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Actress Elaine Hendrix, best known for her role in The Parent Trap, gave fans a scare when she was hospitalized with a rib injury just hours before performing on Dancing With the Stars' Halloween Night episode. The 54-year-old star had been rehearsing an Argentine tango with her professional partner, Alan Bersten, when the incident occurred, forcing her to withdraw from the live show.
"I injured my ribs during 'Defying Gravity' and they just seized up," Hendrix revealed in a heartfelt Instagram video. "I couldn't move. They brought me to the hospital." Despite the pain, her determination shone through as she assured fans that she would return to the dance floor soon. "The doctor said with a day or two of rest, I should be able to continue—and that's exactly what I want to do."
In her absence, producers aired rehearsal footage of Hendrix and Bersten performing their routine to "Bad to the Bone" by George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Their practice earned them solid scores, 8s from all judges, which kept them in contention. Hendrix expressed deep gratitude to her partner for "holding down the fort" and urged fans to keep voting for them.
Bersten later shared how frightening the moment was, recalling that Hendrix suddenly froze mid-dance, unable to move or breathe. "It's just a lot of unknowns," he admitted, "but I hope this isn't the end of Elaine's dream to dance."
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough confirmed that the actress remains cleared to compete if her recovery progresses. Her resilience and passion have already made her a fan favorite, and her return is eagerly anticipated. In true showbiz spirit, Hendrix's motto seems clear: the show must go on, even if it takes a few deep breaths and a lot of courage to get there.
