Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars has turned the ballroom into a nostalgia trip, bringing together familiar faces whose careers began long before they stepped onto the dance floor. Julia Stiles, remembered for 10 Things I Hate About You and Save the Last Dance, has since expanded her career into television and directing while raising three children. Tatyana Ali, forever recognized by many as Ashley Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, went on to become a singer, producer, award-winning actress, and Harvard graduate. Taylor Hanson also returned to the spotlight decades after MMMBop made Hanson an international sensation. Today, he is a father of seven and remains involved in music and charitable work. Food television favorite Giada De Laurentiis brings another kind of celebrity history, having built a successful career as a chef, author, television personality, and entrepreneur.

Jenna Dewan, meanwhile, has perhaps the most obvious connection to the ballroom. She began dancing professionally as a child and worked with major performers before becoming a household name through Step Up. Her extensive dance background has naturally drawn attention as she competes alongside Valentin Chmerkovskiy. Harry Shum Jr. has faced similar scrutiny. After professional dance work and appearances in projects including Step Up 2: The Streets and Glee, he entered the competition with Jenna Johnson. Their premiere cha-cha earned 21 points, the highest score of the evening, prompting renewed discussion about whether his previous experience gives him an advantage. Shum has pushed back on the idea that the show is simply about technical dancing, emphasizing storytelling, partnership, personality, and connecting with viewers. With so many contestants carrying impressive histories, this season offers a striking look at how their careers have evolved from their early days to 2026.