Maks Chmerkovsky explained how Dancing with the starsThe In Memoriam dance from the 20th anniversary special made him particularly emotional.
Speaking on the Thursday, November 14, episode of the “Penthuse with Peta” podcast, Chmerkovskiy, 45, said emotions “overwhelmed” him as the tribute to the deceased Kirstie Lane occurred.
“I felt the second most important and heartfelt part was what we call In Memoriam? » Chmerkovskiy said, reflecting on the episode that aired on Tuesday, November 11. ” First of all, Ezra [Sosa] And Rylee [Arnold] did a great dance, you know, giving him center stage.
He continued: “But these are my people. You know, these are my generation, people who cried a little like when Kirstie Lane appeared and I liked, [it] overwhelmed me a little. So, you know, these things come back. These are people that I remember and realize, wow, they passed away.
Alley competed on DWTS in season 12 in 2011 as well as in the All Stars season (season 15) the following year. The actress was partnered with Chmerkovskiy for both seasons.
She was among the deceased celebrities who were honored during the In Memoriam dance. Other old DWTS the candidates featured in the included segment Jerry Springer (Season 3), followed by Cloris Leachman (Season 7), Aaron Carter (Season 9), Shannen Doherty (Season 10) and Florence Henderson (Season 11) and more.
“Let us remember those members of our Ballroom family who are no longer with us. » DWTS co-host Alphonse Ribeiro54, said during the episode. “They will live forever in our hearts.”
Maks Chmerkovskiy and Kirstie Alley.
(Photo by Getty)Alley died in December 2022 following a battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.
THE Cheers the death of the actress was confirmed by her two children, William True Stevenson And Lily Stevenson via a post shared on his Instagram on December 5, 2022.
“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a recently discovered battle with cancer,” they shared via the post. “She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with the certainty of her endless zest for life and the adventures that awaited her. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Maks Chmerkovskiy admitted he was hard on some of his Dancing With the Stars co-stars because of the financial elements of the show. “There are specific ways to influence you to want to do your best and stay and so I think someone like me, for example, it backfires on you,” Chmerkovskiy, 45, exclusively told Us Weekly. […]
The following day, Chmerkovskiy shared a tribute to Alley via his Instagram account.
“My dearest Kirstie, we haven’t spoken lately and I will tell you everything when I finally see you, but for now I want to tell you that I love you very much and wish you the most peaceful rest,” he wrote at the time. “You were one of the most unique people I have ever met and easily one of the brightest moments of my personal and professional life. Some of our relationships are well documented. Most of them are known to a select few. It was all like a wild roller coaster. From Maude to DJ Lil Buttercup, you were always up for life.”
He added: “I thought you would be here forever. I wish we talked often. Thank you for everything. I love you Kirstie Alley. RIP.”
