Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night Lights Up DWTS

Elaine Hendrix, born Katherine Elaine Hendrix on December 28, 1970, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is an American actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. She began her career as a professional dancer and model after winning a modeling contest in high school and working with companies like Nike and Levi's, as well as performing in music videos for artists such as MC Hammer. However, a serious bicycle accident shortly after moving to Los Angeles in 1992 ended her dancing and modeling career, prompting her to focus on acting. Hendrix gained widespread recognition for her role as Meredith Blake, the antagonist in the 1998 remake of *The Parent Trap* starring Lindsay Lohan. Her film credits also include *Romy and Michele's High School Reunion*, *Superstar*, and *Inspector Gadget 2*. On television, she has appeared in numerous popular series, including guest roles on *Friends*, *Joan of Arcadia*, *Charmed*, and *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*. She had a recurring role on *Married... with Children* and starred in the comedy series *Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll* (2015–2016). More recently, Hendrix portrayed Alexis Carrington Colby on the CW reboot of *Dynasty* from 2019 to 2022. In addition to screen acting, Hendrix has performed on stage, notably in an Off-Broadway production and a successful 2016 run of *Steel Magnolias* at Pennsylvania’s Bucks County Playhouse, which became the theater’s highest-grossing show. As of late 2025, Hendrix remains active in entertainment, including participating as a top contestant on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 34. She continues to be recognized for her versatility as an actress and her ongoing contributions to television and theater[1][2][3][6].

Whitney Leavitt is an American social media influencer, reality TV personality, dancer, and mother of three, born on May 12, 1993, in Happy Valley, Utah. She initially built her career as a competitive dancer and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Dance from Brigham Young University in 2018. Whitney gained widespread recognition through her viral TikTok videos, where she became a prominent figure in the #MomTok community, creating content centered on family life, motherhood, and Mormon culture. Leavitt expanded her public profile by joining the Hulu reality series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* in 2024, a show that explored the controversial lives and relationships of Mormon moms and brought her both popularity and scrutiny. She appeared again in the show’s second season in 2025. Whitney has also acted in short films including *An Uncharted Desire* (2023) and *The League of Warriors* (2025). In 2025, Whitney competed in season 34 of *Dancing with the Stars*, impressing audiences with her performances and showcasing her dance background. She is married to Conner Leavitt since August 2016, and together they have three children. Their relationship and family life are frequently featured in her social media content. Whitney's estimated net worth ranges from $500,000 to $1 million, with income derived from social media sponsorships, reality TV appearances, brand deals, and earnings from *Dancing with the Stars*. Despite public controversies linked to her social circle and reality show, she remains an active figure in digital media and entertainment as of 2025[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Mark Ballas is an American professional dancer, choreographer, musician, and actor, best known for his long-running role as a professional dancer on ABC’s hit television show *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS)[1]. Born on May 24, 1986, in Houston, Texas, Ballas began his dance training at a young age and attended the Italia Conti Performing Arts School in London, England, laying the groundwork for his versatile career[2]. Ballas joined DWTS in its fifth season and quickly became a fan favorite, competing in over 15 seasons and winning the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy twice—first with Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi in Season 6 and again with gymnast Shawn Johnson in Season 8[1]. He is also an 11-time DWTS finalist, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill across various partnerships, including memorable runs with celebrity partners such as Bristol Palin, Chelsea Kane, and Katherine Jenkins[1][5]. His innovative choreography earned him a 2011 Creative Arts Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography[1][2]. Beyond the dance floor, Ballas has built a notable career in theater. He played Frankie Valli in *Jersey Boys* on Broadway, the national tour, and in Los Angeles, and took on the lead role of Charlie Price in *Kinky Boots* on Broadway[2][5]. His other stage credits include *The Buddy Holly Story*, *Copacabana*, *Jesus Christ Superstar*, and *Seven Brides for Seven Brothers*[2][5]. Musically, Ballas is half of the indie duo Alexander Jean, which he formed with his wife, singer-songwriter BC Jean. Their music has amassed over 200 million streams worldwide, with several charting singles and viral hits on platforms like TikTok[2][5]. Ballas is also a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and solo artist, having released his debut album *HurtLoveBox* in 2011[1]. In recent years, Ballas has remained active in entertainment, balancing music, theater, and television appearances. While he has stepped back from regular DWTS appearances, his influence persists in the dance community, and he continues to engage fans through social media and live performances. As of late 2025, Ballas remains a respected figure in both dance and music, known for his creativity, versatility, and enduring appeal across multiple entertainment disciplines[1][2][5].

Danielle Christine Fishel, born May 5, 1981, in Mesa, Arizona, is an American actress and director widely recognized for her role as Topanga Lawrence in the popular 1990s TV sitcom *Boy Meets World* (1993–2000). Initially a guest star, she quickly became a regular cast member, gaining significant attention and landing on the cover of *Seventeen* magazine. She was also named one of Teen People's "21 Hottest Stars Under 21" in 1999. Fishel reprised her role as Topanga in the Disney Channel sequel series *Girl Meets World* (2014–2017), where her character was now married to Cory Matthews, played by Ben Savage[1][2][3][5]. Starting her acting career at age ten with roles in plays such as *The Wizard of Oz* and *Peter Pan*, Fishel also appeared in TV shows like *Full House* and *Harry and the Hendersons* before her breakthrough role. Beyond acting, she transitioned into directing in 2017, working on over 50 multi-camera television episodes, including Disney Channel’s *Raven’s Home* and *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, as well as ABC’s *Shifting Gears* and NBC’s *Lopez vs. Lopez*. Her directing work earned her two Emmy nominations[1][2]. Fishel co-hosts the iHeart podcast *Pod Meets World* with former *Boy Meets World* castmates, further connecting with fans of the original series. She also runs a clean and affordable hair care line called Be Free by Danielle Fishel, available online and through QVC[1]. In her personal life, Fishel graduated from California State University, Fullerton, was married to Tim Belusko (2013–2016), and married writer/producer Jensen Karp in 2018, with whom she has two children[2][4]. She remains active in entertainment, both in front of and behind the camera, maintaining relevance through directing, podcasting, and entrepreneurship.

Pasha Pashkov is a Russian-born American professional ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality, best known for his appearances on the American dance competition series Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). Born on May 28, 1986, in Perm, Russia, Pashkov began his career in dancesport, quickly establishing himself as a competitive Latin dancer on the international stage[3]. He is married to fellow professional dancer Daniella Karagach, with whom he has a child; the couple has been both life and dance partners since at least 2009, marrying on July 18, 2014[1][3]. Pashkov first gained wider recognition in the United States when he and Karagach competed on the second season of NBC’s World of Dance in 2018[4]. However, his breakthrough to mainstream audiences came with his debut as a professional dancer on DWTS during its 28th season in 2019, partnering with actress Kate Flannery[1]. He has since become a regular pro on the show, working with celebrities such as Carole Baskin, Olivia Jade Giannulli, and, most recently in 2025, actress Danielle Fishel[1][2]. His dynamic choreography and technical precision have made him a fan favorite and a consistent presence in recent seasons[2]. Competitively, Pashkov and Karagach have earned multiple national and international titles, including United States 10-Dance Champions and Latin Champions[1]. Notably, in 2012, Pashkov won the Blackpool Rising Star Professional Championship and the UK Open Rising Star Professional Championship, cementing his reputation in the professional ballroom dance community[6]. Beyond competition, Pashkov has toured with DWTS: Live! and participates in various dance events and showcases alongside his wife[5]. As of 2025, Pashkov remains an active and prominent figure in both the competitive and entertainment sides of ballroom dance, continuing to appear on DWTS and maintaining a visible presence in the dance world through performances, teaching, and media appearances[2]. His partnership with Danielle Fishel in the current DWTS season underscores his ongoing relevance and appeal to both audiences and his professional peers[2].

William Jonathan Drayton Jr. (born March 16, 1959), better known as Flavor Flav, is an American rapper, hype man, and television personality who first rose to prominence as a founding member of the influential hip-hop group Public Enemy[1][4]. Born in Roosevelt, Long Island, New York, Flav grew up in Freeport, where he developed a passion for music and taught himself to play multiple instruments, despite facing personal struggles and a troubled youth that included run-ins with the law[4]. His musical journey took a decisive turn when he met Carlton Ridenhour (Chuck D), with whom he co-founded Public Enemy in 1985[1][5]. The group’s first album, *Yo! Bum Rush the Show* (1987), introduced Flav’s energetic, comedic persona as a counterpoint to Chuck D’s serious, politically charged lyrics[1][2]. Their second album, *It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back* (1988), propelled them to mainstream success and cemented their legacy in hip-hop history, with Flav’s distinctive voice, catchphrases like “Yeah, boyee!”, and iconic clock necklace becoming cultural touchstones[1][2][5]. As Public Enemy’s hype man and occasional solo rapper, Flav played a crucial role in the group’s dynamic, contributing to their six Grammy nominations and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013[3][6]. He is also recognized as one of the most sampled voices in hip-hop[3]. Despite his musical success, Flav faced personal challenges, including substance abuse and legal issues during the 1990s, which temporarily sidelined his career[5]. He made a notable comeback in the 2000s, transitioning into reality television with appearances on *The Surreal Life*, *Strange Love*, and the highly rated *Flavor of Love*, which became one of VH1’s most-watched non-sports programs[3][4]. These shows showcased his larger-than-life personality and further broadened his public profile beyond music. In recent years, Flav has continued to perform with Public Enemy and has expanded into acting, appearing in films such as *New Jack City* (1991), *Confessions of a Pit Fighter* (2005), and *Hold On* (2019)[3]. His cultural impact endures, both as a symbol of hip-hop’s golden age and as a reality TV pioneer. While he maintains a presence on social media and at live events, there have been no major recent controversies or career shifts reported as of late 2025. Flavor Flav remains a recognizable figure in American pop culture, celebrated for his unique contributions to music, television, and entertainment[2][3].