Harry Hamlin Warns Zac Efron: DWTS Injuries Aren’t a Joke
When Harry Hamlin, actor warned Zac Efron about the danger of breaking an ankle on Dancing with the Stars , the exchange lit up fans of the ABC‑produced show and reignited a debate that’s been simmering since the series first aired in 2005. Hamlin’s caution, delivered on the “Strike A Pose!” episode of the Let’s Not Talk About The Husband podcast, referenced his own bruising stint on the 2007 season and underscored why a misstep on the ballroom floor can feel as final as a career‑ending injury.
Hamlin’s Dance‑Floor Debut: A Crash Course in Live TV Pressure
Back in the spring of 2007, Hamlin—best known for his role in “L.A. Law”—signed up for Season 4 of DWTS despite having never taken a formal dance lesson. The show, which ABC aired from March 19 to May 22 that year, thrust him onto a stage at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood before a live audience of roughly 20 million viewers.
“I was terrified,” Hamlin recalled on the podcast. “My heart was pounding, and when the announcer said my name I thought, ‘Oh my god—what am I doing here?’” The actor’s anxiety turned physical when he injured his ankle during a cha‑cha routine, later requiring an epidural for pain relief. “Ankles are tricky on that floor,” he warned, “one slip and you’re out of the competition, possibly out of work.”
Zac Efron’s Upcoming Waltz: What Hamlin Said and Why It Matters
Fast‑forward to September 2024: Zac Efron, the 36‑year‑old star of “High School Musical,” is set to make his DWTS debut alongside professional dancer Emma Slater. The buzz surrounding his entry hit a new peak when Hamlin, sitting beside his wife Lisa Marie Rinna on the podcast, bluntly told Efron, “If you injure yourself, you’re effed. It’s over for you.”
Hamlin’s point wasn’t hyperbole. In the 12 years since his own appearance, several contestants—including 2013 champion Donald Driver and 2021 runner‑up Hillary Scott—have missed weeks due to torn ligaments or severe sprains. A 2022 ABC internal memo (leaked to industry insiders) noted that “ankle‑related withdrawals have risen 27 % over the last five seasons.” For actors whose primary income stems from on‑screen work, a month off set can translate to millions lost.
The Physical Toll of Live‑Televised Dance
DWTS isn’t just a night of glitz; it’s a grueling 3‑hour rehearsal schedule, a nightly performance, and a relentless media circus. Medical professionals who consult for the show—most notably orthopedic surgeon Dr. Maya Patel of Los Angeles Orthopedic Center—explain that the repetitive jumps and turns place “excessive shear stress on the talus and calcaneus, especially in dancers without a prior conditioning base.”
In a recent interview with Variety, Dr. Patel added, “Celebrities often think their fitness regimens will carry them through, but the specific demands of ballroom—tight turns, partner lifts, sudden directional changes—are a different animal.” She recommended a three‑month pre‑season program focusing on proprioception, ankle stability, and low‑impact cardio to mitigate risk.
Reactions From the Dance Community
The warning sparked a flurry of comments on social media. Professional dancer Alan Carr tweeted, “If Harry’s seen it, trust him. Those ankles are the weak link—take the prep seriously.” Meanwhile, former pro partner Valentin Yankovsky said on Watch What Happens Live that “the show’s production staff has stepped up safety, but the pressure to wow the judges still pushes contestants to the edge.”
Even the show’s producers, represented by BBC Studios Los Angeles, issued a brief statement: “We prioritize performer safety and have expanded our on‑set medical team for the upcoming season.” The comment didn’t elaborate on protocol changes, leaving fans to wonder how far the safety net truly goes.
What This Means for Celebrities and Their Careers
For actors like Efron, the stakes are higher than a trophy. “A dance‑related injury can sideline a film shoot, jeopardize a tour, or—worst case—force an early retirement,” noted entertainment lawyer Jenna Miller. She cited the case of Rob Davis, who suffered a broken foot on DWTS in 2019 and subsequently missed a lead role in a Broadway revival, costing him an estimated $1.2 million in lost earnings.
Hamlin’s own post‑DWTS life reflects that reality. After his 2007 stint, he channeled his love for performance into launching Harry’s Famous Sauce, a condiment line, and advocating for the National Endowment for the Arts. “I learned the hard way that the body can only take so much,” he said, “and that’s why I now push for better health resources for artists.”
Looking Ahead: How the Next Season Might Change
Industry insiders predict that the 2024 season will feature a “health‑first” approach, with mandatory preseason screenings and an on‑call physiotherapy team. If Efron follows Hamlin’s advice and invests in targeted ankle conditioning, he could set a new benchmark for celebrity contestants.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the glitter of the DWTS spotlight comes with a price tag measured in bruises, rehab sessions, and sometimes, career crossroads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hamlin’s warning affect Zac Efron’s preparation?
Efron has reportedly hired a sports‑medicine specialist and added ankle‑strengthening drills to his routine, a move directly inspired by Hamlin’s caution. This extra prep aims to reduce the risk of the sort of sprain that sidelined Hamlin in 2007.
What injury statistics does DWTS track?
Internal data from ABC shows that, out of 1,200 contestants since 2005, roughly 8 % have missed at least one week due to a dance‑related injury, with ankle sprains making up the majority of those cases.
Why are ankle injuries so common on DWTS?
The choreography demands rapid direction changes, pivots, and lifts—all of which place extreme shear forces on the ankle joint. Without a dancer’s foundational conditioning, even a minor slip can turn into a severe sprain or fracture.
What steps is the show taking to improve safety?
Producers have announced expanded on‑set medical staffing, mandatory preseason health screenings, and a new protocol that allows contestants to take short breaks for physio without penalty.
Could an injury on DWTS impact an actor’s other projects?
Absolutely. A severe ankle injury can delay shooting schedules, force recasting, or even halt a film’s production, potentially costing studios millions. That’s why many stars weigh the risk very carefully.
Write a comment