Reginald VelJohnson, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles in “Family Matters” and “Die Hard,” recently concluded his run on “Dancing with the Stars” season 33, alongside fellow actor Eric Roberts. Their double elimination on the October 8th episode followed “Soul Train Night” and “Hair Metal Night,” leaving both actors reflecting on their memorable experiences in the ballroom. While their scores placed them at the bottom of the leaderboard – 42 for VelJohnson and his partner Emma Slater, and 46 for Roberts and Britt Stewart – their journey was marked by camaraderie, personal growth, and the forging of deep connections.
After their elimination, both VelJohnson and Slater spoke candidly about the strong bond they cultivated throughout their time on “Dancing with the Stars.” “Saying goodbye is going to be hard, because I love her,” VelJohnson expressed to “Good Morning America,” highlighting the genuine affection that developed between the partners.
Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater share a joyful moment on the dance floor during their time on Dancing with the Stars season 33.
Emma Slater reciprocated the sentiment, stating, “It’s going to be really sad not seeing him every day. That was the first thought that hit me. So we’re gonna have to make sure that we see each other.” This mutual appreciation underscores the intense and personal nature of the “Dancing with the Stars” experience, where celebrity contestants and their professional partners often form profound relationships amidst the demanding competition.
VelJohnson fondly referred to Slater as “my friend forever,” a testament to the enduring connection forged through weeks of rigorous training and performance. Slater echoed this sentiment, affirming, “He’s in my life absolutely forever,” and playfully mentioned continuing their popular TikTok dances, given their geographical proximity. She also emphasized the broader impact of Reginald VelJohnson’s participation in “Dancing with the Stars,” noting, “People have missed having Reggie on their TV screens, and this has been a perfect opportunity for him to do something regularly.” Slater highlighted the show’s success in reintroducing VelJohnson to a new generation, attributing it to both his consistent presence on television screens and his engagement on social media. She optimistically added, “So I’m really hoping that Reggie gets to stay on the TV screen and all these floods of job offers come in for him,” suggesting that “Dancing with the Stars” has served as a powerful platform to revitalize his career and public image.
Reflecting on their partnership dynamics, VelJohnson described Slater as “joyful,” capturing her positive and encouraging spirit. In turn, Slater chose the word “sunshine” to characterize the “Die Hard” actor, portraying him as a warm and uplifting presence.
Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart also developed a close relationship during their “Dancing with the Stars” journey, mirroring the deep bond between VelJohnson and Slater. Roberts humorously likened the parting to “being divorced,” emphasizing the sense of loss he and his wife felt at Stewart’s departure from their daily lives. “It’s very sad because I got so close to her, my wife and I got so close to her and her fiance [“CODA” actor Daniel Durant], that it’s going to be like being divorced,” Roberts shared. “It’s not fun.”
Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart in a candid moment during Dancing with the Stars season 33 rehearsals.
However, their connection extends beyond the show. Roberts revealed that they have already planned “a double date” with Stewart and Durant, indicating a commitment to maintaining their friendship outside of the competitive environment. “We are planning a date to go see Daniel. He’s doing ‘American Idiot’ downtown in LA with Deaf West Theatre,” Stewart elaborated. “So we’re all going to go support him, and then we’re gonna hang out afterwards.” This plan highlights the genuine camaraderie and mutual respect fostered among the “Dancing with the Stars” participants.
Roberts further described being partnered with Stewart as gaining “a new family member,” reinforcing the idea that the show creates lasting personal connections. “I mean, we’re bonded now, through thick and thin. We saw each other at our best, she saw me at my worst, and we survived it, and we love each other for it,” the “Runaway Train” actor explained, emphasizing the intensity and vulnerability of the experience.
Stewart shared her perspective on working with Roberts, noting his tendency to be “very hard on himself.” She added, “I was always trying to help him give himself a little bit of grace throughout the process,” showcasing her supportive role as a partner. Stewart also expressed her admiration for Roberts’ personal qualities, stating, “He has surprised me every step of the way, and also to get to know who he is as a human has been a beautiful experience as well.” She chose “surprising” as the word to encapsulate Roberts, explaining, “when he really shows you his true self and what his heart is, it’s something you wouldn’t necessarily expect,” hinting at a depth and sensitivity beneath his public persona. For his part, Roberts chose “precious” to describe Stewart, simply stating, “Because she cares,” underscoring the value he placed on her empathy and support throughout their “Dancing with the Stars” journey.
Despite their elimination, Reginald VelJohnson and Eric Roberts’ participation in “Dancing with the Stars” season 33 resonated with audiences, reminding viewers of their enduring appeal and showcasing their willingness to embrace new challenges. Their reflections highlight not only the demanding nature of the competition but also the rewarding personal connections formed within the “Dancing with the Stars” family.
