Image Credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC
War vet-turned-soap star J.R. Martinez earned one of the longest standing ovations in recent memory on Dancing with the Stars Monday when he opened up about the severe injuries he sustained while stationed in Iraq.
As part of personal story week, the All My Children star explained how he suffered burns to 40% of his body in 2003 after his Humvee hit a landmine while serving as an Army infantryman. His emotional story was followed by a moving rumba with partner Karina Smirnoff — which prompted a teary-eyed Carrie Ann Inaba to say “you touched us all.”
The pair earned 26 out of 30 points, leaving them tied for second place with Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani. (Ricki Lake and Derek Hough earned the top score of the night of a 27).
“It was a touchy night,” Martinez told reporters after the show. “It was really emotional. Karina was telling me in order to get to really that place that we wanted to get to and pay the tribute and honor the men and women and their families the way [we wanted to], I needed to be an open book tonight. I needed to be willing to go to that place and tap into that time in my life when it wasn’t all pictures and fame and everyone caring, and I felt so alone.”
As for the audience response, “it was really moving,” he admitted. “I’ve never cried in front of that many people before. I can honestly say it’s the biggest stage I’ve ever cried on. I think the clear message behind that is that people really appreciate our men and women in the military.”
“It’s an honor to be able to be a part of this dance with J.R. and to reach out and to have that kind of response in the ballroom and people crying with us,” continued Smirnoff. “It’s so much bigger than us. Whether we win or not, it’ll be a dance we’ll never forget.”
The pair plans to do a complete 180 for next week’s Movie Week, when they plan to dance a fox trot. “We are going to turn the table,” said Martinez. “We can’t do this every week. This is tough. So next week, if we get there, we have something completely fun.”
J.R. is a true hero, a great dancer and an amazing actor! Loved him on All My Children. Think he has a bright future ahead.
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……He is such a wonderful man. I hope DWTS gives him all sorts of opportunities. I cried so hard when I heard his story and watched him dance.
I was never so moved by a personal story on DWTS as I was by JR Martinez’s. His story, the song he chose and the way he danced created a particulary moving performance. His courage and strength are inspirational.
His attitude is one of a kind. Lots of war injured would not have such zest for life, and fun doing the best you can with what you were given to bear. Here is the true courage it takes to go on with life no matter what cards you are dealt. Attitude is the key to survival not self pity. Have fun on your next endeavor J.R. ITS WHAT YOU DO BEST !! God Blessed You and keep on truckin.
I watched J.R. dance tonight and was incredibly touched. I had no idea who he was before DWTS, but he is really an excellent dancer that I enjoy watching. It was very moving to see him tonight, and it was easy to tell that he was going back to that place at perhaps one moment or two. Bless him for honoring the other men and women with whom he has served.
He is such a wonderful man. I hope DWTS gives him all sorts of opportunities. I cried so hard when I heard his story and watched him dance.
Where are the military who have served our country so nobly? With J.R.’s initiative, why don’t people like J.R. run for political office? They see first hand what dedidation and loyalty to America really means. Where are the military, speak up and take on leadership in solving our political and economic problems. We respect you–and J.R. is one of the leaders who shows us what being an American used to be all about. J.R., run for political office in your district. You can start inspiring others to do the same.
Some do – we’re stuck with one in Ohio right now who waves his military service around but has no business being in elected office.
You’re right, it would be nice to see good people with leadership skills who acknowledge that they were elected to represent the people who voted and didn’t vote for them. But that’s not how politics works anymore.
THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS HAS BEEN SO HEART FELT , AMERICA JUST LOVE YOU SO MUCH JUST KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,WILL KEEP YOU IN OURS PRAYER
I hope he does well I like JR I liked him On All My Children
America loves crap.
Is this your life motto? This is the third article I’ve seen
your ‘witty’ comment on. Please go play in traffic on your nearest and busiest highway.
ajay loves crap.
LOL – JR is a prime example of a great hero and LOL is the extreme opposite. JR, you are an exceptional example of service to your country and positive attitude no matter how much you have endured. Sincere thanks of your service.
Loved J.R.’s performance. One of the best things about dance – it can portray emotion so very well.
Which highlights one of the hated things about DWTS. The judges are so focused on technique that they lose touch with one of the joys of dance – the emotion. The judges talk up a blue streak about how emotional the dance was, but then they give him two 9′s and 1 8? Shameful. The judges are shameful.
I wasn’t familiar with him at all before the show started and I just love him. His dance last night was beautiful and the fact that he danced it well while still feeling the emotion was impressive. I have to give Karina her due – her choreography was perfect. I hope he sticks around for a long time because, story aside, he’s a really good dancer!
Aw, I am bummed. I had to go and miss this episode. Hope there’s a recap later….
You can watch the episode at abc.com or catch individual dances on youtube. I watched JR’s dance on youtube this morning cuz I missed the show too.
JR is the real deal. He overcame a horrific injury,and the despair that understandble goes with it. He embarked on a acting career,and is on DWTS,showing everybody the only limitations you have on those you put on yourself. He is a inspiration. I hope his stint on the show opens up more opportunities for him.
Is he into old white women?
J. R. you touch my heart and left me speachless. Thank You.
we love you JR. we love to watch you on DWTS. You are a hero and we cried Monday at the show. Bless you.