'Dancing With the Stars': Beloved Contestants Who Have Sadly Passed Away

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Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers (1946–2023)

Suzanne Somers captured audiences' hearts through her roles in Three's Company and Step by Step.

In 2015, she brought her signature personality to season 20 of Dancing With the Stars, partnering with Tony Dovolani. She finished in ninth place.

Somers died on October 15, 2023, just one day before her 77th birthday, following a lengthy battle with breast cancer that had spread to her brain.

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Celebrities

Over the years, Dancing With the Stars has welcomed some of entertainment's biggest names, from Hollywood legends and chart-topping singers to beloved television personalities and professional athletes.

From Shannen Doherty and Kirstie Alley to James Van Der Beek, we're remembering the stars who once stepped onto the dance floor and are sadly no longer with us.

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James Van Der Beek

James Van Der Beek (1977–2026)

Best known for his starring role in Dawson's Creek, James Van Der Beek showed audiences another side of his talent when he joined season 28 of Dancing With the Stars in 2019.

Paired with professional dancer Emma Slater, the actor impressed viewers throughout the competition and ultimately finished in fifth place.

Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48, after battling colorectal cancer.

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Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty (1971–2024)

Shannen Doherty became a television icon thanks to her roles in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed. In 2010, she traded acting for dancing when she joined the show's tenth season.

Although she and partner Mark Ballas were the first couple eliminated, Doherty later explained that she had participated to make her father proud.

The actress died on July 13, 2024, at age 53, following a long battle with breast cancer.

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Aaron Carter

Aaron Carter (1987–2022)

Former teen pop sensation Aaron Carter brought his energy and charisma to season nine of Dancing With the Stars in 2009.

Alongside professional dancer Karina Smirnoff, the singer made an impressive run, eventually finishing in fifth place.

Carter died on November 5, 2022, at just 34 years old. His death was ruled an accidental drowning, with the effects of difluoroethane and alprazolam contributing.

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Mary Wilson

Mary Wilson (1944–2021)

As one of the founding members of The Supremes, Mary Wilson helped shape the sound of Motown and became a music legend.

In 2019, she joined season 28 of Dancing With the Stars, partnering with Brandon Armstrong. Unfortunately, her ballroom journey ended after the first elimination.

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Jacoby Jones

Jacoby Jones (1984–2024)

Former NFL star Jacoby Jones proved that his impressive footwork extended beyond the football field.

Competing alongside Karina Smirnoff in season 16 in 2013, the former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver danced his way to third place.

Jones died on July 14, 2024, at the age of 40. His death was later attributed to hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

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Jerry Springer

Jerry Springer (1944–2023)

Famous for his outspoken personality and long-running talk show, Jerry Springer surprised audiences when he joined the third season of Dancing With the Stars in 2006.

With professional partner Kym Johnson, Springer entertained viewers and managed to reach fifth place.

The television personality died on April 27, 2023, at age 79, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

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Anne Heche

Anne Heche (1969–2022)

Actress Anne Heche, known for her performances in Another World, Six Days, Seven Nights, and numerous other productions, joined the ballroom competition in 2020.

Partnered with Keo Motsepe in season 29, she was the third celebrity eliminated.

On August 5, 2022, Heche was seriously injured in a car crash in Los Angeles. She died on August 11, 2022, at the age of 53, with her death publicly announced the following day.

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Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman (1926–2021)

Academy Award-winning actress Cloris Leachman made Dancing With the Stars history when she competed at the age of 82.

The beloved actress joined season seven in 2008, dancing alongside Corky Ballas and finishing in seventh place.

Leachman died on January 27, 2021, at age 94. A stroke was listed among the causes of death, with COVID-19 identified as a contributing factor.

Several beloved celebrities who once competed on Dancing With the Stars have since passed away. From Hollywood actors to musicians and sports legends, we remember their lives, careers, and memorable moments in the ballroom.

While their time in the ballroom may have ended, many former contestants have since passed away, leaving behind unforgettable performances and remarkable careers.

Remembering the 'Dancing With the Stars' Celebrities We've Lost

Although these beloved stars are no longer with us, their contributions to entertainment, sports, and television continue to be remembered. Their appearances on Dancing With the Stars remain another special part of the legacies they left behind.