October 8, 2025 • 28 mins
From Parent Trap villain to DWTS fan favorite, Elaine Hendrix is spilling behind-the-scenes secrets! Tori’s girl-crush confession to TikTok redemption and why she proudly rocks the shirt that says “I’m 54, and I just did that.”
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Speaker 1 (00:08):
Miss Spelling with Tori Spelling and iHeartRadio podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
Hi, Hi, Miss Triple eighty one. Thank you for doing
this too. Oh my gosh yeah yeow Okay, look I'm
wearing a Disney shirt in honor of Disney Night Life.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Oh I should go get my ears.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Hi, Tori Hileen. This is so exciting and I've just
been watching every episode this season and I have such
a girl crush on you, oh, like, in every single way.
I think you're brilliant. And I mean I've always thought
(00:57):
you were a brilliant actress, but just watching all this
and seeing you in such a different element that I
guess I'm used to seeing you as as a fan
outside fan. It's just I'm into your hair choices, your
makeup choices, just because I know from being on Dancing
with the Stars we get input if we want to,
and so I know everything you're curating, and it's just
(01:20):
so brilliant and you're fast.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
And it does happen so fast, doesn't it. It's like
I've already our dance wasn't even over, and you know
what they're planning for the next week, when not even
knowing whether you're going to get eliminated or not. So
they're like, hey, you know, we're starting to make choices
and I'm like, I'm still learning this week's dance. How
is it? Like it's it's a really crazy process.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Oh my gosh, can you disclose what dance you're doing
next week? The type of dance at least? Is it
a fast one or a slow one?
Speaker 1 (01:53):
This one it's going to be. God, what a lame answer.
It's kind of like it's peppy. It's in the middle.
It's not like the quick it's not like the jive
or the quick step. I'm not doing that. But it's
not slow either. Okay, it's a very happy dance.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
You deserve a reprieve, like watching you do that quick step.
I was like, I can't believe it.
Speaker 1 (02:16):
Well, you know, I'm learning about ballroom in real time
and so you know. And my first week was the
cha chaw. Then I did the jive, then I did
the tango. Last night, I did the quick step. And
everyone's like, oh, you got the hard ones out of
the way, and I'm like, what do you mean, There's
still so much to do, Like I can't imagine, like
(02:38):
it gets it starts getting easy at this point.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Right, Well, it's only because it's in your head it's
getting harder and more competitive, not you. I mean technically
I think you did get the hardest ones out of
the way. But you know what, what is hard? You know,
it depends each person, something different resonates. I guess.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
So we is Alan just like every week like, oh,
we're going to do this and you're like, okay, great,
or are you like I'm more comfortable doing this type
of dance.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
No, it's we picked the songs or I get you know,
I gave choices, I gave ideas about the songs, and
then depending on availability, licensing, the dance, all of that,
then the actual song gets chosen and that's up to
Alan really to say, hey, yes, we can do this
dance with that song. And so it's while while I
(03:34):
definitely get some input and it's definitely a collaborative process,
at the end of the day, it's not my very
little is my decision final decision. And that's okay, I mean,
you know, that's that's part of the journey for me,
is like letting go and and putting a lot of
trust in this process and a lot of trust in
my partner.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Have you been hanging out with Jeff a lot.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
I have not met Jeff.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Jeff is Allen's dog, so.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
Really it's shocking. Everybody keeps asking it, and I keep asking,
like I'm at this point I think I'm just insulted.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
You know what, you should be right?
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Yes, yeah, full on.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
That's really funny. Oh so he doesn't bring him a
studio every day?
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Okay, No, No, he keeps saying that he's going to
and then it like, we have so much work to
do in so little time, and if a dog is
going to come to the studio, like, there's going to
be zero work done. Because this is true, the dog
the whole time.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
No, you're right, You're right. So wait, last night, Space Mountain.
But is Space Mountain your favorite ride? Is that? Why?
Speaker 1 (04:48):
So? I love Space Mountain? Yes, it's such a classic ride.
And Disneyland was so ahead of its time when they
built Space Mountain and made a a completely enclosed roller
coaster and a dark roller coaster in the dark. But
the whole reason that we chose it was because I
(05:11):
was the pre ride entertainment for over a decade. So
as people stood in line, they watched a comedy, alien news,
a newscast happening, and I was the female anchor, Pam Pulsar.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
That's right, Sorry, my bad. I learned that last night,
and I only learned that because of your package. But
I have never gone on Space Mountain. What so I
apologize that I've never in real time seen this before.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Wait, you're a so cow girl? How have you not
ridden Space Mountain?
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Terrified? Terrified of fast rides? Hate roller coasters. I didn't
go on Pirates of the Caribbe until I was forty
years old, and I screamed like a little baby, never
doing it. Well, now I feel like, actually, you know what,
if you take home the mirror ball, I'm saying it publicly,
I will go on Space Mountain with me. Fine. Oh screwed.
(06:08):
You don't even have to take home the mirror Ball.
If I get to go on Space Mountain with you, Fine,
I guess I'll do it. Wait is it really scary?
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Well, you're asking the wrong person, because I love stuff
like that. Now. I don't like like I don't like
the big, crazy roller coasters that can get a little
too intense. But I feel like space. I feel like
anything at Disneyland's not too terrifying. But if you were
getting scared at Pirates. Listen, I'll hold your hand.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Okay, okay, oh my girl, Chris is gonna hold my hand. Okay,
I'm in. I'm in. Did I? Oh? I just said it.
When do you start rehearsals.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
Today at five pm?
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Oh? You have the night shift?
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I do. I have the night shift because of next
week is dedication week and my dedication person is filming
during the day, so the night slots.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
So got it. Now. In the past, dedication Week kind
of was a mix of anything. It could be someone
inspired you, someone you love, someone you've lost. It appears
this time that the person is in the dance with everybody.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
This is true, Yes, correct, they are coming onto the
ballroom and I listen, you know, I am again. I'm
learning all of this in very real time. And I've
been a fan of the show. I've been to the
tapings of the show many many times.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Really, yes, I have wait to see like friends that
were in it.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Yeah, well Tom Bergeron is a friend of mine, and
so yeah, particularly in the OG days, I was there
a lot. But you know it's that I just because
I watched it and I was a fan doesn't mean
I understand like the rules and I was paying attention
to all the like little details. I just loved going
because it was such a spectacle. So I don't I
(08:00):
I don't really know the full ins and outs other
than we have been asked to like incorporate our dedication
person as much as possible. That's the that's the that's
the assignment.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
This is very exciting. You just took it to a
next level. Oh my goodness. And okay, so TikTok, I
feel like you guys are doing so much with TikTok
this year, this season. I mean TikTok really, I mean
not reimagined you. Oh my gosh, look what I'm saying.
(08:32):
But Meredith Blake, like it became such a huge thing
yea and viral again, and that is that is Meredith
Blake going to be part of next week a little bit.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Yeah, I mean it's already out there.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
So I'll say this first of all, TikTok, I like
to use the word redeemed TikTok, redeemed Meredith Blake and
I very much have the millennials to think for that,
because they are all about hashtag, just for Meredith Blake
and for it because I've been saying that since day one,
and next week my dedication is to my best is
(09:11):
with my best friend Lisa and Walter who played Chessie
in The Parent Trap.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Oh gosh, I can't. Is she nervous? Would it? Can
she dance?
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Well? Yeah she was? She was actually in a ballroom movie.
Shall we dance with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere and Stanley?
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Okay, okay, but you.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Know it's been that's that was several years ago. And
so we Lisa and I always used to go to
like cardio classes together, so we move. But you know,
I mean, the reality is we're in a.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Different cardio classes. You just date it yourself. I know.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Well I call it a I crunched jazzer size. That's all.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
That's all good. Do you ever do Billy blinks back
in the day?
Speaker 1 (10:00):
I think I did, But I also think that that
like hurt, so I didn't meet very much. That's what
I remember.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Yeah, I'd be freaked out if I was asked if
someone asked me to be in their dance, because what
if something goes wrong? Like, is it gonna end your relationship?
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Absolutely not, But coming you've been on the dance floor.
You could get out there and crush it.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
We'll see. No, that's that's a lot of pressure. Like
if I asked my best friend to be on the show,
she'd be like, are you kidding me?
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Now? Noah, Well, thankfully Lisa's like me. You know, she's
been and you performer since yeah, and been in front
of the camera, so that at least you know, we
got that part right. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
I gotta be honest with you. I was always terrified
to do Dancing with the Stars, and once I did it,
I was like, now justified why I was terrified. Even
as a performer of different things. It's scary. Do you
get nervous?
Speaker 1 (11:06):
Yeah, I will say, especially before the very first show,
I kept saying like, I've performed live and I've been
on television, but I have not performed live on television,
So that was a little bit of a mind trick.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
Yeah, it's a whole different ballgame. And I just feel like,
oh my gosh, last night, did I hear it right?
Did Carrie On start to say the word old?
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (11:32):
I don't know she so I'm pretty sure I heard
it right. She stood up and said, oh, and then
correct yourself and said mature.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Well, listen, the week before I did shout out that
I am fifty four.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
You just did that, which was so amazing because I mean,
not that I haven't googled you, but like I guess
I know, but just hearing you say fifty four, it
was a brilliant move. And obviously, in the moment you
just did it wasn't calculated. But I was like, yeah,
but yeah, she's fifty four. See, and I'm like, who
(12:11):
am I talking to I'm like in my living room alone,
like making dinner for the kids in the next room. Like,
but I was like, yeah, there you go, like take that,
everybody here.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
Yeah. I am constantly surprising myself through this process because I,
you know, what is what is fifty four? These days?
You know me? You I have no idea, no idea
when I you know, when we were little. I think
to younger people it's like, oh my god, fifty four
so old. But then you arrive here and you're like, no,
I still feel like I'm the kid at the adult table.
(12:40):
I know, So I don't fifty four. I don't. I
don't feel that way inside. And that's another part of
this journey for me, is like recalibrating like how I
feel on the inside with what what my outside like?
What you know my shell can actually do? And every
(13:01):
week I can feel like I'm getting stronger and I'm
building endurance and it's challenging me. I'm also like feeling
really sore in new places every week and pains here
and there. But I'm rolling with it all and I'm
just loving it.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
Oh my gosh, it's amazing. And now T shirts are
a big thing this season. Everyone's making T shirts.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
Alan Mado's T shirt. He's like, I got a gift
for you, and I'm like, what is it. I love gifts.
I love surprises, and he held up he had got
a T shirt for the both of us that says
I'm fifty four and I just did that.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
It's brilliant. It's your motto now everyone mono one.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
I'll send you one.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Really, yeah, but can I take a sharpie and mark
it out and put fifty two? Yes? Absolutely, thank you.
Don't age me, Elaine, please, Well.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
You're another one. I think it's also like our like
I'm sure you can relate our roles. We sort there's
a part of us that gets frozen in time, and
people so relate to those characters that they're like, oh,
you know, then they're so we kind of get cemented
at a certain point of our lives in people's and
(14:18):
the collective, you know, brain thought and and so I
think that kind of does a number on all of us.
No pun intended.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
It's interesting you said that because I actually haven't talked
about that with anyone so specifically, but it's true, like
as Meredith Blake, like, people are just like doomed in
right on your face, like me for Donna Martin for
nine o two. Yeah, it's like ooh, and you're like, wow,
it does it does a number because you're like, oh
my gosh, it really reminds you, especially in this industry,
(14:52):
like I don't look like that anymore? Am I trying to?
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Like?
Speaker 2 (14:54):
But I don't want to look like that anymore? That
was way too young. But where's the happy medium? I mean,
the Golden Girls they were only in their forties, forties,
Golden girls like golden senior citizens imagine.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
So I was, so the does that make us the
ancient girls?
Speaker 2 (15:16):
Like I don't, Oh that sounds sexy.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
Though that's sexy, then I'm here for at one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
Ancient sounds kind of mystical. I'll take that. Have you
had any injuries yet? I know you said sore, but.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
Yeah, well I come into this competition with injuries. I was,
which you know, if people have been watching the show
from the beginning, I started my career as a dancer.
I was classically trained in modern and contemporary jazz. I
thought I was going to be a dancer. My mother,
who my whole family is like higher educated, and my
(15:58):
mother had her master's degree. She worked for a college,
she worked for the act tests. She told me, I
don't think you should go to college. You should. You
need to be a dancer. Now it's a young person's game.
Don't have a backup plan. You can always go back
to school, you can always get a job. Go for it.
(16:19):
And I did. And then I got hit by a
car and that completely changed everything for me, and I
really pivoted my performing towards acting. And I remember after
the wreck, I went back to a class because I
had been used to being in class like two to
eight hours, seven days a week, like pushing my body
(16:42):
to the absolute max. And the very first class I
went back to I had to go get a court
zone shot just so I could walk and since then
it's been you know, life happens, more stress happens, more
wear and tear on the body happens. I am riddled
with arthritis, I have a titanium joint in my right foot.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
And not that oh my gosh.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
Yeah. So it's a lot. It's a lot, and I'm
spending a tremendous amount of time on recovery just to
make sure I don't like like really hurt myself again, right.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Right right, And Alan, I'm sure is so useful in
helping navigate that.
Speaker 1 (17:25):
Yes, well, you know, he's really good about like you know,
the he's he's he pushes me, but like just like
there's a point where I can be like hey, like
I like I got to take a time out, and
he'll listen to me, but until I'm like, you know,
I might be frustrated and you know, whining or whatever,
(17:49):
and he's like, let's go, and so he'll really push
me until it's like it becomes real and then he's like, Okay,
back off. And so I appreciate that because I probably
like in real life, like I don't I don't push
my I mean I do, like I work hard, yes, yes, yes,
but it's like having a trainer there all the time.
I mean, you know, it's the pros. They're like, come on,
(18:11):
let's move, let's do this. We're going to go on
camera on Tuesday. So I want to be the best
possible and he's.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Really for it. So what is your signature? Like I'm
trying to ask the right way put move like when
you're saying great, because we all have it, like and
they never showed this. This is like the cameras are
rolling during all the rehearsals, but it's like almost like
that like frustrated brat move that we all do. We're like,
(18:38):
m yeah, yours.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
Mine is like I'll talk about like I'll say like
it hurts, and there's there's the there's the it hurts,
and then there's the the hey, it's like really hurting.
And as soon as my tone changes, he's like, oh okay,
So yeah, he hasn't called me out on it yet,
but he clearly understands the difference.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
Oh my gosh, I used to do this thing and
I was like, where did this come from? It was
like a horse stomping thing when I get frust It
was just like the frustratings you're trying to pick up
new things and you get frustrated with yourself, not your partner,
and I would just be like, I'd be like stomping,
and I'm like, it was like, yeah, the Philly that
can't be broken. I don't know, It's just like, but
(19:23):
I wish they would play that behind the scenes footage
because what people don't that's a whole nother show.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
Would they It's what they're filming our entire four hour
rehearsals every day. I'm like, who's going through this footage?
Speaker 2 (19:39):
It is so much footage, but I'm sure there's golden
stuff in there.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
You're right, it should be a whole other show. You're
absolutely right, it really should be.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
I mean, because that's the part that I mean, I loved.
I love watching the show. Having been on the show,
I loved, you know, the show day and being with everybody,
But it was the behind the scenes of friendships we made,
the conversations. You know, there was like a lot of laughs,
There was a lot of heartbreak. You have emotional breakdowns.
Have you had an emotional breakdown?
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Yes, but I don't think it's gotten caught on camera.
I'm like, excuse me.
Speaker 2 (20:19):
In your car?
Speaker 1 (20:20):
No? And then I go to the bathroom.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Yeah, oh my gosh, did you have in your mind
anything like Okay, I'm going all the way or I'm
going to try this and if I go on the
first show, it's fine. Is that changing now, So because
(20:47):
you're not going anywhere obviously, Oh well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
Listen from your mouth to the universe's.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
Ears, and the girl go home please.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
So, like, I have done a lot of competitive sports,
but I've always been on a team, so I'm not
like one on one. I'm not I'm not competitive. I
actually back away from competition, Like, I don't like being
competitive with other people until I get around others. And
I think that stems a lot from my activism. I
(21:20):
do so much activism and so like, as long as
I know, like, hey, I'm doing it for something or someone,
I'm all in. So this so this is a little
bit of a tug of war for me. I feel
most competitive with myself and seeing how far I can go,
what I can do, what I can gain, what I
(21:43):
can learn. And I don't like when it comes to
competing with the other people, like I, I don't I
don't particularly enjoy that. So then I have to think
about Okay, well, then I but then I've got Alan,
you know, and I really want to do well for
him and then for all the fans who are investing
in us in our journey. So when I think about
(22:05):
it in that in those terms, yes, like yes, come on,
let's go. How far can we take this? And you know,
and the way to do that for me is I
got to do we Alan and I talk about a
lot that we're taking it one dance at a time,
like we can't get too far ahead of it. We
can't think about all the things that we can't control.
(22:26):
We got to focus on what we're doing in the
ballroom because that's like all we can do.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
Well, I'm here for it. I love it. Everyone is
loving it. We want to see you go all the
way and I won't say no to that. Yeah, And
just personally, you know, every season, I'm always like, what's
the equivalent like how many young people are in? How
many like more mature people as Carrion would say. And
(22:53):
I feel like everything's off the table this season, Like
you can be any age on the show this season,
and everyone is everyone is truly gifted on the show. Yeah,
And it's just a fun ride. I keep saying I'm
so glad I was on last season and not this season,
because I would have been out of my element. You
guys all came into this quite excellent in my opinion,
(23:17):
and there to play and have fun. And it's been
a great season. It's I had some supposed to say
I loved my season, but I love your season.
Speaker 1 (23:26):
Oh well, thanks, Well listen your season. I think every season,
you know, You're right, Everyone brings, and I think that's
why the show is endured. Everyone els different elements and
unique personalities and unique challenges, but yet it's all very
personal yet relatable, you know, And I think that's why
(23:48):
the show has thrived for twenty years. This is the
twentieth year.
Speaker 2 (23:53):
That's so crazy. This can't be the first year you've
been asked to do it.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Maybe maybe not, but I'm here. I'm here this year.
It was just right. It was it was the right timing.
It was the right timing for everything, you know. I
just came off of. I did made a wonderful fun
cameo in Freakinger Friday back with Lindsay Lohan, and then
I'm producing a parent trap parody off Broadway called Ginger
(24:23):
Twinsies and so I was doing a lot of press
for that. I've done seven movies for Disney ABC, so
I'm always happy to be in the House of the Mouse.
And it just like the timing was just really right,
and I'm so glad for it. I'm so grateful.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
What life's about, right, it's timing as we learn, as
we're getting more mature.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
More mature. Well that's you know, That's what I said
last night because it really this, more than anything else
I've done, really struck me. I don't know if quoted
exactly how I said last night, but basically that like,
you know, your dreams may not happen exactly the way
(25:08):
that you work and plan and think they're going to,
but that it doesn't mean that they're not happening. You know.
I never, I truly never thought I would be training
in a dance room again, and this is like thirty
plus years and now here I am, and that it
(25:30):
truly blows my mind.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
When you said that last night with Julianne, I was
just like it was just with such joy, like it
came from such from within that I think we were
all like, yes, our dreams can come true too, And
it was perfectly aligned with Disney Night. You saying that
and feeling that it's like, you know, dreams, it's the
magical Kingdom. Anything can come true if you believe it
(25:55):
in dream it. Well, thank you for making us all
believe in our selves again. Thank you you really you
really have. I mean, as an actress myself, I go
in and out of like, am I done? Is it over?
Like hanging up? Like you know, how many times can
we keep reinventing ourselves? And then I'm reminded we can
(26:16):
reinvent ourselves as many times as we want to, and
you've done it so beautifully for us right now. So
thank you for inspiring women everywhere.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Oh you're hey, you're welcome. If that's if, if if
that is what if that's like my purpose on this show.
I already want you.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Know indeed my friend. Yeah, oh my gosh, thank you.
I'm sorry you got up this early.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
That's okay. I'm happy to Tori. I cannot believe. I'm
gonna say I cannot believe we have never met in person?
Like how how like? In what universe? Is that a reality?
Speaker 2 (26:58):
I don't know. I don't know because I'm like, I'm
such a huge fan and the more. I like watch
stuff with you. I'm like, I think we'd actually be friends,
and I'm like, I have no idea. Well, can we
fix that?
Speaker 1 (27:12):
Absolutely please, let's fix.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
That, but not on the Space Mountain one. Now I'm
taking back my word.
Speaker 1 (27:17):
I know. We'll start slow, like you know, like a
coffee or lunch or something, but.
Speaker 2 (27:22):
Perfect and yeah, that'll be our first date. And then
if that, if that like works well as a friend date,
we'll go to Space Mountain.
Speaker 1 (27:29):
Yeah, then we'll take it to the next level.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
Go yeah, well, yeah, I hope I hit a home run.
Thank you so much and I can't wait to see
you next week.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
Thank me, thank you. Pleasure.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
I'm a slide into your DMS if that's okay, so
I can give you my information. Yeah, please do and
don't worry. I know this is like a crazy time,
so when you have time, you know it. Well. Oh,
thank you so much, Elaine, Thank you, Tori. By very excited.
(28:07):
Today I get to talk to the one and only
Meredith Blake, the one and only Elaine Hendrix from Dancing
with the Stars season thirty four. She is incredible this
season fifty four and making it happen, and I can't
wait to talk to her today after her amazing performance
last night,
Miss Spelling with Tori Spelling and iHeartRadio podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
Hi, Hi, Miss Triple eighty one. Thank you for doing
this too. Oh my gosh yeah yeow Okay, look I'm
wearing a Disney shirt in honor of Disney Night Life.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Oh I should go get my ears.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Hi, Tori Hileen. This is so exciting and I've just
been watching every episode this season and I have such
a girl crush on you, oh, like, in every single way.
I think you're brilliant. And I mean I've always thought
(00:57):
you were a brilliant actress, but just watching all this
and seeing you in such a different element that I
guess I'm used to seeing you as as a fan
outside fan. It's just I'm into your hair choices, your
makeup choices, just because I know from being on Dancing
with the Stars we get input if we want to,
and so I know everything you're curating, and it's just
(01:20):
so brilliant and you're fast.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
And it does happen so fast, doesn't it. It's like
I've already our dance wasn't even over, and you know
what they're planning for the next week, when not even
knowing whether you're going to get eliminated or not. So
they're like, hey, you know, we're starting to make choices
and I'm like, I'm still learning this week's dance. How
is it? Like it's it's a really crazy process.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Oh my gosh, can you disclose what dance you're doing
next week? The type of dance at least? Is it
a fast one or a slow one?
Speaker 1 (01:53):
This one it's going to be. God, what a lame answer.
It's kind of like it's peppy. It's in the middle.
It's not like the quick it's not like the jive
or the quick step. I'm not doing that. But it's
not slow either. Okay, it's a very happy dance.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
You deserve a reprieve, like watching you do that quick step.
I was like, I can't believe it.
Speaker 1 (02:16):
Well, you know, I'm learning about ballroom in real time
and so you know. And my first week was the
cha chaw. Then I did the jive, then I did
the tango. Last night, I did the quick step. And
everyone's like, oh, you got the hard ones out of
the way, and I'm like, what do you mean, There's
still so much to do, Like I can't imagine, like
(02:38):
it gets it starts getting easy at this point.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Right, Well, it's only because it's in your head it's
getting harder and more competitive, not you. I mean technically
I think you did get the hardest ones out of
the way. But you know what, what is hard? You know,
it depends each person, something different resonates. I guess.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
So we is Alan just like every week like, oh,
we're going to do this and you're like, okay, great,
or are you like I'm more comfortable doing this type
of dance.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
No, it's we picked the songs or I get you know,
I gave choices, I gave ideas about the songs, and
then depending on availability, licensing, the dance, all of that,
then the actual song gets chosen and that's up to
Alan really to say, hey, yes, we can do this
dance with that song. And so it's while while I
(03:34):
definitely get some input and it's definitely a collaborative process,
at the end of the day, it's not my very
little is my decision final decision. And that's okay, I mean,
you know, that's that's part of the journey for me,
is like letting go and and putting a lot of
trust in this process and a lot of trust in
my partner.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
Have you been hanging out with Jeff a lot.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
I have not met Jeff.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Jeff is Allen's dog, so.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
Really it's shocking. Everybody keeps asking it, and I keep asking,
like I'm at this point I think I'm just insulted.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
You know what, you should be right?
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Yes, yeah, full on.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
That's really funny. Oh so he doesn't bring him a
studio every day?
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Okay, No, No, he keeps saying that he's going to
and then it like, we have so much work to
do in so little time, and if a dog is
going to come to the studio, like, there's going to
be zero work done. Because this is true, the dog
the whole time.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
No, you're right, You're right. So wait, last night, Space Mountain.
But is Space Mountain your favorite ride? Is that? Why?
Speaker 1 (04:48):
So? I love Space Mountain? Yes, it's such a classic ride.
And Disneyland was so ahead of its time when they
built Space Mountain and made a a completely enclosed roller
coaster and a dark roller coaster in the dark. But
the whole reason that we chose it was because I
(05:11):
was the pre ride entertainment for over a decade. So
as people stood in line, they watched a comedy, alien news,
a newscast happening, and I was the female anchor, Pam Pulsar.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
That's right, Sorry, my bad. I learned that last night,
and I only learned that because of your package. But
I have never gone on Space Mountain. What so I
apologize that I've never in real time seen this before.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Wait, you're a so cow girl? How have you not
ridden Space Mountain?
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Terrified? Terrified of fast rides? Hate roller coasters. I didn't
go on Pirates of the Caribbe until I was forty
years old, and I screamed like a little baby, never
doing it. Well, now I feel like, actually, you know what,
if you take home the mirror ball, I'm saying it publicly,
I will go on Space Mountain with me. Fine. Oh screwed.
(06:08):
You don't even have to take home the mirror Ball.
If I get to go on Space Mountain with you, Fine,
I guess I'll do it. Wait is it really scary?
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Well, you're asking the wrong person, because I love stuff
like that. Now. I don't like like I don't like
the big, crazy roller coasters that can get a little
too intense. But I feel like space. I feel like
anything at Disneyland's not too terrifying. But if you were
getting scared at Pirates. Listen, I'll hold your hand.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Okay, okay, oh my girl, Chris is gonna hold my hand. Okay,
I'm in. I'm in. Did I? Oh? I just said it.
When do you start rehearsals.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
Today at five pm?
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Oh? You have the night shift?
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I do. I have the night shift because of next
week is dedication week and my dedication person is filming
during the day, so the night slots.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
So got it. Now. In the past, dedication Week kind
of was a mix of anything. It could be someone
inspired you, someone you love, someone you've lost. It appears
this time that the person is in the dance with everybody.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
This is true, Yes, correct, they are coming onto the
ballroom and I listen, you know, I am again. I'm
learning all of this in very real time. And I've
been a fan of the show. I've been to the
tapings of the show many many times.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Really, yes, I have wait to see like friends that
were in it.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Yeah, well Tom Bergeron is a friend of mine, and
so yeah, particularly in the OG days, I was there
a lot. But you know it's that I just because
I watched it and I was a fan doesn't mean
I understand like the rules and I was paying attention
to all the like little details. I just loved going
because it was such a spectacle. So I don't I
(08:00):
I don't really know the full ins and outs other
than we have been asked to like incorporate our dedication
person as much as possible. That's the that's the that's
the assignment.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
This is very exciting. You just took it to a
next level. Oh my goodness. And okay, so TikTok, I
feel like you guys are doing so much with TikTok
this year, this season. I mean TikTok really, I mean
not reimagined you. Oh my gosh, look what I'm saying.
(08:32):
But Meredith Blake, like it became such a huge thing
yea and viral again, and that is that is Meredith
Blake going to be part of next week a little bit.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Yeah, I mean it's already out there.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
So I'll say this first of all, TikTok, I like
to use the word redeemed TikTok, redeemed Meredith Blake and
I very much have the millennials to think for that,
because they are all about hashtag, just for Meredith Blake
and for it because I've been saying that since day one,
and next week my dedication is to my best is
(09:11):
with my best friend Lisa and Walter who played Chessie
in The Parent Trap.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Oh gosh, I can't. Is she nervous? Would it? Can
she dance?
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Well? Yeah she was? She was actually in a ballroom movie.
Shall we dance with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere and Stanley?
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Okay, okay, but you.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Know it's been that's that was several years ago. And
so we Lisa and I always used to go to
like cardio classes together, so we move. But you know,
I mean, the reality is we're in a.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Different cardio classes. You just date it yourself. I know.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Well I call it a I crunched jazzer size. That's all.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
That's all good. Do you ever do Billy blinks back
in the day?
Speaker 1 (10:00):
I think I did, But I also think that that
like hurt, so I didn't meet very much. That's what
I remember.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Yeah, I'd be freaked out if I was asked if
someone asked me to be in their dance, because what
if something goes wrong? Like, is it gonna end your relationship?
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Absolutely not, But coming you've been on the dance floor.
You could get out there and crush it.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
We'll see. No, that's that's a lot of pressure. Like
if I asked my best friend to be on the show,
she'd be like, are you kidding me?
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Now? Noah, Well, thankfully Lisa's like me. You know, she's
been and you performer since yeah, and been in front
of the camera, so that at least you know, we
got that part right. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
I gotta be honest with you. I was always terrified
to do Dancing with the Stars, and once I did it,
I was like, now justified why I was terrified. Even
as a performer of different things. It's scary. Do you
get nervous?
Speaker 1 (11:06):
Yeah, I will say, especially before the very first show,
I kept saying like, I've performed live and I've been
on television, but I have not performed live on television,
So that was a little bit of a mind trick.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
Yeah, it's a whole different ballgame. And I just feel like,
oh my gosh, last night, did I hear it right?
Did Carrie On start to say the word old?
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (11:32):
I don't know she so I'm pretty sure I heard
it right. She stood up and said, oh, and then
correct yourself and said mature.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Well, listen, the week before I did shout out that
I am fifty four.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
You just did that, which was so amazing because I mean,
not that I haven't googled you, but like I guess
I know, but just hearing you say fifty four, it
was a brilliant move. And obviously, in the moment you
just did it wasn't calculated. But I was like, yeah,
but yeah, she's fifty four. See, and I'm like, who
(12:11):
am I talking to I'm like in my living room alone,
like making dinner for the kids in the next room. Like,
but I was like, yeah, there you go, like take that,
everybody here.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
Yeah. I am constantly surprising myself through this process because I,
you know, what is what is fifty four? These days?
You know me? You I have no idea, no idea
when I you know, when we were little. I think
to younger people it's like, oh my god, fifty four
so old. But then you arrive here and you're like, no,
I still feel like I'm the kid at the adult table.
(12:40):
I know, So I don't fifty four. I don't. I
don't feel that way inside. And that's another part of
this journey for me, is like recalibrating like how I
feel on the inside with what what my outside like?
What you know my shell can actually do? And every
(13:01):
week I can feel like I'm getting stronger and I'm
building endurance and it's challenging me. I'm also like feeling
really sore in new places every week and pains here
and there. But I'm rolling with it all and I'm
just loving it.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
Oh my gosh, it's amazing. And now T shirts are
a big thing this season. Everyone's making T shirts.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
Alan Mado's T shirt. He's like, I got a gift
for you, and I'm like, what is it. I love gifts.
I love surprises, and he held up he had got
a T shirt for the both of us that says
I'm fifty four and I just did that.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
It's brilliant. It's your motto now everyone mono one.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
I'll send you one.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Really, yeah, but can I take a sharpie and mark
it out and put fifty two? Yes? Absolutely, thank you.
Don't age me, Elaine, please, Well.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
You're another one. I think it's also like our like
I'm sure you can relate our roles. We sort there's
a part of us that gets frozen in time, and
people so relate to those characters that they're like, oh,
you know, then they're so we kind of get cemented
at a certain point of our lives in people's and
(14:18):
the collective, you know, brain thought and and so I
think that kind of does a number on all of us.
No pun intended.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
It's interesting you said that because I actually haven't talked
about that with anyone so specifically, but it's true, like
as Meredith Blake, like, people are just like doomed in
right on your face, like me for Donna Martin for
nine o two. Yeah, it's like ooh, and you're like, wow,
it does it does a number because you're like, oh
my gosh, it really reminds you, especially in this industry,
(14:52):
like I don't look like that anymore? Am I trying to?
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Like?
Speaker 2 (14:54):
But I don't want to look like that anymore? That
was way too young. But where's the happy medium? I mean,
the Golden Girls they were only in their forties, forties,
Golden girls like golden senior citizens imagine.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
So I was, so the does that make us the
ancient girls?
Speaker 2 (15:16):
Like I don't, Oh that sounds sexy.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
Though that's sexy, then I'm here for at one hundred percent.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
Ancient sounds kind of mystical. I'll take that. Have you
had any injuries yet? I know you said sore, but.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
Yeah, well I come into this competition with injuries. I was,
which you know, if people have been watching the show
from the beginning, I started my career as a dancer.
I was classically trained in modern and contemporary jazz. I
thought I was going to be a dancer. My mother,
who my whole family is like higher educated, and my
(15:58):
mother had her master's degree. She worked for a college,
she worked for the act tests. She told me, I
don't think you should go to college. You should. You
need to be a dancer. Now it's a young person's game.
Don't have a backup plan. You can always go back
to school, you can always get a job. Go for it.
(16:19):
And I did. And then I got hit by a
car and that completely changed everything for me, and I
really pivoted my performing towards acting. And I remember after
the wreck, I went back to a class because I
had been used to being in class like two to
eight hours, seven days a week, like pushing my body
(16:42):
to the absolute max. And the very first class I
went back to I had to go get a court
zone shot just so I could walk and since then
it's been you know, life happens, more stress happens, more
wear and tear on the body happens. I am riddled
with arthritis, I have a titanium joint in my right foot.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
And not that oh my gosh.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
Yeah. So it's a lot. It's a lot, and I'm
spending a tremendous amount of time on recovery just to
make sure I don't like like really hurt myself again, right.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Right right, And Alan, I'm sure is so useful in
helping navigate that.
Speaker 1 (17:25):
Yes, well, you know, he's really good about like you know,
the he's he's he pushes me, but like just like
there's a point where I can be like hey, like
I like I got to take a time out, and
he'll listen to me, but until I'm like, you know,
I might be frustrated and you know, whining or whatever,
(17:49):
and he's like, let's go, and so he'll really push
me until it's like it becomes real and then he's like, Okay,
back off. And so I appreciate that because I probably
like in real life, like I don't I don't push
my I mean I do, like I work hard, yes, yes, yes,
but it's like having a trainer there all the time.
I mean, you know, it's the pros. They're like, come on,
(18:11):
let's move, let's do this. We're going to go on
camera on Tuesday. So I want to be the best
possible and he's.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Really for it. So what is your signature? Like I'm
trying to ask the right way put move like when
you're saying great, because we all have it, like and
they never showed this. This is like the cameras are
rolling during all the rehearsals, but it's like almost like
that like frustrated brat move that we all do. We're like,
(18:38):
m yeah, yours.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
Mine is like I'll talk about like I'll say like
it hurts, and there's there's the there's the it hurts,
and then there's the the hey, it's like really hurting.
And as soon as my tone changes, he's like, oh okay,
So yeah, he hasn't called me out on it yet,
but he clearly understands the difference.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
Oh my gosh, I used to do this thing and
I was like, where did this come from? It was
like a horse stomping thing when I get frust It
was just like the frustratings you're trying to pick up
new things and you get frustrated with yourself, not your partner,
and I would just be like, I'd be like stomping,
and I'm like, it was like, yeah, the Philly that
can't be broken. I don't know, It's just like, but
(19:23):
I wish they would play that behind the scenes footage
because what people don't that's a whole nother show.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
Would they It's what they're filming our entire four hour
rehearsals every day. I'm like, who's going through this footage?
Speaker 2 (19:39):
It is so much footage, but I'm sure there's golden
stuff in there.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
You're right, it should be a whole other show. You're
absolutely right, it really should be.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
I mean, because that's the part that I mean, I loved.
I love watching the show. Having been on the show,
I loved, you know, the show day and being with everybody,
But it was the behind the scenes of friendships we made,
the conversations. You know, there was like a lot of laughs,
There was a lot of heartbreak. You have emotional breakdowns.
Have you had an emotional breakdown?
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Yes, but I don't think it's gotten caught on camera.
I'm like, excuse me.
Speaker 2 (20:19):
In your car?
Speaker 1 (20:20):
No? And then I go to the bathroom.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Yeah, oh my gosh, did you have in your mind
anything like Okay, I'm going all the way or I'm
going to try this and if I go on the
first show, it's fine. Is that changing now, So because
(20:47):
you're not going anywhere obviously, Oh well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
Listen from your mouth to the universe's.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
Ears, and the girl go home please.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
So, like, I have done a lot of competitive sports,
but I've always been on a team, so I'm not
like one on one. I'm not I'm not competitive. I
actually back away from competition, Like, I don't like being
competitive with other people until I get around others. And
I think that stems a lot from my activism. I
(21:20):
do so much activism and so like, as long as
I know, like, hey, I'm doing it for something or someone,
I'm all in. So this so this is a little
bit of a tug of war for me. I feel
most competitive with myself and seeing how far I can go,
what I can do, what I can gain, what I
(21:43):
can learn. And I don't like when it comes to
competing with the other people, like I, I don't I
don't particularly enjoy that. So then I have to think
about Okay, well, then I but then I've got Alan,
you know, and I really want to do well for
him and then for all the fans who are investing
in us in our journey. So when I think about
(22:05):
it in that in those terms, yes, like yes, come on,
let's go. How far can we take this? And you know,
and the way to do that for me is I
got to do we Alan and I talk about a
lot that we're taking it one dance at a time,
like we can't get too far ahead of it. We
can't think about all the things that we can't control.
(22:26):
We got to focus on what we're doing in the
ballroom because that's like all we can do.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
Well, I'm here for it. I love it. Everyone is
loving it. We want to see you go all the
way and I won't say no to that. Yeah, And
just personally, you know, every season, I'm always like, what's
the equivalent like how many young people are in? How
many like more mature people as Carrion would say. And
(22:53):
I feel like everything's off the table this season, Like
you can be any age on the show this season,
and everyone is everyone is truly gifted on the show. Yeah,
And it's just a fun ride. I keep saying I'm
so glad I was on last season and not this season,
because I would have been out of my element. You
guys all came into this quite excellent in my opinion,
(23:17):
and there to play and have fun. And it's been
a great season. It's I had some supposed to say
I loved my season, but I love your season.
Speaker 1 (23:26):
Oh well, thanks, Well listen your season. I think every season,
you know, You're right, Everyone brings, and I think that's
why the show is endured. Everyone els different elements and
unique personalities and unique challenges, but yet it's all very
personal yet relatable, you know, And I think that's why
(23:48):
the show has thrived for twenty years. This is the
twentieth year.
Speaker 2 (23:53):
That's so crazy. This can't be the first year you've
been asked to do it.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Maybe maybe not, but I'm here. I'm here this year.
It was just right. It was it was the right timing.
It was the right timing for everything, you know. I
just came off of. I did made a wonderful fun
cameo in Freakinger Friday back with Lindsay Lohan, and then
I'm producing a parent trap parody off Broadway called Ginger
(24:23):
Twinsies and so I was doing a lot of press
for that. I've done seven movies for Disney ABC, so
I'm always happy to be in the House of the Mouse.
And it just like the timing was just really right,
and I'm so glad for it. I'm so grateful.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
What life's about, right, it's timing as we learn, as
we're getting more mature.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
More mature. Well that's you know, That's what I said
last night because it really this, more than anything else
I've done, really struck me. I don't know if quoted
exactly how I said last night, but basically that like,
you know, your dreams may not happen exactly the way
(25:08):
that you work and plan and think they're going to,
but that it doesn't mean that they're not happening. You know.
I never, I truly never thought I would be training
in a dance room again, and this is like thirty
plus years and now here I am, and that it
(25:30):
truly blows my mind.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
When you said that last night with Julianne, I was
just like it was just with such joy, like it
came from such from within that I think we were
all like, yes, our dreams can come true too, And
it was perfectly aligned with Disney Night. You saying that
and feeling that it's like, you know, dreams, it's the
magical Kingdom. Anything can come true if you believe it
(25:55):
in dream it. Well, thank you for making us all
believe in our selves again. Thank you you really you
really have. I mean, as an actress myself, I go
in and out of like, am I done? Is it over?
Like hanging up? Like you know, how many times can
we keep reinventing ourselves? And then I'm reminded we can
(26:16):
reinvent ourselves as many times as we want to, and
you've done it so beautifully for us right now. So
thank you for inspiring women everywhere.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Oh you're hey, you're welcome. If that's if, if if
that is what if that's like my purpose on this show.
I already want you.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Know indeed my friend. Yeah, oh my gosh, thank you.
I'm sorry you got up this early.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
That's okay. I'm happy to Tori. I cannot believe. I'm
gonna say I cannot believe we have never met in person?
Like how how like? In what universe? Is that a reality?
Speaker 2 (26:58):
I don't know. I don't know because I'm like, I'm
such a huge fan and the more. I like watch
stuff with you. I'm like, I think we'd actually be friends,
and I'm like, I have no idea. Well, can we
fix that?
Speaker 1 (27:12):
Absolutely please, let's fix.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
That, but not on the Space Mountain one. Now I'm
taking back my word.
Speaker 1 (27:17):
I know. We'll start slow, like you know, like a
coffee or lunch or something, but.
Speaker 2 (27:22):
Perfect and yeah, that'll be our first date. And then
if that, if that like works well as a friend date,
we'll go to Space Mountain.
Speaker 1 (27:29):
Yeah, then we'll take it to the next level.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
Go yeah, well, yeah, I hope I hit a home run.
Thank you so much and I can't wait to see
you next week.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
Thank me, thank you. Pleasure.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
I'm a slide into your DMS if that's okay, so
I can give you my information. Yeah, please do and
don't worry. I know this is like a crazy time,
so when you have time, you know it. Well. Oh,
thank you so much, Elaine, Thank you, Tori. By very excited.
(28:07):
Today I get to talk to the one and only
Meredith Blake, the one and only Elaine Hendrix from Dancing
with the Stars season thirty four. She is incredible this
season fifty four and making it happen, and I can't
wait to talk to her today after her amazing performance
last night,
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