Danielle Fishel is joining season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars,” a decision she says was inspired in part by her recent health battle.
The “Boy Meets World” alum revealed that her breast cancer journey gave her the push to embrace new opportunities and seek out more joy.
Danielle Fishel’s Breast Cancer Journey: Diagnosis & Treatment
Fishel, partnered with professional dancer Pasha Pashkov, is among several celebrities competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy this season.
“The minute I was done with my cancer treatment, I thought to myself, ‘If this has shown me anything, it has shown me that I am not experiencing enough joy in my life,’ ” Fishel, 44, told People in an exclusive interview.
The actress explained she wanted to step away from her daily routine and focus on having fun. “I’m going through every day, performing tasks and being there for my family and being there for work. Where’s the fun?” she said.
Fishel first shared her diagnosis of Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early form of breast cancer, on her podcast “Pod Meets World” in August 2024. She later revealed on “Good Morning America” that her doctor advised her, “There is no easy cancer,” even with the early-stage diagnosis.
Following the news, Fishel underwent a lumpectomy in August 2024, followed by a margin revision surgery the next month. She then completed 20 rounds of radiation, which left her in significant discomfort. “It hurt to be awake,” she said, describing the burns and rash caused by the treatment.
Danielle Fishel on Saying Yes to ‘Dancing with the Stars’
After finishing treatment, Fishel adopted a personal mantra of “saying yes to this year,” an outlook she explained made her decision to join “Dancing with the Stars” an easy one.
“When they asked me to do this, I was like, ‘This is the perfect way to cap it off,’ ” she said. “Joining DWTS was just the fastest I’ve ever said yes.”
Other cast members for the upcoming season of “DWTS” include include Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa, social media personality Dylan Efron with Daniella Karagach, and “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” stars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt. Also joining the competition are “The Parent Trap” actress Elaine Hendrix, NBA All-Star Baron Davis, actor Corey Feldman, Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui, and comedian Andy Richter.
Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars” premieres Sept. 16 on ABC, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes will also be available the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
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