Maks Chmerkovskiy Reflects on Emotional In Memoriam Dance Tribute

LOS ANGELES, CA – Maksim Chmerkovskiy expressed deep emotions during the In Memoriam dance segment on the 20th anniversary of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. In a podcast appearance on November 14, he recalled feeling overwhelmed when the tribute aired on November 11, particularly as it honored his late partner, Kirstie Alley.

“I felt the second biggest, most heartfelt part was what is that called, In Memoriam?” Chmerkovskiy, 45, said. He praised dancers Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold for their performance, noting that it brought memories of his generation to the forefront. “Those are my people,” he added, referencing the familiar faces from his time on the show.

The tribute featured several celebrities who had passed away, including Alley, who was 71 when she died from cancer in December 2022. Chmerkovskiy partnered with Alley during Seasons 12 and 15 of the show, finishing second and seventh respectively. “When Kirstie Alley popped up, it overcame me a little bit,” he shared.

DWTS co-host Alfonso Ribeiro also acknowledged the loss of these once-prominent figures. “Let’s remember the members of our ballroom family who are no longer with us,” he said during the episode.

Chmerkovskiy reminisced about his time with Alley, who had once teased him for being “flirty” during rehearsals. He recalled their playful banter, indicating that misunderstandings sometimes arose on set. “You’re an a—–,” he quoted Alley’s expression during those interactions.

After Alley’s death, Chmerkovskiy honored her on social media, expressing his sorrow and highlighting her unique personality. “I thought you’d be around forever. I wish we spoke often,” he wrote.

The In Memoriam segment showcased other notable figures such as Jerry Springer, Shannen Doherty, and Aaron Carter, cementing the emotional connection between the cast and their audience. With the tribute, the show paid homage to its past contestants and reminded viewers of the legacy they left behind.