James Van Der Beek talks joyful 'Dancing With the Stars' return (stays mum on elimination)
LOS ANGELES — The "Dancing With the Stars" audience burst into instant supportive applause the moment James Van Der Beek hit the dance floor on Monday night's finale.
The "Dawson's Creek" star wasn't competing for the Mirror Ball trophy: he and pro partner Emma Slater were shockingly eliminated from the competition in last week's semifinals. The departure of one of the show's front-runners came as he announced that his wife, Kimberly, had suffered a miscarriage before the competition.
Van Der Beek, 42, has been silent since the judges sent him home, but talked to USA TODAY Monday about his exultant return, and the support that he and Kimberly (who was also in attendance) have received since stepping forward with the news.
One question Van Der Beek declined to answer – after thinking about it for 15 long seconds – was how he felt about the judges' decision, which sent rival Ally Brown to the finals).
"I don't think it should be done while there's still confetti on the floor. I really don't want to take away from the winner or the other finalists who worked their butts off," he said.
Here's what Van Der Beek did address from the "DWTS" floor, as Hannah Brown celebrated her Mirror Ball trophy win.
'Dancing With the Stars' semi-finals: 'James Van Der Beek handed heartbreak on top of real sorrow
Question: You looked pretty happy out there, how did it feel to return?
James Van Der Beek: It was great to be back and dancing. This group is a really tight group of dancers. All the celebs have been so supportive. I'm so glad I got to see everybody. And Emma and I really appreciated the reception we got the second we stepped on the floor. It really warmed my heart. It's so appreciated.
Q: How are you? And how is Kimberly holding up?
Van Der Beek: We're getting there. It was really, really scary for Kimberly physically. It's been a real challenge. We've talked about the importance of sharing when you're going through something like this. I will say all the love really helps. We got a lot of support from people we knew, and from people we didn't know on social media. People saying you're in our thoughts and prayers meant a lot and continues to mean a lot. This outpouring of love, we're in such appreciation of that.
Q: What did you think of Ally Brown's offer from the stage as you were voted off, to let you take her place in the finals?
Van Der Beek: She's the sweetest, most genuine human being on the face of the earth. I love Ally. She's family. We've been texting all week. I told her to get out there and crush it. And she did. I'm so proud of her.
Q: What have you learned from this?
Van Der Beek: I've always wondered if that meant anything when you see others go through something, and telling them, 'You're in our thoughts and prayers.' Now I know for sure it that really does. Every message helped.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Dancing With the Stars': James Van Der Beek returns, breaks silence
