10 celebrities you totally forgot competed on 'Dancing With the Stars'

From Kim Kardashian to late Jerry Springer, here are 10 celebs you forgot once hit the famous dance floor on 'Dancing with the Stars'
PUBLISHED NOV 30, 2023
Celebs like Denise Richards, Mike Sorrentino, and Zendaya were on 'Dancing With The Stars' but appeared relatively early in the show's nearly two decade run (Getty Images)
Celebs like Denise Richards, Mike Sorrentino, and Zendaya were on 'Dancing With The Stars' but appeared relatively early in the show's nearly two decade run (Getty Images)

The forgotten celebrities who shimmied with the best of them on 'DWTS'

There have been a lot of celebs like Pamela Anderson and Jerry Springer fans totally forgot ever competed on Dancing With the Stars (Getty Images)
There have been a lot of celebs like Pamela Anderson and Jerry Springer that fans have totally forgotten ever competed on 'Dancing With the Stars' (Getty Images)

'Dancing With the Stars' has been gracing our screens for nearly two decades, making it likely that you've stumbled upon an episode even if you're not a devout viewer. The show has seen a myriad of celebrities, and it's easy to lose track of some of the notable names who once graced the dance floor. Take a trip down memory lane with a list of celebs you might have forgotten ever competed on 'DWTS'.

Denise Richards

(ABC)
Denise Richards, partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy (ABC)

Season 8 of the competition show featured not only Lil' Kim but also Denise Richards, partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. However, Richards didn't match Lil' Kim's longevity, facing elimination in the second round itself.

Lil' Kim

Lil' Kim with her partner Derek Hough on 'Dancing With the Stars'. (ABC)
Lil' Kim with her dance partner Derek Hough on 'Dancing With the Stars' (ABC)                     

Lil' Kim took the stage on the eighth season of 'DWTS' in 2009, showcasing her dance moves alongside Derek Hough. Their consistent impressive performances garnered high praise from fans, audience members, and judges alike. The unexpected shock came when they were eliminated in fifth place, leaving many surprised by the outcome that season.

Kim Kardashian

( ABC)
Kim Kardashian and professional dancer Mark Ballas (ABC)

It might be surprising, but Kim Kardashian did grace the 'Dancing With the Stars' stage in Season 7, partnered with professional dancer Mark Ballas. However, it's a career move she's unlikely to make now. Her stint on the show was short-lived, as she became the third contestant to be eliminated.

Mike Sorrentino

(Adam Larkey/ABC)
Mike Sorrentino and Karina Smirnoff (Adam Larkey/ABC)

Following the debut of Jersey Shore on MTV, Mike, also known as 'The Situation' Sorrentino, sought to showcase more than just his fist-pumping skills at the club. He participated in season 11 of 'DWTS', partnering with Karina Smirnoff. Unfortunately, their journey was brief as he faced elimination during the fourth week of the show.

Margaret Cho

Louis van Amstel and Margaret Cho (ABC)
Louis van Amstel and Margaret Cho in Season 11 (ABC)

Proving her versatility, comedian and actress Margaret Cho showcased her dance skills on 'DWTS' during Season 11. Paired with Louis van Amstel, the duo faced an early exit, finishing in 10th place in the competition.

Pamela Anderson

(ABC)
Pamela Anderson and professional dancer Damian Whitewood (ABC)

Pamela Anderson joined the competition on the 10th season of 'DWTS' in 2010, paired with professional dancer Damian Whitewood. Despite making it through seven weeks, she faced elimination. In 2011, Anderson reunited with Whitewood on the Argentinian version of the show. Returning for the 15th season all-star edition in 2012, she partnered with Tristan MacManus, but their journey was cut short as they were eliminated in the first week of the all-star competition.

Zendaya

(ABC/Craig Sjodin) VAL CHMERKOVSKIY, ZENDAYA
Zendaya and professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy (ABC/Craig Sjodin)

In the 2013 edition of the show's 16th season, Zendaya teamed up with professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy, delivering an outstanding performance, as expected. Judges and fans showered her with regular praise, and she consistently achieved high scores. However, despite her impressive journey, Zendaya ultimately secured the runner-up position on the final night, with the victory going to country singer Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough.

Brandy

Brandy and Makim Chmerkovskiy (ABC)
Brandy and Makim Chmerkovskiy (ABC)

The '90s superstar graced the 'DWTS' stage as a contestant during season 11 in fall 2010. Paired with professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy, she delivered an impressive performance throughout her run. Despite consistently high scores, the duo placed fourth in the competition, surprising both judges and the audience.

Jerry Springer

(@thejerryspringershow/Facebook)
Jerry Springer and professional dancer Kym Johnson (@thejerryspringershow/Facebook)

The late Jerry Springer made a heartfelt appearance on 'DWTS' in Season 3 with a sweet motive—to learn the waltz for his daughter Katie's wedding. Paired with professional dancer Kym Johnson, Springer's efforts were commendable as they danced their way into the seventh week of the competition before being eliminated.

Kristin Cavallari

Kristin Cavallari and Mark ballas (ABC/Adam Taylor)
Kristin Cavallari and Mark Ballas (ABC/Adam Taylor)

Kristin Cavallari, known for her role in 'The Hills', surprised viewers when she joined the cast of 'Dancing With the Stars' during Season 13. Teaming up with Mark Ballas, the pair, unfortunately, had a short-lived journey on the show, being the third couple to be eliminated.

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