'DWTS' Stars Who Have Passed Away, Remembering The Legacy Of Aaron Carter, Anne Heche, And More

Dancing with the Stars is unlike any reality show ever. Reality TV stars, political leaders, athletes, musicians, etc, celebrities who have aced vastly different professions come together to display their dancing chops. While other reality shows can make you anxious sometimes with fights, game plays, controversies, and more, with DWTS, the star contestants show a fun-loving side of themselves. 

As a result, this show makes the celebrities very endearing to the viewers. By entertaining fans with their performances, the DWTS participants also form deep connections with the audience. Hence, the passing away of former Dancing with the Stars celebrities has always felt like a personal loss. As season 34 of the show is about to have another winner, let's remember the stars of the DWTS fraternity who have passed away. 

DWTS Season 11's Florence Henderson passed away in 2016

Florence Henderson appeared in the 11th season of Dancing with the Stars in 2010. Although she was nearly 76, she competed on the dance floor and gave it her best. Before displaying her dancing on DWTS, Florence was known for her skills as a singer and an actress. Six years after participating in the show, Florence passed away at the age of 82 from heart failure on Thanksgiving Day 2016. 

Valerie Harper starred in Dancing with the Stars despite her prolonged battle with cancer

Valerie Harper competed in DWTS Season 17 at the age of 74. As a Broadway dancer in her younger days, she showed off her skills on the dance floor. Although she was eliminated from the show pretty early on, Valerie's courage became an inspiration for many, since she had participated in the show amid a prolonged battle with cancer. It was in 2009 when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. In 2013, the year she participated in DWTS, Valerie was told by doctors that she had only three months to live. But the veteran actress still fought the disease and lived five more years. Valerie passed away in August 2019. 

Cloris Leachman passed away at the age of 94 from a stroke 

Cloris was the star of DWTS Season 7 in 2008. Before becoming a reality TV star with the show, she was a highly acclaimed veteran actress and a comedienne. Cloris passed away at her home in 2021 after suffering a stroke. As per reports, COVID-19 had also played a role in her ill health. 

Mary Wilson of The Supremes and DWTS Season 28 contestant died in her sleep

Mary Wilson was the first contestant eliminated from her season of Dancing with the Stars and might not be remembered by viewers. However, Mary has left behind an iconic legacy in the music industry. She was the founding member of the girl group, The Supremes. In 2021, Mary Wilson passed away at the age of 76. She died in her sleep from hypertensive cardiovascular disease. 

Two-time participant of DWTS, Kirstie Alley, passed away from colon cancer in 2022

Kirstie Alley participated in Dancing with the Stars twice. She came in second place in Season 12, which aired in 2011. Then, Kirstie participated again in the 'All-Stars' season of 15 and took seventh place. The veteran actress and two-time participant of DWTS passed away at the age of 71 in 2022. The cause of death was cited as colon cancer. 

Anne Heche passed away in an accident just two years after appearing on Dancing with the Stars Season 29

Popular TV and theatre actress, Anne Heche, had appeared on Season 29 of the show in 2020. On August 5, 2022, just two years after DWTS, Anne was involved in a massive car accident with three vehicles colliding. Due to the crash, she had suffered smoke inhalation, brain injury, and severe burns. Anne was hospitalised and kept on life support. But on August 11, 2022, she was declared brain dead, and four days later, her organs were donated. Anne was 54 when she died. 

Aaron Carter's shocking death at the age of 34

Aaron was the younger brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys. He was also a musician himself and had established a name in teen pop genre. At the age of 21, Aaron had participated in DWTS Season 9. The singer passed away at 34 in 2022 after accidentally drowning in his bathtub. It was later revealed that Aaron had inhaled toxic substances before passing away. 

Suzanne Somers' cause of death was breast cancer 

Businesswoman, author, and actress, Suzanne Somers, had donned many hats in her lifetime. With her appearance in DWTS Season 20, she also mastered dancing. Suzanne had fought with cancer since her 30s. She had skin cancer. And in 2000, it was revealed that Suzanne also had breast cancer. In 2023, Suzanne passed away from this disease at the age of 76. 

Jerry Springer was a popular contestant on DWTS Season 3 

Jerry Springer, who had been an actor, journalist, lawyer, talk show host, and even the Mayor of Cincinnati, participated in the third season of Dancing with the Stars to test his skills as a dancer. He went quite far in the show and came in fifth place. In April 2023, Jerry Springer passed away after suffering from pancreatic cancer. 

Jacoby Jones passed at the age of 40

National Football League star, Jacoby Jones had participated in Season 16 of DWTS. Three days after his 40th birthday, Jacoby passed away in his sleep in July 2024. As per reports, the NFL star had long-term hypertension, and his cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease. 

Shannen Doherty had participated in Season 10 of DWTS 

Shannen Doherty had starred in Dancing with the Stars Season 10. However, her journey on the show ended very soon, as she was the first person eliminated that season. Five years later, Shannen was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the age of 53, she passed in 2024, after nearly a decade-long battle with the disease. 

May all the late contestants of DWTS rest in peace. 

Also Read: 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 34 Grand Finale Date And Time REVEALED, What's In Store?

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