There are many reasons why celebrities sign up for Dancing With the Stars. Some are looking to reboot their careers, while others are attempting to get back into shape.

But all of it pales in comparison to Jonathan Bennett—best known for his role as Aaron Samuels in the iconic flick, Mean Girls—who is competing in the show’s nineteenth season.

The handsome actor revealed he has lost both his parents – his mom died in 2012, and his father passed away in April to brain cancer.

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“I just lost my father to brain cancer not but three months ago and this was his favorite show on television,” the 33-year-old told his hometown newspaper, The Toledo Blade.

“And when he was sick in hospice the only show he wanted to watch was Dancing With the Stars because he said this show made him feel good. So I’m doing this performance not just for myself but for my father because I know how badly he loved the show and how thrilled he would be that I’m on it.”

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And so far, Jonathan and his partner—DWTS newcomer and newlywed Allison Holker—are off to a great start.

They scored a 30 out of 40, and judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Julianne Hough all recognized the stud’s “potential.”

30 for you Jonathan Bennett, you go Jonathan Bennett!

We’re sure your parents are watching you with pride!

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