Beloved actress Elaine Hendrix, known for her dedication on and off-screen, is making a determined return to ‘Dancing With the Stars’ after overcoming significant foot and rib injuries, showcasing her unwavering spirit and deep appreciation for the fervent fan support that kept her in the competition.
The ballroom of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ is known for its demanding routines, but few contestants have faced a challenge quite like Elaine Hendrix. The ‘Parent Trap’ star has captured the hearts of fans not only with her performances but also with her incredible resilience in the face of significant injuries, demonstrating a profound commitment to the competition.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, during rehearsals for the highly anticipated Halloween episode, Hendrix was dramatically carried out of the ballroom on a stretcher and transported to the hospital. This incident left fans and fellow competitors alike concerned for her well-being and her future in the show.
A Double Blow: Foot and Rib Injuries
Hendrix’s recent health struggles began the week prior to her hospitalization. While dancing barefoot, she sustained a painful foot injury. “I ripped half the skin off the bottom of my right foot due to her ‘titanium joint,'” Hendrix revealed. This “titanium joint” is a lasting consequence of a severe car accident in 1992, when she was hit by a car while riding her bike, necessitating surgery on her foot as reported by Yahoo Entertainment.
The situation escalated when she was rehearsing for the Halloween episode. Her professional partner, Alan Bersten, explained that during a rehearsal for their Argentine Tango, “all the sudden, Elaine kind of throws, and she can’t move and can’t breathe and something happened with her rib.” This rib injury, which she believes stemmed from her “Defying Gravity” routine the week before, caused her ribs to “just seized up,” preventing her from moving.
The Road to Recovery and Resumption of Rehearsals
Following her hospitalization, Hendrix wasted no time in updating her supportive fanbase. In a video message posted on Instagram on Wednesday, October 29, she reassured everyone she was “doing okay” despite being “tender” and “sore.” She announced her immediate plans for recovery:
- She began pain management on Wednesday.
- She would not be dancing on Wednesday or Thursday.
- She planned to resume dancing and rehearsals on Friday, October 31.
- Her ultimate goal was to be back in the ballroom for the live show next Tuesday.
Hendrix’s determination was palpable in her message: “First and foremost, I’m okay, and second of all, I’m ready to go.”
A Halloween Episode Without Her Presence
Despite her absence from the live Halloween Night broadcast on Tuesday, October 28, Hendrix and Bersten were still very much a part of the show. The judges evaluated their performance based on footage from their last full rehearsal. Even in her injured state, the duo garnered impressive scores, receiving 8s across the board from all four judges, including guest judge Cheryl Burke, for a total of 32.
Fans were encouraged to vote as usual, and their support proved crucial. Host Alfonso Ribeiro confirmed that doctors had cleared Hendrix to continue in the competition if she survived elimination. Thanks to the combined power of judges’ scores and fervent fan votes, Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten were saved, ensuring their return to the ballroom.
Hendrix expressed her heartbreak at missing Halloween Night, which she describes as her favorite, and shared a glimpse of what her costume would have been: an ensemble inspired by Charlize Theron’s character in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, complete with a tattered dress and braided updo. This further highlighted her dedication to the creative aspects of the show and her partnership with Bersten, who confirmed their plan to “take it easy” during rehearsals but assured fans they would be back for the next live show, as reported by Us Weekly.
The Unwavering Support of Fans
Throughout this ordeal, both Hendrix and Bersten have repeatedly emphasized their gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans. “We just wanted to say thank you so much for voting for us, and show so much love to Elaine and the support,” Bersten said in their Instagram video. “We can feel it and we appreciate it so much.” Hendrix echoed this sentiment, stating the support was “palpable” and that she was seeing all the messages.
Her journey underscores the powerful connection between performers and their audience, especially in a show like ‘Dancing With the Stars’ where fan votes directly influence the competition. As Elaine Hendrix prepares to step back into the spotlight, her story stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring power of community support.
