From securing the coveted “Sexiest Tattoos” title in PEOPLE’s Reader’s Choice poll to navigating a challenging injury on Dancing with the Stars, Dylan Efron shares his profound connection to body art and the unwavering support of his dance family.
In the vibrant world of Hollywood, where stars often keep their personal passions under wraps, Dylan Efron is openly celebrating his love for tattoos. The Dancing with the Stars contestant, also known for his appearance on The Traitors, recently revealed how his ink journey has become a significant part of his identity, culminating in an unexpected win and shared moments of vulnerability.
A Passion for Ink: Winning ‘Sexiest Tattoos’
At 33 years old, Dylan Efron has cultivated a deep passion for tattoos. This passion recently earned him a distinct honor: a win in PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025 Reader’s Choice poll for “Sexiest Tattoos.” Reacting to the accolade during the week 7 taping of Dancing with the Stars, Efron expressed his delight, noting how much he loved the recognition.
His dance partner, Daniella Karagach, playfully interjected, humorously thanking voters on his behalf. Efron humbly credited his tattoo artists, emphasizing his approach to body art: “I honestly just need to thank my tattoo artists because it’s all them. When I got these tattoos, I was like, ‘You do you. I’m not an artist,’ and they just went to town.” This collaborative spirit highlights his respect for artistic expertise, a theme that resonates throughout his journey.
For more details on the reader’s choice poll results, visit People.
The Heart Behind the Art: Efron’s Most Memorable Tattoo
When asked about his favorite tattoo, Efron pointed to a design on his forearm, sharing a personal story behind its creation. This particular piece holds sentimental value as it was his very first tattoo, acquired in Costa Rica.
“Definitely this one,” he shared with People. “I got it in Costa Rica, and the [tattoo artist] is the sweetest person. I felt so comfortable for my first tattoo.” The experience was not just about the ink, but the profound feeling of self-realization it brought. “It was just that feeling of I always wanted them and I had never done it, so I finally did something for me and it felt great,” he added, emphasizing the personal significance of finally embracing this form of self-expression.
Efron’s Tattoo Philosophy and Dance Metaphor
For fellow enthusiasts considering new ink, Efron offers straightforward advice: trust the professionals. His philosophy mirrors his approach to dancing on DWTS, where he relies on the expertise of his partner, Daniella Karagach.
“Let the artists work. They’re the artists, not you. Same way I let Dani choreograph,” he advised. This perspective underscores a broader theme of surrendering to skilled creators, whether in art or performance. It’s a testament to his belief in specialization and collaborative effort.
Dancing Through Adversity: A Broken Nose on DWTS
Efron’s journey on Dancing with the Stars hasn’t been without its challenges. The reality TV star recently faced a dance-related injury, breaking his nose during rehearsal. This unfortunate incident occurred when Daniella Karagach accidentally elbowed him in the face while attempting a new move.
Despite the pain, Efron maintained his characteristic humor, joking on an Instagram post, “Broke my nose, but don’t need it to dance.” The post, shared on October 25, featured photos of him in an emergency room chair, holding an ice pack to his face. In a video filmed from the hospital, he recounted the midnight mishap, pointing to his injured nose and recalling the “really loud crack” it made.
He swiftly assured fans of his recovery, stating, “not how I wanted to end the rehearsal day, but we’ll be back dancing tomorrow.” For the original post and video, visit Dylan Efron’s Instagram.
The Strength of Friendship: Support in Tough Times
The incident also highlighted the strong bonds formed within the Dancing with the Stars community. In his Instagram caption, Efron publicly thanked Daniella Karagach, fellow DWTS pro Pasha Pashkov, and contestant Danielle Fishel for their immediate support.
“I’m seriously all good — but I’ll never forget the way Dani, Pasha and Danielle wouldn’t leave my side when it happened, warms my heart to have friends like them ❤️,” he wrote. This expression of gratitude underscores the camaraderie and supportive environment that often develops backstage in competitive shows, offering a glimpse into the genuine friendships forged amidst demanding schedules.
