Winokur Still Smiling in 'Dancing' Defeat

By SANDY COHEN,

Reuters

Posted: 2008-05-14 06:55:02

LOS ANGELES (May 14) - Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur won't be adding a mirrorball trophy to her collection of prizes - the actress was eliminated Tuesday from "Dancing With the Stars."

She and her professional partner, Tony Dovolani, came into the semifinal results show in last place, with 52 points out of 60. The couple divided the judges Monday with their quickstep and rumba, earning 26 points for each performance.

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Kelsey McNeal, ABC

Who's Gone,
Who's Still Dancing?

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WINNER: Kristi Yamaguchi
Why a Star? Olympic ice skater
'Dancing' Partner: Mark Ballas

Judges' scores are combined with viewer votes to determine which couple is eliminated each week.

Winokur, who has worn a glowing smile throughout the competition, kept grinning even after she learned her fate.

"I've never felt sexier in my life. Just going through this ride, I feel like I can pretty much do anything," said the full-figured Winokur, adding that she "wanted to prove to people that you don't have to be a size zero to dance."

"I want everyone to go out and do something fun," she said as the credits rolled on the ABC dance-off. "Do something that makes you feel sexy and shake what your mama gave you."

Tuesday's show also featured a tribute to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," with Omarion singing a medley of hits from the 1980s album as dozens of dancers performed some of Jackson's signature moves.

More 'Dancing' Coverage

The show's tiniest competitors, the ballroom kids, also returned to dance floor. One of three preteen couples will be crowned junior champions during next week's season finale.

Usher is set to perform on the final show, as are the celebrity dancers who've been eliminated during this season's competition: Mario, Marlee Matlin, Priscilla Presley, Adam Carolla, Steve Guttenberg, Monica Seles and Penn Jillette.

Finalists Jason Taylor, Kristi Yamaguchi and Cristian de la Fuente will do their last dances Monday, and one will be named season champ on Tuesday.

ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co.

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2008-05-14 06:55:02

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7 comments

lizandrsn 02:07:35 PM May 14 2008

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DWTS had become nothing but a mockery. Look at the final contestans. Not a WHITE PERSON among them. ABC is caving in to all the "special interest" racial groups in order to keep them happy.

Marissa's dancing may not have been Trophy-worthy, but listening to the Judges fawn over the faults of Jason Taylor was too much to watch, week in and week out. Please. Giraffs have more grace.

ddaylou32 12:55:04 PM May 14 2008

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STick to dressing for grace, not showing all their skin.

ddaylou32 12:54:07 PM May 14 2008

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Marissa was a good example of gracious losing. Thd dance sessions could be improved with different costumes Seems some nned to show all that bare skin. It certainly does not improve their dancing.

j555sharkteeth 12:13:20 PM May 14 2008

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who is this fat HOG

fracingmom 09:57:33 AM May 14 2008

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It was great to watch Marissa dance. She seemed to enjoy dancing so much that she made you smile and feel great. Good luck to you in the future.

chinchillachik89 09:03:09 AM May 14 2008

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Finally!! All I can say is thank God!!! Marissa could not dance!! I do NOT know how anyone could stand her. If I had to watch her grin and exclaim, with her giant mouth, just how happy she was I was going to scream. I voted just to get her off!!! I want to thank everyone who did not vote for her. THANK YOU!!!!!