Longtime friends Elaine Hendrix and Lisa Ann Walter, beloved by fans for their roles as on-screen rivals Meredith Blake and Chessy in Disney’s 1998 classic The Parent Trap, recently reunited on Dancing With the Stars for a heartwarming performance that celebrated their enduring bond and delighted viewers worldwide.
The magic of The Parent Trap extends far beyond the silver screen, particularly in the enduring friendship between its stars, Elaine Hendrix and Lisa Ann Walter. While their characters, the villainous Meredith Blake and the beloved nanny Chessy, were at odds in the iconic 1998 film, their real-life connection blossomed into a bond that has charmed fans for decades, culminating in a highly anticipated reunion on Dancing With the Stars.
An Unlikely Friendship Forged on Set
Their journey began on the set of The Parent Trap, where Elaine Hendrix portrayed Meredith Blake, the girlfriend of Hallie’s (Lindsay Lohan) father, and Lisa Ann Walter played Chessy, Hallie’s devoted nanny. Despite their characters’ on-screen rivalry, the actresses quickly formed a deep friendship.
Walter recounted their initial connection in a September 2023 interview, describing their first meeting over lunch as a “long first friendship date.” She recalled asking Hendrix to join her, where Walter indulged in pie while Hendrix had a salad. “But we did not leave the table for … it had to have been four hours. And then [she] came back to the room. And we talked for another couple of hours. It was like a long first friendship date, where we got all the info,” Walter told Entertainment Weekly.
This immediate connection solidified into a lasting bond. “When you know that it’s more, is when you keep hanging out after the project ends, and that’s what we did,” Walter explained. Hendrix echoed this sentiment, describing their friendship as “fate,” especially after they discovered during Ancestry’s web series, unFamiliar, that their great-grandparents had lived mere blocks from each other in New York City.
A Timeline of Support and Sisterhood
Over the years, Elaine Hendrix and Lisa Ann Walter have consistently supported each other through various personal and professional milestones, showcasing their unwavering bond. Their public appearances together have delighted fans who have followed their journey since The Parent Trap premiered.
- 1998: First Meeting
While auditioning, they saw each other in passing, but their official meeting on the first day of filming The Parent Trap sparked their lasting friendship. Walter initiated a lunch date that lasted hours, cementing their bond.
- June 2008: On Stage Together
The duo performed on stage for the What a Pair event in Los Angeles, demonstrating their shared talents and camaraderie.
- June 2011: Book Signing Support
Hendrix showed her support for Walter at the signing of Walter’s book, The Best Thing About My Ass Is That It’s Behind Me.
- October 2022: Compassion Gala
They shared a night out at the Last Chance For Animals 2022 Compassion Gala, showcasing their mutual commitment to causes.
- February 2023: SAG Awards Plus One
Walter brought Hendrix as her plus one to the SAG Awards, where the Abbott Elementary cast, including Walter, won for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
- September 2023: Ancestry Discovery
The pair participated in Ancestry’s web series unFamiliar, where they uncovered a surprising ancestral connection, reinforcing their belief that their friendship was destined.
- July 2025: Freakier Friday Premiere
Walter attended the premiere of Hendrix’s film Freakier Friday, where they shared a sweet reunion with their Parent Trap co-star, Lindsay Lohan.
- September 2025: Emmys Night Out
The friends enjoyed a night out together at the Emmys, continuing their tradition of supporting each other at industry events.
A ‘Parent Trap’ Reunion on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Dedication Night
The pinnacle of their public friendship came on October 14, 2025, during season 34 of Dancing With the Stars. As Elaine Hendrix competed for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy with her professional partner, Alan Bersten, she knew there was only one person she wanted by her side for Dedication Night: Lisa Ann Walter.
Hendrix told Us Weekly ahead of the episode, “When they said that we’re doing a Dedication Week, she was the only person I thought of. She had to do it.” Walter, whom Hendrix has previously called her “life security blanket” according to People, joined Hendrix and Bersten on the ballroom floor for a foxtrot routine.
The performance, set to Natalie Cole’s ‘This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),’ was a heartfelt tribute not only to their friendship but also to The Parent Trap itself. Fans immediately recognized the nostalgic nod, further enhancing the emotional impact of the dance. Adding to the special night, their Parent Trap co-star Dennis Quaid was spotted backstage, cheering for Hendrix.
Judges and Fan Reactions
The judges offered varied feedback. Carrie Ann Inaba lauded it as “what a wonderful way to celebrate friendship.” Derek Hough praised Walter’s strong pivots while critiquing Hendrix’s shoulder placement. Guest judge Kym Herjavec expressed, “That made my heart happy,” and Bruno Tonioli described it as “pure Hollywood,” noting they had a “very good time.” The trio earned an overall score of 30 out of 40 points.
However, fans on social media felt the performance was underscored, with many expressing overwhelming joy and admiration for the reunion:
- “Absolutely underscored. Elaine was elegant and super polished. Alan killed it with the choreo and incorporating Lisa (who needs to join next season!) Two sevens was wild compared to other scores. Should’ve gotten some.”
- “This was so good, did not deserve 7s at all. I love their friendship so much and Lisa looked pretty good! She should be on the show in the future! They both looked absolutely gorgeous.”
- “You could’ve told me this was a trio week dance and I would’ve believed you cuz this absolutely flawless! Lisa wasn’t even the contestant and performed with so much charisma right next to Elaine…such a fun & authentic foxtrot! I give it an 8.”
- “Everyone sobbed during Robert’s and then started smiling seeing Elaine’s props to who planned that.”
The performance resonated deeply with fans, especially those who grew up with The Parent Trap. Hendrix acknowledged this connection, stating, “Part of [the fun] is the fans of Parent Trap and the fans who have grown up with us and who have been with us for over 30 years, sharing our friendship. So much of it is for them and what our love represents for them.”
The enduring friendship between Elaine Hendrix and Lisa Ann Walter is a testament to the powerful bonds formed in Hollywood, proving that sometimes, the magic off-screen can be even more captivating than the stories they tell.
