Dylan Efron, a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars,” suffered a broken nose during rehearsals after an accidental elbow from his partner, Daniella Karagach, but remains optimistic about continuing in the competition.
The injury occurred on October 25, 2025, while Efron and Karagach were practicing a new dance move for an upcoming episode. In a video shared on Instagram, Efron explained that he took an elbow to the face, resulting in a loud crack and a broken nose. He was taken to the hospital around midnight, where he received treatment and shared updates with his followers, maintaining a positive attitude throughout the ordeal.
Efron, 33, is known for his victory on “The Traitors” and is the older brother of actor Zac Efron. He joined “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 in September with no prior dance experience, aiming to challenge himself and learn a new skill. His journey has been marked by intense rehearsals and a focus on fitness, as he previously stated his goal was to “morph into a dancer” through dedication and hard work.
In his Instagram post, Efron shared photos from the emergency room, showing him with an ice pack and a thumbs-up, along with the caption, “Broke my nose, but don’t need it to dance.” He expressed heartfelt thanks to Karagach, fellow contestant Danielle Fishel, and pro dancer Pasha Pashkov for their unwavering support immediately after the incident, noting how their presence “warms my heart to have friends like them.”
The “Dancing with the Stars” cast and crew showed overwhelming support, with comments from Robert Irwin, who wrote, “What!!!!! Feel better mate,” and Emma Slater expressing concern. Boston Rob Mariano, a friend from “The Traitors,” joked about keeping Efron in line, highlighting the close-knit relationships among participants and the lighthearted camaraderie that defines the show’s environment.
Despite the setback, Efron returned to rehearsals the following day, posting a selfie on Instagram Stories with the message, “thank you for all the kind messages i truly am okay 🙂 we’re back practicing and giving 💯.” His quick recovery and positive mindset demonstrate his dedication to the competition, emphasizing that the injury will not hinder his performance or enthusiasm for the upcoming challenges.
Karagach, a professional dancer married to Pashkov, has previously commended Efron’s progress, noting his increasing confidence and hard work week by week. This accident illustrates the physical risks involved in dance rehearsals, where even experienced teams can encounter mishaps, but it also underscores the resilience required in competitive entertainment.
Looking forward, Efron is set to perform a Viennese Waltz for Halloween Week to a cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” His ability to overcome this injury may resonate with audiences, potentially enhancing his popularity and performance in the show, as viewers often admire contestants who persevere through adversity with grace and determination.