'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
Thanks to millions of dedicated viewers, 'Dancing With the Stars' has reinvigorated the stalled careers of its B- and C-list contestants. See who gotten the biggest boost after strutting their stuff on the televised dance floor.
-- By Angel Cohn
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
11. Ian Ziering
When 'Beverly Hills, 90210' came to an end, the actor better known as Steve Sanders was left with zip. But now the '90s star is back in action with a string of indie movies in the works and a guest gig on pal Jason Priestley's Lifetime series 'Side Order of Life.'
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
10. Joey Lawrence
Whoa! This cutie made a splash at a young age with his work on 'Gimme a Break' and 'Blossom,' but growing up was a big let down that led to a less-successful music career. Thanks to 'Dancing,' he found his way back onto the small screen with a dark guest role on 'CSI: NY.'
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
9. Tatum O'Neal
The troubled, Oscar-winning child star had a recurring role on 'Rescue Me' when she put on her 'Dancing' shoes. Despite her early elimination, her moment in the reality competition spotlight helped her land a leading role on the primetime soap 'Wicked, Wicked Games.'
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
8. Tia Carrere
Everybody loved her when she ruled 'Wayne's World,' but the sexy actress was doing mostly voiceover work before the 'Stars' aligned. Now this hot mom is rockin' the guest star circuit with spicy roles on the hit cable series' 'Nip/Tuck' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.'
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
7. Jerry Springer
For the last 16 years, legions of fans have been chanting his name in hopes of inciting a brawl on his self-titled talk show. But Springer broadened his audience by showing his fatherly side on 'Dancing.' Now he's the likeable host of the hit summer series 'America's Got Talent.'
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
6. Mario Lopez
Best known as A.C. Slater on 'Saved by the Bell,' this teen heartthrob struggled to find a long-term gig pre-'Dancing.' Now he's working steadily as a go-to host for pageants like Miss America and Miss Universe, and he's making headlines as the rumored beau to his 'Dancing' partner Karina Smirnoff.
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
5. John O'Hurley
Before losing the first 'Dancing' title to Kelly Monaco, O'Hurley was best known as J. Peterman, Elaine's boss on 'Seinfeld.' Now he's a household name, with gigs hosting the syndicated game show 'Family Feud' and hamming it up in the Vegas version of 'Spamalot.'
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
4. Lisa Rinna
Rinna was busy prior to 'Dancing,' hosting the Emmy-nominated 'SoapTalk' chat-fest and guesting on shows like 'Veronica Mars,' but her time on 'DWTS' rocketed her status as a TV vixen. She starred in Broadway's 'Chicago' with hubby Harry Hamlin and she's replaced Joan Rivers on the red carpet for the TV Guide Channel.
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
3. Joey Fatone
When Justin Timberlake said 'Bye, Bye, Bye' to N'Sync, Fatone's career screeched to a halt. But his goofball antics on 'Dancing' have won the charismatic singer gigs hosting NBC's 'The Singing Bee' and doing red carpet duty for the TV Guide Channel.
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
2. Stacy Keibler
This leggy blonde was barely known outside of the wrestling world when she battled bigger 'Stars' on the dance floor. Now she's a full-fledged actress with roles on 'What About Brian' and 'October Road.' She's also done correspondent work for 'Good Morning America.'
'Dancing With the Stars': Biggest Career Boost
1. Drew Lachey
This former 98 Degrees singer was overshadowed by his more famous older brother Nick, but since his season two 'Dancing' win he's become king of all things ballroom by hosting the upcoming 'Dance War' series, traveling on the 'Dancing' tour and acting as a temporary co-host for this season's 'Dancing' competition.
