Kelly Monaco: A Journey from Soap Star to Dancing With the Stars Champion
The Unexpected Opportunity
Kelly Monaco, best known for her role as Sam McCall on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, faced a pivotal moment in her career when she received an unexpected offer to join the cast of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS). Prior to being crowned the first-ever champion of the contest in 2005, she encountered skepticism from those around her. As she recounted, “I had a letter in my mailbox in my dressing room at [General Hospital].” Family and friends cautioned her against the reality TV route, as many believed it could tarnish her reputation as an actress.
However, Monaco approached this challenge with an adventurous spirit. “I had never heard of ballroom dancing before,” she shared, revealing her fearless attitude: “But I was just like, ‘F*** it. I’ll try anything once.’ That’s how I’ve always rolled in life.”
The Birth of a Phenomenon
Dancing With the Stars debuted in 2005, based on the British reality show Strictly Come Dancing. The competition quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Monaco was paired with professional dancer Alec Mazo, competing against notable celebrities such as John O’Hurley and Evander Holyfield. The initial six-episode run was not just a test; it would soon redefine her career.
Monaco’s journey on DWTS was fraught with ups and downs. Reflecting on her start in the competition, she admitted, “I was horrified by the comments from the judges” after her low scores in the first episode. Yet this setback ignited a fire within her. “I was like, ‘OK, it’s on. We’re going in and we’re doing this.’”
Navigating Challenges
As she progressed week by week, Monaco transformed from a self-proclaimed "bad dancer" into a confident performer. “I think people related to me in that I went from duck feet to being able to spin,” she recalled. Her commitment to improvement was especially significant given her personal health challenges, including ruptured eardrums and equilibrium problems. Each week became a victory for her, not just by surviving the competition but by defying her perceived limitations.
Amidst the highs of her dancing journey, Monaco also experienced a now-infamous wardrobe malfunction. During a samba performance in week four, her dress broke. “Alec was very strict, and he prepared me for every obstacle,” she said, emphasizing Mazo’s readiness for unexpected challenges. Yet, nothing could prepare her for the incident itself. She described the moment vividly, likening it to “someone had a laser beam from five miles away and shot my costume.”
The Turning Point
Rather than viewing the wardrobe malfunction as a setback, Monaco found it to be a pivotal moment in her DWTS experience. “I remember looking at the judges and thinking, ‘Is there a stop button?’” Faced with the realization that she had to continue, she decided to adapt. “I’ll just hold my dress up while I dance,” she thought, showcasing her resilience and ability to thrive under pressure.
This experience endeared her to the audience, allowing fans to see her as more than just a soap opera villain. “This gave the audience a chance to see the real me in a circumstance where you can either fall flat or rise above,” Monaco explained.
From Champion to All-Star
After her initial victory, Monaco returned to Dancing With the Stars for its All-Stars season in 2012. Partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, she continued to impress, finishing in third place. Her performances set a benchmark for contestants, showcasing not just skill but the growth that comes with dedication.
With the 34th season of Dancing With the Stars set to premiere this fall, featuring celebrities like Alix Earle and Jen Affleck, Monaco’s legacy continues. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, a quality she exemplified when she first joined the competition.
Monaco’s story is a celebration of resilience, growth, and the unpredictable paths that can shape a career.
