13 of Dancing with the Stars‘ favorite stars will return for the first-ever Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars edition as just announced by ABC. 12 of the celebrities who’ll be taking part in Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars were revealed, however fans will be able to choose the 13th celebrity to be brought back for this edition of DwtS. Fans can vote for either Sabrina Bryan, Carson Kressley or Kyle Massey to return for another shot at the mirror ball trophy. Visit www.ABC.com/DancingwiththeStars to cast your vote.
The former contestants returning are a mixture of past winners and fan favorites. The dancer pairings will be announced on Good Morning America on August 13th. The All-Star edition premieres on Monday, September 24th at 8pm.
Watch the announcement video:
The Dancing with the Stars All-Stars
KIRSTIE ALLEY – Kirstie Alley has emerged as one of the great actresses of her generation, proving time and again that she is capable of great depth and range, as well as possessing comedic timing second to none. Alley’s work in television has earned her seven Golden Globe and eight Emmy nominations, winning one Golden Globe, two Emmys and three People’s Choice Awards. She co-wrote and starred in Showtime’s critically acclaimed comedy “Fat Actress,” and played the title character, as well as serving as executive producer, on the NBC sitcom “Veronica’s Closet.” In 1994 Alley showcased her dramatic range starring in the CBS TV movie “David’s Mother,” for which she won her second Emmy. In 1987 she joined the cast of the long-running hit NBC sitcom, “Cheers,” as the neurotic Rebecca Howe. Alley received critical accolades and won both an Emmy (r) for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Comedy Series in 1991. She made her movie debut in 1982 in “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan,” in which she played beautiful Vulcan officer Lieutenant Saavik. In 1999 Alley starred in the dark comedy film “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” a cult-classic mockumentary that follows the contestants in a beauty pageant in Minnesota. She starred in Woody Allen’s “Deconstructing Harry,” and alongside John Travolta in the hit films “Look Who’s Talking,” “Look Who’s Talking Too” and “Look Who’s Talking Now.” Some of her other film credits include “Shoot to Kill,” “Summer School,” “For Richer or Poorer” and “Champions.” In 1995 Alley was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She served as the spokesperson for Pier One from 2000 to 2004, Jenny Craig from 2005 to 2008 and is currently the Poise Fairy. In 2010, Alley worked with experts in science, nutrition and medicine to launch Organic Liaison, which includes Rescue Me, the first-ever USDA certified organic weight-loss product. Alley has successfully lost 100 pounds using the Organic Liaison program. Her second book, The Art of Men (I Prefer Mine Al Dente), will be released this November by Atria, an imprint of Simon and Schuster.
PAMELA ANDERSON – A multi-talented model, actress, entrepreneur, writer, philanthropist, activist, spokesperson, designer and mother, Pamela Anderson is one of the most diversely talented stars in history. Anderson follows her passions, whether it’s “Learning French in fast cars…” (A play she has written and will produce) or lending herself, with complete faith, as a death defying magician’s assistant in Las Vegas. As a film, television and musical theatre star, Anderson’s resume speaks for itself, from the iconic hit “Baywatch” to the smash film “Borat,” she regularly impacts popular culture. She has appeared on the cover of countless magazines throughout the globe, including the cover of Playboy Magazine 14 times in America alone. Beyond media, Anderson is an esteemed art collector of the likes of Richard Prince, Ed Ruscha, Jeff Koons, Marilyn Minter, Mel Ramos, Santé D’orazio, Terry Richardson, Luca Pizzaroni, Marc Quinn and David LaChapelle. After a fulfilling experience building her Malibu home, Anderson has also branched into design, currently heading up ATHASI, a firm with partner Josh Chrisant that specializes in green architecture. She is also appearing in multiple campaigns for her comrade and mentor, the legendary Dame Vivienne Westwood. As a philanthropist, her work and dedication is unmatched in the celebrity community. A long time supporter of PETA, Anderson has also lent her time and resources to causes such as JP/HRO, Waves For Water, USO, Cool Earth, Sea Shepard Conservation Society (she recently flew to Germany to defend Captain Paul Watson for his wrongful imprisonment), and The MAC Viva Glam 5 campaign raising awareness for AIDS testing around the world. Anderson is also producing a documentary series with activist Paul Manley in Canada entitled “Whatever It Takes,” showcasing people who dedicate their lives to a cause at all costs. Full of surprises, and always one to pursue new passions, she recently excelled as a participant and competitor on the smash-hit ABC series “Dancing with the Stars.” Her hard work and talents caught the attention of the musical theatre community, and she is on the cusp of announcing a project that will serve as the next chapter in the career of this powerful woman, devoted mother, sex symbol and style icon who continues to inspire fans across the globe.
HELIO CASTRONEVES – One of the most popular personalities in all of sports, Helio Castroneves – Team Penske’s elder statesman – has accomplished much in his illustrious career, yet he remains passionate in his desire to achieve much more. Castroneves returns for his 13th season with Team Penske in 2012, driving the No. 3 Shell-V-Power Pennzoil-Ultra and AAA/Automobile Club of Southern California Indy car. Known for his electric smile and enthusiasm, he has driven and danced his way into the hearts and minds of people around the world. One of the two active drivers to have earned the distinction of being a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the only race car driver ever to become a “Dancing with the Stars” champion, Castroneves in many ways is in a league of his own. He has parlayed his foray in the entertainment world into working as an occasional correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight” and, in the fall of 2010, was invited back to the set of “Dancing with the Stars” to serve as a judge on the show after being voted as one of the top-10 best dancers from the first 10 seasons of the show. Castroneves’ celebrity status has afforded him an array of opportunities worldwide, the highlight of which came in 2004, when he had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a private audience with Pope John Paul II while visiting Vatican City. His garage boasts the 2001 Indianapolis 500 Pace Vehicle Oldsmobile Bravada; a 50th Anniversary Special Edition Chevrolet Corvette, which he received for winning the 2002 Indianapolis 500; and his latest addition, a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. Castroneves enters the 2011 season once again ready to compete for the IZOD IndyCar Series championship for Team Penske and to battle for a record-tying fourth Indy 500 victory.
JOEY FATONE – Former *NSYNC star Joey Fatone 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. Fatone also just completed a horror film “Inkubus,” working aside the original Freddy Kruger — Robert Englund. He was host of NBC’s cirque competition series, “Celebrity Circus.” He also produced his first cable television series, “The Singing Office,” for TLC and co-hosted the show alongside Melanie Brown. Fatone served as host of NBC’s international hit series, “The Singing Bee,” and in late 2007 hosted the Australian version of the successful series. From 2008 to 2009 he was featured as the lead red carpet host at all the major award shows for the TV Guide Network. Fatone is most beloved for being a member of one of the most successful music groups in the 90s, *NSYNC. The group has won multiple awards and set numerous records, including selling 1 million copies of their album “No Strings Attached” on its first day and 2.4 million for the first week (a record that still stands today). Fatone comes from a family of performers; his first acting gig was at the age of seven, starring with Robert DeNiro in the feature film “Once Upon a Time in America.” Other film credits include “The Cooler,” alongside Alec Baldwin and William H. Macy, “Homie Spumoni,” with Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Faison and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Fatone and his wife, Kelly, currently reside in Orlando with their daughters, Briahna and Kloey. He remains actively involved with his charity, The Fatone Family Foundation.
SHAWN JOHNSON – At 20 years old, gymnast Shawn Johnson 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. After a two-year hiatus from competitive gymnastics, Shawn returned to training in 2010 in an effort to make the 2012 Olympic Team. Just weeks before Olympic Trials, she was forced to withdraw due to injury and retired from the sport. Shawn hopes to attend an Ivy League school and would like to study business, medicine and to own a gymnastics facility some day. Her second book, Winning Balance: What I’ve Learned So Far About Love, Faith and Living Your Dreams, was published in June 2012. Her first book, Shawn Johnson, Olympic Champion-Stories Behind the Smile, was published in January 2009. She is involved in a number of philanthropic activities such as working with animal and children’s charities, working with cancer charities, particularly those that affect women and children, and is a strong advocate of health and wellness initiatives. Shawn is also involved in programs that help build good character amongst youth across the country.
DREW LACHEY – 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. He also served as co-host of” Dancing with the Stars” and hosted ABC’s “Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann,” a live, one-hour series that featured teams created by judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. A Broadway veteran, Lachey starred as Mark Cohen in Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize winning musical, “Rent,” and as King Arthur’s right-hand man, Patsy, in Mike Nichols’ award-winning production of Monty Python’s “Spamalot.” Other onstage work includes Corny Collins in “Hairspray” and the “Dancing with the Stars” tour. Lachey also hosted HGTV’s “$250,000 Dollar Challenge” — a reality show where families compete to pay off their mortgage with home-improvement challenges — “America Sings” for the Gospel Music Channel and the “Miss USA Pageant,” which he co-hosted with Nancy O’Dell. He, along with design partner Sabrina Soto, won the celebrity edition of HGTV’s “Showdown Battle of the Bonus Room,” where the team beat designer Matthew Finlason and figure skater champion Kristi Yamaguchi. Lachey is married and the proud father of two.
GILLES MARINI — 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.” He also starred on ABC’s marquee drama “Brothers & Sisters,” and has had guest starring roles in some of primetime’s favorite shows, including “Modern Family,” “Hot In Cleveland,” “Are You There Chelsea,” “Royal Pains,” “Nip/Tuck” and ABC’s “Castle.” Other television credits include “Ugly Betty,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Criminal Minds” and “Windfall.” Film credits include “L’une et L’Autre (One and the Other)” and “Pirates of the Caribbean 3.” Marini has been in national campaigns for a wide range of brands including Budweiser, Clairol, Coca Cola, Chrysler, GNC and Infiniti. He is currently the face of the Perry Ellis brand A(X)IST. Born and raised in Grasse, France, he became an American Citizen in June 2012. He started working in his father’s bakery at the age of 8. After high school, Marini joined the French Army and was stationed in Paris as a fireman for the famous Brigade des Sapeurs Pompiers de Paris. It was in Paris where he met Fred Goudon, the famous photographer who introduced him to the world of modeling. After fulfilling his military duties, Marini decided to go to the United States to learn English while working as a model. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer as part of a neighborhood team and as part of the Hollywood United Soccer Team. He also donates a lot of his time and resources to the Maximum Hope Foundation, a charity that raises funds for families with terminally ill children. He currently resides in California with his wife, Carole, son Georges and daughter Juliana.
KELLY MONACO — Kelly Monaco originated the highly anticipated role of Samantha McCall on ABC’s “General Hospital” in October 2003. In the category of Outstanding Lead Actress, Monaco was an Emmy nominee for this role in 2006.Her television credits include co-hosting the 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards as they were broadcast for the first time from Hollywood. 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,” garnering her first Daytime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2003. Her television debut occurred in 1997, when she landed a recurring role on “Baywatch.” While shooting “Port Charles,” she also guest starred opposite Charlie Sheen and Heather Locklear in a season finale of ABC’s “Spin City.” In addition she has appeared in the feature films “Idle Hands,” “Mumford,” “BASEketball,” and was most recently seen on Hallmark’s movie “Edge of the Garden.” Monaco headlined and opened the Las Vegas “Peep Show” performing in front of sold-out audiences. She was also featured in the Emmy-Award winning documentary “Daytime Gives Back, Africa,” and allowed fans a peak into her private life on E!’s “Dirty Soap.” Monaco grew up on the East Coast, where she participated in soccer, swimming, track and softball, among other sports. Her family moved from the bustling city of Philadelphia to the more peaceful environment of the Poconos. In addition to athletics, she participated intensely in speech, debate and theater in high school. She is involved in Feed the Children and Children’s Hospital, and resides in Los Angeles
APOLO ANTON OHNO – 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. Born in Seattle, Washington, Ohno was raised by his Japanese father, Yuki, whom Ohno credits for his success as he pushed him to pursue excellence on and off the ice when considering his future. Launched into the national spotlight after winning two medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Ohno’s unique look, including his wavy hair and signature bandana, helped attract countless fans. At the 2006 Winter Olympics, he once again won over the hearts of Americans as he added three more medals to his collection, including a gold in the Men’s 500m. Beyond the Olympics, Ohno was ranked by Nielsen’s State of the Media: Year in Sports 2010 as third-most effective athlete endorser, ranks tenth in Business Week’s Power 100, and is author of The New York Times Bestseller and top-selling sports biography, Zero Regrets: Be Greater Than Yesterday. Passionate about being a positive role model for youth, he is an Ambassador for health and wellness initiatives aimed at children, is active in Ronald McDonald House charities and also involved in Nikkei Concerns, a leading provider for elder care services. Continuing to demonstrate his diverse talents, Ohno recently finished his first acting roles on “Hawaii Five-O” and in the SyFy film, “Tasmanian Devils.” He will return to the Olympics as a reporter for NBC this summer in London.
BRISTOL PALIN – 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 and Levi Johnston’s son, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, was born in 2008. Palin is an author, speaker and reality television personality. After she became a single mother at age 18, she began to publicly advocate teenage pregnancy prevention, and is now a paid speaker on the subject of teen pregnancy. In May 2009, at age 18, Palin worked with The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy to inform young people about the negative consequences of teenage pregnancy. In May 2009 she was named a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Ambassador for the Candie’s Foundation, a teen pregnancy prevention organization that is a division of the Candie’s clothing brand. Her duties as a paid spokeswoman involved attending town hall meetings, public service announcements, and giving interviews on morning talk shows. Palin competed in the fall 2010 season of “Dancing with the Stars: and reached the finals, finishing in third place. In June 2011, she and Nancy French released her memoir, Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far. Palin candidly discusses aspects of her personal life, including tensions with the McCain family and losing her virginity. The book was a New York Times bestseller. Currently Palin is starring in a docuseries, “Life’s a Tripp,” produced by Associated Television International, which follows Palin as she adjusts back to normal routine in Alaska.
MELISSA RYCROFT – One week after the most talked about season finale of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” “Bachelor” star Melissa Rycroft stepped onto the dance floor in heroic fashion on “Dancing with the Stars.” With just two days to prepare for her nationally televised ballroom dancing debut, Rycroft displayed character and strength overcoming nerves, anxiety and the pressure to perform in front of a live audience. Paired with professional dancer Tony Dovolani, Rycroft “waltzed” her way into America’s hearts and into a third-place finish on Season Eight of the hit ABC series. In April 2012, CMT Network launched her latest television project, “Melissa and Tye: A New Reality,” which explores the ups and downs of her desire to explore her career in Los Angeles while maintaining relationships with her family and friends in Dallas, as her husband commutes each week to build his Dallas based business. In December of 2010 Rycroft married her longtime sweetheart, Tye Strickland, in a seaside ceremony in Mexico that received world-wide attention, and soon after took on co-hosting duties on “Dick Clark’s Rocking New Year’s Eve” for ABC, where she appeared 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. Rycroft was a member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and appeared on two seasons of CMT’s “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.” She graced the cover of the April 13, 2009 issue of People Magazine and was featured among their 100 Most Beautiful People of 2009. Rycroft has also been named to Maxim’s Hot 100 list. A graduate from the University of North Texas with a degree in marketing, she resides in Dallas, TX and Los Angeles, CA.
EMMITT SMITH – 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. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010, Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, having amassed 18,355 yards during his 15 seasons. His charm and charisma quickly translated off-the-field to the entertainment world following his retirement. In 2006 Smith, along with dance partner Cheryl Burke, was crowned winner of the hit ABC reality show “Dancing with the Stars.” Now gearing up for the 2012 All-Star season, he is preparing hit the dance floor with energy and excitement once again. As well known for his character and integrity as he is for his athletic ability, Smith continues to give back to the community and support higher education via Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, an organization that annually awards college scholarships and provides enrichment opportunities to underserved youth. Most recently he authored the 2011 book, Game On: Find Your Purpose – Pursue Your Dreams, which chronicles his story from humble beginnings growing up in Pensacola, Fla. to his rise in the business world. Smith is currently President & CEO of Emmitt Smith Enterprises, Inc., which includes Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, the marketing and management of the Emmitt Smith brand, and the company’s two core businesses, EJ Smith Construction and E Smith Legacy, a real estate company. Smith is a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in public recreation. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married and the proud father of five children.
Source: ABC
—Posted by Rebecca Murray
