“Dancing with the Stars” is recycling by bringing back some popular contestants for the first ever “All-Star” cast, according to a July 27, 2012, press announcement from ABC Television Network. Twelve cast-members have been chosen and an additional contestant will be selected by a fan vote. The show is hosted by Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet.
Justin Bieber and Pitbull on DWTS All Stars premiere
“Dancing with the Stars: All Stars” premieres on September 24, 2012, on ABC Television Network.The professional dancer partner pairings will be announced live on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” August 13. Update: Dancer pairings announced for DWTS All Stars
Returning alumni include Kirstie Alley, Pamela Anderson, Helio Castroneves, Joey Fatone, Shawn Johnson, Drew Lachey, Gilles Marini, Kelly Monaco, Apolo Anton Ohno, Bristol Palin, Melissa Rycroft and Emmitt Smith.
Kirstie Alley is an Emmy winning comedic actress who played neurotic Rebecca Howe in “Cheers.” Her film credits include: “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, “Deconstructing Harry,” “Look Who’s Talking,” “Look Who’s Talking Too” and “Look Who’s Talking Now.” The “Fat Actress” star was a Jenny Craig spokesperson who regained the weight and became tabloid fodder for her weight. “DWTS” viewers watched her shrink in size last year, when she placed second. Kirstie and Maks fall and recover on DWTS
Pamela Anderson is an actress and model, famed for her role in “Baywatch.” She has been on the cover of national and international magazines. She was featured on the cover of “Playboy” 14 times. Anderson is also devoted to green living and environmental causes. Pamela Anderson dances off DWTS – pictures
Helio Castroneves is a popular race car driver who has won the Indianapolis 500 three times and is going for a fourth win. The sports figure is also a “Dancing with the Stars” champion. In 2010, he was voted one of the best 10 dancers from the first 10 seasons of the show and was called back to judge. Castroneves is an occasional correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight.” Helio Castroneves wins Indy 500 for third time
Joey Fatone is a former *NSYNC star who is embarking on a series of projects for FremantleMedia Enterprises — from hosting “Price is Right Live” in Las Vegas and Atlantic City to “Let’s Make a Deal” for Caesar Entertainment — and currently is the voice of the widely successful re-launch of “Family Feud” with Steve Harvey. His film credits include “Once Upon a Time in America,” “Homie Spumoni” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Gymnast Shawn Johnson, at just 20 years old, has accomplished a lifetime of achievements, including an individual gold medal in the balance beam and three silver medals in the individual all-around, floor exercise, and team categories at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. In April 2009, Johnson was named the 79th Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Sullivan Award recipient, one of the most prestigious honors in amateur sports. At the age of 17, she became the youngest ever contestant on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” where she danced her way to becoming the Champion of Season Eight.
Drew Lachey, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, is best known for his multi-platinum pop group 98 Degrees, which he joined with his brother Nick in 1995. Lachey is the Season Two winner of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” beating out 10 other dance couples in 2006.
Gilles Marini first captivated audiences as Dante, the steamy neighbor living next door to Kim Cattrall’s Samantha in the “Sex and the City” feature film, a role which made him instantly recognizable in the United States and abroad, followed by finishing in 2nd place on Season Eight of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Marini is currently starring on the critically acclaimed ABC Family drama “Switched at Birth.” Marini is from Gasse, France, and became a citizen of the United States in June, 2012.
Kelly Monaco originated the highly anticipated role of Samantha McCall on ABC’s “General Hospital” in October 2003. She also starred in the first season of the ABC primetime summer mega-hit, “Dancing with the Stars,” where she won the dance championship. She had a three-and-a-half-year stint on the ABC Daytime drama “Port Charles.” She was most recently seen on Hallmark’s movie “Edge of the Garden.”
Apolo Anton Ohno is best known for making history at the 2010 Winter Olympics by becoming the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian with eight career Olympic medals, Apolo Ohno has been the top short-track speed skater in the U.S. Among his tremendous accolades, Ohno is a three-time Olympian, one of only four Americans to win three medals in a single Winter Olympics, and is a 12-time U.S. National Champion. Apolo Ohno remarks at Olympics closing ceremony
Bristol Palin, 21 years old, was born and raised in Wasilla, Alaska. Bristol is the second child and oldest daughter of former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd. Palin is now a single mother with a reality TV show that focuses on the challenges of raising a child without a partner. She publicly advocates for teenage pregnancy prevention, and is now a paid speaker on the subject of teen pregnancy.
Melissa Rycroft stepped out on the “Dancing with the Stars” dance floor just one week after the most talked about season finale of ABC’s “The Bachelor.” Rycroft has co-hosted “Dick Clark’s Rocking New Year’s Eve,” alongside host Ryan Seacrest. In 2009 she joined ABC News as a special contributor for “Good Morning America,” delivering fun and uplifting stories from across the country and from Hollywood’s most glamorous red carpets.
Emmitt Smith is a respected entrepreneur, sought-after speaker, bestselling author and dancing’s “king of effortless cool,” Emmitt Smith first rose to prominence via an illustrious football career, most notably winning three Super Bowl championships as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. He retains the honor of being the only player to have won a Super Bowl MVP, NFL MVP and NFL Rushing Crown in the same season
In a “DWTS” first, fans will determine who the final All-Star cast member will be. The three celebrities vying to fill the 13th spot on the cast are Sabrina Bryan, Carson Kressley and Kyle Massey. Fans can vote for their favorite “Viewers’ Choice: All-Star” at ABC Dancing with the Stars, presented by Diet Pepsi, through Friday, August 24 at 12:00 p.m., PT, to determine which of the three celebrities will be named the final All-Star contestant. Once voting has closed, the final cast member will be announced live on “Good Morning America,” on Monday, August 27. Sabrina Bryan wins 13th spoton DWTS All-Stars
