Dancing with the Stars season 20 cast announced
The 10thanniversary celebrity cast of Dancing with the Starsis strapping on their ballroom shoes and getting ready for their first dance on MONDAY, MARCH 16 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.This 20thseason’s lineup of celebrity dancers includes a television icon, a party rocker, a football star and a Shark, to name a few. Fans will have to wait to find out who the final couple is when they are announced in the coming weeks, completing the cast of twelve celebrity dance couples.
As announced this morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, the celebrities with their professional partners heading to the ballroom this season (in alphabetical order) are:
NOAH GALLOWAY –A native of Birmingham, Alabama, SergeantNoah Gallowaywas assigned to the 1st of the 502nd Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky during Operation Iraqi Freedom.Just three months into his second tour of duty, he experienced a life changing injury. On December 19, 2005, Galloway lost his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee in an Improvised Explosive Device attack. He was transported to Germany to receive medical treatment, remaining unconscious for five days. Galloway woke up late in the evening on Christmas Eve to learn he lost two of his limbs and sustained severe injuries to his right leg and his jaw. Galloway was then transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. After a long stint in recovery and rehabilitation, Galloway did what many disabled veterans do, becoming withdrawn, out of shape and depressed. The former fitness fanatic and hyper competitive athlete was now drinking, smoking and sleeping his days away. But late one night, Galloway took a long look in the mirror and realized there was more to him than the injuries so he set a goal to get back in shape, be healthier and inspire others. Now a personal trainer and motivational speaker, the father of three doesn’t take excuses from his clients, fans and followers. He continues to compete, participating in adventure races around the country, such as Tough Mudder, Spartan events plus numerous 5K and 10K races.A sought after public speaker, Galloway travels the country sharing his story, encouraging and motivating others to offer no excuses.Most recently, Galloway appeared on the November cover of Men’s Health Magazine, as he was named the publication’s 2014 Ultimate Guy. He’s also been a guest on numerous national talk shows includingEllenandThe TodayShow.A firm believer in giving back to those around him in need, Galloway recently created the No Excuses Charitable Fund, which raises money and awareness for organizations that mean the most to him, including Operation Enduring Warrior and the YMCA of Alabaster, AL. Noah is partnered withSharna Burgess.
ROBERT HERJAVEC–Robert Herjavecis recognized as the “nice” Shark on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning hit showShark Tank. Born in Croatia, Robert and his family fled communism in the former Yugoslavia with just one suitcase and $20 to theirname. Today he helps launch the entrepreneurial dreams of millions of Americans and is recognized as one of the world’s leading cybersecurity experts. As Founder & CEO of Herjavec Group, Robert has grown his cybersecurity business over 12 years from $400K in sales and 3 employees to $140 million in sales and 250 employees worldwide. Robert is a proud Dad, a bestselling author, a marathon runner, a Ferrari racecar driver and is thrilled to be able to soon say “a dancer!” Robert is partnered withKym Johnson.
PATTI LABELLE–Beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world asPatti LaBelle. Through the years, the songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, and class. Her effortless ability to belt out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets has created the unique platform of versatility that the artist is known and revered for. For more than 50 years, Patti’s strong and soulful voice has left an indelible mark all over the world. This Philadelphia born entertainer captured her first hit in 1962, as lead singer of The BlueBelles and went on to receive worldwide acclaim with the trailblazing and genre bending trio, Labelle. A solo artist since the 1970s, Patti has created timeless songs that have helped cement her place as a music icon and garnered her numerous honors, including GRAMMY Awards,American Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards,New York Timesbestsellers and more. From music to film to books, Patti has shown her diversity and broken down barriers as an entertainer and businesswoman, most recently launching a line of products, Patti’s Good Life. The same motivation that helped Patricia Louise Holte blossom from choir member to lead vocalist to solo artist is the same energy that keeps her fire burning at seventy years young. In addition to being a world-class artist and mother of five, Patti is just as well known for her philanthropy and willingness to share her blessings and gifts with the world. Patti is partnered withArtem Chigvintsev.
NASTIA LIUKIN–Grace and beauty in the sport of gymnastics ledNastia Liukinto her crowning achievement as Olympic All-Around Gold Medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, but winning five medals was only the beginning for this golden girl. After returning home, she graced the pages of countless magazines and appeared on various TV shows, while even being chosen as one of 2009’s most influential people. Liukin’s commitment to helping young girls with big dreams landed her a clothing line, SuperGirl by Nastia along with her very own gymnastics competition, The Nastia Liukin Cup. Nastia was a member of the creative team and a cast member for the Kellogg’s Tour of Olympic Champions, a national, 40-city tour that followed the 2012 Olympic Games. She remains active in the Olympic world as the Athlete Ambassador for the USOC’s Road to Rio tour, along with work as a the female television commentator at USA Gymnastics Nationals, Olympic Trials and the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 for NBC. Liukin is currently a junior and full-time student at New York University, majoring in Sports Management. Nastia is partnered withDerek Hough.
RIKER LYNCH–Riker Lynchis an actor / musician / songwriter originally from Littleton, CO. He has been singing and performing since the age of 3 and was originally cast in Hollywood as Jeff Sterling, one of the members of the Warblers, the acappella group featured inGlee. He appeared in seasons 2, 3 and 4 ofGlee, and also appeared as a Warbler in the 2011 edition of theGlee Live! In Concerttour. Riker is currently a singer and bassist in the Hollywood Records recording act R5, along with his siblings Rydel, Rocky and Ross Lynch (who plays Austin on Disney’sAustin & Ally) and best friend Ellington Ratliff. R5 has toured extensively throughout the world, playing over 150 shows in the last two years to sold out audiences,rapidly emerging as an exciting new voice in the world of pop rock, Riker will be partnered withAllison Holker.
CHARLOTTE MCKINNEY–21 year old model and actress,Charlotte McKinney, is the centerpiece of the highly buzzed about Carl’s Jr. Super Bowl ad, the fast-food chain’s most successful to date with a staggering 2.5 billion media impressions in less than two weeks. She previously fronted a campaign for the iconic brand, GUESS. Charlotte began modeling full-time at the age of 17. In addition to modeling, she continues to build her acting career across television and film. This summer, she can be seen inJoe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser, co-starring with Christopher Walken and David Spade. Having spoken publicly about personal experiences with bullying, she continues to be vocal about the issue that the long term effects it has on its victims. Charlotte has a growing social influence with close to half a million followers on social media. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Charlotte will be partnered withKeo Motsepe.
REDFOO –The man beneath the famous fro is more than just a charismatic character on the airwaves,RedFoois a formidable entertainment force; performer, producer, actor, host, judge, innovator and fashionista. Bursting onto the world stage as one half of LMFAO, and scoring a swag of #1’s in more than 30 countries, his sound reflected a new movement in music, catapulting him into high demand amongst his musical alumni, collaborating with the likes of Kanye West, Pitbull,Will.i.am, fellow DJ’s David Guetta and Steve Aoki and performing along side Madonna in the 2012 Super Bowl half time show. His fresh, fun and fluro flavour has earned him countless nominations, honors and accolades from both his peers and party rockin’ fans including theAmerican Music Awards, MTV EMA’s, MTV VMA’s, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards and 2 of France’s most prestigious NRJ Awards. 30 million single sales later, 1.7 billion views on YouTube and RedFoo is just getting the party started. After a stint on the AustralianX Factorjudging panel, he is back in the U.S and ready to unleash his new smash hit,Juicy Wiggle. RedFoo is the first everDWTSguest judge to appear as a contestant on the show. RedFoo is partnered withEmma Slater.
MICHAEL SAM — Michael Sam was raised in Hitchcock, Texas and attended University of Missouri on a football scholarship. Michael made history last year when the star college football player came out as gay ahead of the NFL draft, making him the first openly LGBT player to be drafted in any major American sport. As a college player at the University of Missouri, Sam was named a first-team All-American and Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Sam’s bravery earned him the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2014 ESPY Awards. In 2014, he was named one of GQ Magazine’s Men of the Year and was a finalist for Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year. He recently became engaged to his boyfriend, Vito Cammisano. Michael is partnered with Peta Murgatroyd
WILLOW SHIELDS–Willow Shieldsis most notably recognized for her role as Primrose Everdeen intheThe Hunger Gamesfranchise. The New Mexico nativebegan acting at the age of seven when she followed her brother to an audition and bookedarole in USA Network’sIn Plain Sight. She was in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movieBeyond the Blackboard, as well as R.L. Stine’sThe Haunting Hour. However,it was her break-out role as Prim, the sensitive but strong younger sister to Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in the worldwide phenomenonThe Hunger Gameswhich bought her instantaneous international fame.Willowreprised herrole asthe caring, young healerinCatching FireandMockingjay Part 1. Fans around the globenoweagerly await thefranchise’s climatic finale,Mockingjay Part 2, which will be released this fall. Shields has always been very passionate about fashion and, very early in her career,caught the attention ofseveralworld-famous designers, including Marc Jacobs who was adamant about dressing the young starlet for a variety of events and award shows, even coining her as his muse in Nylon Magazine. Most recently,Shields made headlines with a cutting edge, eclectic lookthat turned critics’ heads when she appearedat NYC Fashion Week.
Shields’shares a special connection with her young fan baseandconsciously tries to inspire them tobe positive role models in their communities.Leading by example, she is a vocal advocate for Operation Smile, a charitable organization that provides free surgeries to repair facial deformities for children around the globe. She also serves food at various homeless shelters including the Manna Foodbank, she participates in the STOMP Out Bullying Campaign. When a tornado devastated the town of Moore, Okalahoma in May, 1993, Willow traveled to the community to help with the rebuilding efforts.When she isn’t working,Willow loves immersingherself in books and indulging in photography, exploringit as apowerful art form for self-expression. Willow is partnered withMark Ballas.
SUZANNE SOMERS–A trusted health advocate, very successful entrepreneur, and star of two hit TV series,Suzanne Somershas written 25 books, including 13New York Timesbestsellers, five of which were #1New York Timesbestsellers. Her last book, I’m Too Young for This!: The Natural Hormone Solution to Enjoy Menopause was an instantNew York Timesbestseller. Her new book, TOX- SICK: From Toxic to Not Sick , will be published by Harmony in April 2015. There are currently more than 25 million copies of Suzanne’s books in print. Her sizzling, sexy, sophisticated showSuzanne’s Nightcluband her residency at the Westgate Hotel Las Vegas begins May 23, 2015. She received an Emmy nomination as Outstanding Host forThe Suzanne Show, her weekly series of one-hour health specials on Lifetime. She is a founder of ForeverHealth.com, an online resource to connect patients with doctors specializing in natural hormone therapy. Suzanne is partnered withTony Dovolani.
RUMER WILLIS–Rumer Willisbegan her acting career as a child starring with her mother Demi Moore in the major motion picturesStripteaseandNow and Then. She is thrilled to be continuing her For the Record journey playing the Basket Case inDear John Hughes. Most recently she wowed LA audiences as Fran in the Baz Luhrmann production at DBA, having portrayed Juliet in its prior incarnation at Rockwell Table and Stage. She won acclaim as Mia Wallace/Beatrix Kiddo inFTR: Tarantino, which she also starred in at the Montreal Jazz Festival last summer. Ms. Willis is currently recording her debut album under the guidance of legendary music icon Linda Perry. Last year she starred in the pilot ofSongbyrdfor E! Network (based on the life of iconic songwriter Diane Warren). Known around Hollywood for her sultry vocals, Rumer and her band enjoyed a nearly 2 year Artist Residency at Hollywood hot-spot The Sayer’s Club. Her recent television credits includeWorkaholics,Pretty Little LiarsandHawaii 5-0, while her film credits includeHouse Bunny,SororityRow, Diary of Preston Plummerand many more. She wants to thank her family and friends for their continual support. Rumer is partnered withValentin Chmerkovskiy.