'DWTS' Contestants and Cast Members Who Have Died

Gone, but not forgotten. Since its inception in 2005, Dancing With the Stars has made professional dancers household names and offered second chances to some forgotten stars. Unfortunately, a handful of members of the DWTS family have died over the years.

As celebrities and their professional dancer teammates train through the weeks leading up to one talented pair taking home the Mirrorball Trophy, it’s natural that the contestants and cast members form a close bond. James Van Der Beek, who competed on season 28, credited the community of the show with helping him mourn after his wife, Kimberly Brook, had suffered a miscarriage.

“I did this show hoping my kids would see me work hard… little did I know they’d see me brought to my knees. Before our personal tragedy, I’d been trying to figure out a way to explain to my kids why I’d found it so important to support my cast even though they were technically my competitors,” the Dawson’s Creek alum wrote on Instagram in 2019.

“And then they saw me need their support. And accept it. It’s not the Olympics… it’s a reality dance show. But it’s also a family … Thank you to my partner and friend for life [Emma Slater] for being so open and strong and talented, to the entire cast of pros for the mini master-classes and the wordless hugs, and the entire crew,” he wrote.

Sadly, the DWTS family has lost a number of contestants and dancers over the years. To honor those who have died since appearing on Dancing With the Stars, the show adds their name inside of a star on the floor of the ballroom.

Deal of the Day

Only $12! — (And No One Will Know They Aren’t Designer) View Deal

Florence Henderson, the beloved actress who played Carol in The Brady Bunch, was the first DWTS alum to die, and her sudden passing in 2016 shocked the cast.

“I had to take some time last night with my favorite person, Florence Henderson,” judge Carrie Ann Inaba shared at the time. “We have a star on the floor in her honor. I miss her person but will always feel her beautiful spirit in presence. Life is short but love is forever.”

Keep scrolling to see all of the former contestants and cast members of Dancing With the Stars who have passed after appearing on the show.

Have a tip? Send it to us! Email In Touch at contact@intouchweekly.com.

Serge Onik

Serge was a choreographer on DWTS and was loved by dancers and celebrities alike.

“My Serge…..my Koala I can’t believe it, I am completely broken,” dancer Peta Murgatroyd wrote at the time. “You were always such an amazing leader in dance and the king of rhythm.”

Serge’s death was confirmed on August 24, 2021. He was 33. The cause of death has not been released.

Mary Wilson

Mary, one of the original members of The Supremes, danced with Brandon Armstrong in season 28.

“Honestly this breaks my heart to even write this. … She taught me so much about bettering yourself, loving others and standing up for what you believe in,” Brandon, 27, wrote at the time. “I loved the time we spent together but particularly the trip to New York after we were eliminated. On the plane, she spoke to me about learning to love your life, the good and the bad, loving people, the good and the bad and looking back on your life with joy! … I love you Miss Mary and God bless your family.”

On February 8, 2021, Mary died in her sleep due to hypertensive heart disease at 76.

Cloris Leachman

Cloris appeared on season 7 of the show and immediately stole the show. At the time, the Emmy- and Oscar-winning actress was 82 years old, but the natural comedian quickly won over fans as well as her castmates and judges. Paired with Corky Ballas, The Last Picture Show star came in 7th.

Cloris died of a stroke due to complications with COVID-19 on January 27, 2021. She was 94.

Valerie Harper

Valerie, best known as Rhoda on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, began as a dancer on Broadway so appearing on the dance floor in season 17 might have felt like coming home for the comedian.

Valerie was 80 when she passed away after a long battle with lung cancer on August 30, 2019.

“Such terrible news to hear – Valerie was one of a kind and I loved spending time with her and getting to know her I genuinely loved her and will miss her dearly,” her dance partner, Tristan MacManus, wrote at the time.

Florence Henderson

Florence, best known as playing the matriarch of The Brady Bunch, would revisit the set for years after she appeared in season 11 dancing with Corky Ballas, 60. The former host of the show, Tom Bergeron, revealed that the actress had stopped by for a visit shortly before her passing.

Florence was 82 when she died of heart failure on November 24, 2016.