‘dancing with the Stars’ Contestants Who Died: Remembering the Stars We Lost

The Legacy of Dancing With the Stars

Dancing With the Stars, one of television’s most beloved reality competition shows, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special themed episode that not only highlights current contestants but also honors those who have left us. The show, which has been entertaining viewers for three decades through a blend of dance and drama, will air on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

A Tribute to the Fallen Stars

While the episode will include performances from remaining Season 34 contestants, it will also pay tribute to those who have passed away over the years. The show has seen its share of notable participants whose lives tragically ended after their time on the dance floor.

Notable Contestants Who Passed Away

Suzanne Somers, a familiar face from Season 20 in 2015, died from breast cancer in October 2023 at the age of 76. She was remembered for her strong performance on the show, where she finished as the fourth contestant eliminated.

Jacoby Jones, who came in third place during Season 16 in 2013, died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease in July 2024 at the age of 40. His passing was a shock to fans and cast members alike.

Cloris Leachman, a seasoned actress who participated in Season 7 in 2008, passed away in January 2021 from a stroke, with COVID-19 as a contributing factor.

She finished in seventh place during her time on the show.

Mary Wilson, a member of The Supremes who competed in Season 28 in 2019, died at 76 years old from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. She was eliminated as the first contestant that season and inspired many with her grace on the dance floor.

Kirstie Alley, known for her role in Friends, completed two stints on the show, first during Season 12 in 2011 where she came in second place, and later as an all-star participant in 2015. She died from colon cancer in December 2022 at 71 years old.

Valerie Harper, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 80, participated in Season 17 in 2013 and was one of the first to be eliminated.

Her battle with terminal cancer before her DWTS appearance made a lasting impact on fans.

Anne Heche, who died in August 2022 at the age of 53, was a contestant during Season 29 in 2020 and was also among those eliminated early. Her untimely death shocked the entertainment world.

Aaron Carter, known for his music career before joining DWTS as a participant on Season 9 in 2009, died tragically in November 2022 at the age of 34 due to an accidental drowning incident. His cause was further complicated by taking alprazolam and inhaling difluoroethane.

Florence Henderson, a legendary actress known for her role on Sesame Street and The Partridge Family, participated in Season 11 in 2010. She passed away from heart failure in November 2016 at the age of 82.

Shannen Doherty, who competed on DWTS during her last days battling breast cancer, died after years of treatment in July 2024, marking a poignant end to an inspiring journey.

A Special Homage

To honor these stars and their contributions to the show, Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa will choreograph and perform a routine that pays tribute to all the DWTS contestants who have passed away. This emotional segment is part of the 20th-anniversary celebration, which also features the remaining Season 34 contestants.

The episode on November 11, 2025, will not only look back at two decades of memorable dance performances but also serve as a heartfelt tribute to those who no longer walk the red carpet. Dancing With the Stars continues to captivate audiences with its blend of entertainment and real-life drama, ensuring that even in their absence, these stars shine brightly through the memories they left behind.