Elaine Hendrix Reveals She ‘Begged’ Not to Go to the Hospital After Dancing with the Stars Injury and Was ‘Sobbing’ Over Vote Results
For Elaine Hendrix, this season of Dancing with the Stars has been as emotional as it has been physically demanding. The 53-year-old actress, best known for her iconic role in The Parent Trap, opened up about the injury that forced her to miss the show’s latest episode — and the emotional rollercoaster that followed.
During rehearsals, Hendrix suffered a painful rib injury that left her unable to perform at full strength. But despite doctors’ concerns, she admitted she tried to push through the pain. “I begged them not to send me to the hospital,” she revealed. “All I could think about was the dance. I didn’t want to let my partner down, I didn’t want to let the audience down.”
Her partner, visibly concerned, insisted she get medical attention when her pain became unbearable. Hendrix reluctantly agreed, but even while being examined, her heart remained on the dance floor. “I was sobbing,” she said, “not because of the pain, but because I couldn’t finish what I’d started.”
For viewers, it’s easy to see Dancing with the Stars as glitz and glamour — sequins, spotlights, and standing ovations. But behind the scenes, contestants push their minds and bodies to the edge. Hendrix, a lifelong performer but not a trained dancer, said the show demanded more of her than she ever expected. “You think you know what you’re signing up for,” she laughed softly, “and then suddenly you’re rehearsing six hours a day, doing lifts, spins, and choreography that pushes your limits.”
The injury came at a particularly emotional time in the competition. Hendrix had just started to hit her stride, connecting deeply with both her partner and her fans. After weeks of building confidence, the setback felt crushing. “It wasn’t just about the competition anymore,” she said. “It was about proving something to myself — that I could still take on something completely new and fearless at this stage of my life.”
When the voting results were announced, and her absence became clear, Hendrix broke down in tears. “I was sobbing,” she admitted again. “It’s hard watching from the sidelines when you’ve poured your heart into every performance.”
Despite the disappointment, Hendrix has found perspective in the experience. “It reminded me that strength isn’t always about pushing through,” she reflected. “Sometimes it’s about knowing when to pause, to heal, and to come back even stronger.”
The actress has been overwhelmed by the support she’s received from fans and fellow castmates. Messages poured in on social media, with viewers praising her courage and resilience. “That kind of love means everything,” she said. “It reminds you that people see more than the sparkle — they see your heart.”
Hendrix is now recovering and focusing on her health, with hopes of returning to the show in some capacity once she’s cleared by her doctors. “I’ll be back,” she promised. “This experience may have knocked me down for a bit, but it hasn’t taken me out.”
For Elaine Hendrix, the pain, the tears, and the missed performance have all become part of a larger story — one of perseverance, vulnerability, and heart. And whether she’s on the stage or cheering from the sidelines, her determination continues to shine as brightly as ever.
