Elaine Hendrix’s absence was deeply felt on the “Dancing With the Stars” Halloween episode after the actress was rushed to the hospital for evaluation. At the start of the Tuesday, October 28, broadcast, cohost Alfonso Ribeiro told viewers that Hendrix, 54, and her pro partner Alan Bersten were missing from the lineup.
He explained that the “Parent Trap” star was “being assessed” at the hospital but assured fans that their votes would still count toward keeping the pair in the competition.
Castmates Call Hendrix a ‘Rockstar’ for Her Strength
Though Hendrix wasn’t in the ballroom, her “DWTS” family made sure she felt the love. Fellow contestant Jan Ravnik, who was eliminated that night alongside partner Jen Affleck after their Taylor Swift-inspired routine, praised Hendrix’s determination.
“She is a rockstar,” Ravnik, 30, told Us Weekly after the show. “I know that she’s going to push through it and she’s going to look amazing on stage.”
Former “DWTS” pro Mark Ballas also shared his relief that Hendrix and Bersten were able to remain in the competition. “I really believe Elaine is having such a magical moment on this show,” Ballas, 39, told Us Weekly. “I love watching her dance, and she’s a great human being. I just adore her. So hearing that she’s able to continue is a huge relief. I’m just glad it wasn’t a fracture or break.”
He added that injuries are part of the show’s intense nature. “This is hard. It’s physical,” Ballas said. “I’ve been on the end of an injury myself, and many of our pros and celebs have. I’m just so relieved for her that she’s able to continue.”
Whitney Leavitt echoed his praise, calling Hendrix “strong,” “tough,” and “a badass” as fans flooded social media with messages of encouragement.
Hendrix Thanks Fans From Hospital: ‘I’m Devastated‘
Even though she couldn’t compete, Hendrix and Bersten still appeared on the leaderboard thanks to rehearsal footage. Bersten performed solo in the ballroom as judges scored their Argentine tango, awarding the duo 32 out of 40 points. Guest judge Cheryl Burke called them one of the most “underrated” couples of the season.
During the episode, Hendrix shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her sadness over missing the Halloween performance.
“Halloween is my favorite, and I’m devastated,” she wrote. “I was beyond excited to share what we had worked so hard on. With your support, I’ll be back in the ballroom next week. I want nothing more.”
She added, “I’m sending all my love to Alan and the entire ‘Dancing With the Stars’ team (including @lisaannwalter, of course, she’s with me). Thank you all for your love, your support, and your votes. I couldn’t do this without you. 🫶🏼🎃 #DWTS #TeamPartnerTrap.”
Defying Pain & Proving Age Is Just a Number
Throughout the season, Hendrix has been candid about the physical hurdles she still faces decades after a life-changing car accident. “I have a titanium joint in my right foot, so that renders half my foot unusable,” she explained in an earlier intro package, as reported by E! Online. “Every week, my body shifts into a new pain spot, but I just don’t want to let it stop me.”
Her persistence has made her a fan favorite on Dancing With the Stars, where she continues to defy expectations week after week. Hendrix has also embraced her role as a symbol of strength for women in their 50s.
After her Disney Night performance earlier this month, she reflected, “I’m walking proof that your dreams may not go as you planned them, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not happening. Go for your dreams.”
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes available the following day on Hulu.
