Actress Elaine Hendrix has opened up about her recent health scare after being rushed to the hospital for a rib injury just hours before Dancing with the Stars’ October 28 episode. Despite the setback, the Parent Trap alum expressed deep gratitude to fans for voting to keep her in the competition. Hendrix, 54, says she is “1000% determined” to continue dancing and prove her resilience on the ABC reality show.
What Happened: The Injury Incident
On the morning of October 28, Hendrix experienced severe chest pain during rehearsals that “took her breath away.” Although she had suffered a rib bruise a week prior, the pain intensified suddenly, prompting the production team to rush her to the hospital. Hendrix revealed she initially “begged” not to go, fearing she would miss that night’s live performance. Doctors later confirmed there were no fractures or punctures, diagnosing a muscle strain or tear.
Her dance partner Alan Bersten and close friend Lisa Ann Walter were at her side during the emergency. A pre-recorded rehearsal video was aired during the live broadcast, which received an overwhelming show of support from fellow contestants and fans.
Elaine Hendrix’s Reaction and Emotional Moment
Speaking to PEOPLE, Hendrix admitted she feared her time on the show had ended. “I get really emotional because I was really scared that I was going to be going home and that was not the note that I wanted to end on,” she said. When results revealed she was safe, Hendrix and Walter “started sobbing and laughing,” overwhelmed with relief and gratitude.
She added that fan recognition for her dedication, costumes, and stage presence made her feel validated: “That was the biggest gift I could have gotten from this situation.”
Recovery and Impact on the Competition
After two days of rest, Hendrix returned to rehearsals on October 31 under a strict physical therapy regimen. She emphasized that she and Bersten will continue performing at full strength, barring medical limitations.
“Unless it’s something I absolutely can’t do, we’re not holding back,” Hendrix said. “We’ll get the pain managed, and I just want to keep going for it.”
Her determination could inspire fellow contestants as the competition intensifies heading into the later rounds of Season 34.
What’s Next
Doctors have cleared Elaine Hendrix to resume training, and she’s expected to return to the ballroom on Tuesday’s live episode. Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Disney+ and Hulu.
Sources
PEOPLE Magazine (Exclusive Interview)
ABC / Dancing with the Stars Production Notes
Disney Entertainment Press
