manigault Newman for the show’s top prize.
Brooke Burke-Charvet: Season 7 Winner and Former Co-Host
Actress and fitness aficionado Brooke Burke-Charvet became a fan-favorite when she appeared on the show’s seventh season. After winning the Mirror Ball Trophy with professional partner Derek Hough, Burke-Charvet hosted “She’s Got The Look” before returning to “Dancing with the Stars” where she served as veteran host Tom Bergeron’s counterpart from 2010 to 2013. She participated in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “The New Celebrity Apprentice” where she competed alongside Matt Iseman, Boy George, and Laila Ali. Since appearing on the show, Burke-Charvet has been focusing on building a fitness and lifestyle brand.
Gilles Marini: Season 8 Runner-Up and Season 15 Participant
Fans were swooning over actor Gilles Marini when he participated in the show’s eighth season. He made it to the eighth season’s finals with professional partner Cheryl Burke. Despite not winning the season, Marini returned to the show’s All-Stars season where he was partnered with Peta Murgatroyd, and they were eliminated in week 8. Outside of “Dancing with the Stars,” the actor appeared in television series such as “Devious Maids” and “Switched at Birth.” He also guest-starred on several series such as “Modern Family” and “Hot in Cleveland.” In 2011, Perry Ellis International chose Marini to be the face of its Axist clothing line.
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino: Season 11 Participant
“Jersey Shore” star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino visited America’s favorite ballroom during the show’s eleventh season. He tried to master numerous ballroom styles with his professional partner Karina Smirnoff. While he was eliminated during the fourth week of the competition, Sorrentino continued to be a fixture on reality TV shows including “The Sorrentinos,” “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars,” and “Worst Cooks in America.” Recently, Sorrentino made headlines as he pleaded guilty in a tax evasion case for failing to pay $8.9 million in earnings between 2010 and 2012. Before he goes to jail, Sorrentino is filming several reunion episodes of “Jersey Shore.”
Carson Kressley: Season 13 Participant
Fashion expert Carson Kressley may not have been the best dancer his season, but he served as one of the most entertaining celebrities to ever hit the ballroom. For five weeks, Kressley and his partner Anna Trebunskaya made audiences smile with their routines. While he was eliminated on Oct. 18, 2011, Kressley continued to build his television portfolio with guest appearances on “Celebrity Name Game,” “Fashion News Live,” and “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson.” He also competed on “The New Celebrity Apprentice” and served as a guest judge on both “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”
Maria Menounos: Season 14 Semifinalist
Entertainment news reporter Maria Menounos joined forces with professional partner Derek Hough during Season 14 of “Dancing with the Stars.” After she and Hough were eliminated in the semifinals, Menounos continued her work on several projects including "Chasing Maria Menounos" and "Conversations with Maria Menounos." In 2017, Menounos made headlines when she left E! News due to a brain tumor. After spending 20 years with partner Keven Undergaro, she and Undergaro surprised the nation when they married live in the middle of Times Square on Steve Harvey’s FOX New Year's Eve special.
Zendaya: Season 16 Runner-Up
Singer-actress Zendaya became a household name when she appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” on the 2013 Spring season. Partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, Zendaya stunned the audience, and the pairing made it the show’s finale where they came in second place. Despite coming in only second, Zendaya’s career skyrocketed and she was featured in several box office hits including “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “The Greatest Showman.” Recently, she was featured in Vanity Fair’s 2018 Hollywood issue with Oprah Winfrey, Harrison Ford, Michael B. Jordan, and Gal Gadot. She also introduced “The Greatest Showman” co-star Keala Settle who performed “This is Me” at the 2018 Oscars.
Corbin Bleu: Season 17 Runner-Up
Singer-actor Corbin Bleu teamed up with professional partner Karina Smirnoff during the show’s 17th season. While Bleu and Smirnoff were crowned the season’s runners-up, Bleu continued to act on television as he portrayed characters on “Drop Dead Diva,” “Castle,” “The Fosters,” “The Middle,” and “Chicago Med.” He also starred on Broadway when he portrayed Ted Hanover in “Holiday Inn: The New Irving Berlin Musical.” Bleu was one of the six celebrities who returned during the Season 25 Trio round as he partnered with the season’s winning couple, Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold, for a perfect scoring salsa.
Nyle DiMarco: Season 22 Winner
Actor, model, and deaf activist Nyle DiMarco became “Dancing with the Stars'” second deaf contestant to enter the ballroom. However, with his impeccable partnership with professional partner Peta Murgatroyd, the duo became a powerhouse in the ballroom. He became the first deaf person to win “Dancing with the Stars” in Season 22. Following his victory, DiMarco acted in the television series “Difficult People” and appeared in two episodes of “This Close.” In addition to his work as a model for Wilhelmina Models, DiMarco founded the Nyle DiMarco Foundation whose goal is to empower deaf individuals.
Heather Morris: Season 24 Participant
Singer, dancer, and actress Heather Morris joined “Dancing with the Stars” in 2017 during its 24th season. Despite having danced with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and starred in “Glee,” the performer tackled ABC’s ballroom competition head-on with professional partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Unfortunately, Chmerkovskiy injured himself during the second week of competition and Morris danced with troupe member Alan Bersten. Despite being eliminated in the season’s fifth week, Morris still charged ahead with her career and was featured in several television projects including the popular Netflix series “GLOW,” and in the television movie “Psycho Wedding Crasher.”
