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Krstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Kirstie Alley
"Hollywood's Most Outrageous Actress"
PRO DANCER PARTNER: Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Kirstie Alley has emerged as one of the top actresses of her generation, proving time and again that she is capable of great depth and range, as well as a comedic timing second to none. Hey, she always cracks us up!
Kirstie's TV work earned her seven Golden Globe and eight Emmy nominations. She's won a Golden Globe, two Emmys and three People's Choice Awards. Kirstie co-wrote and starred in Showtime's critically acclaimed comedy Fat Actress. She also played the title character in the NBC sitcom Veronica's Closet and also served as executive producer.
In 1994, Kirstie showcased her dramatic range starring in the CBS TV movie David's Mother, for which she won an Emmy. In 1987, Kirstie joined the cast of the long-running hit NBC sitcom Cheers as the neurotic Rebecca Howe. She received critical accolades and won both an Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Comedy Series in 1991. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Kirstie made her movie debut in 1982's Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, in which she played the beautiful Vulcan officer, Lieutenant Saavik. In 1999, Kirstie starred in the dark comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous. The cult-classic mockumentary follows the contestants in a beauty pageant in Minnesota.
Kirstie also starred in Woody Allen's Deconstructing Harry. She had us laughing again by starring alongside John Travolta in the hit film Look Who's Talking. The super-successful comedy spawned two hit sequels. Some of Kirstie's other film credits include Shoot to Kill, Summer School, For Richer or Poorer and Champions.
In 1995, Kirstie was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She served as the spokesperson for Pier One from 2000 to 2004 and Jenny Craig from 2005 to 2008. In 2010, Kirstie worked with experts in science, nutrition, and medicine to develop Organic Liaison, which includes Rescue Me, the first ever USDA certified organic weight-loss product.
It's safe to say that Kirstie Alley has been one of the busiest people in Hollywood for awhile now. So we're glad she found some time to take to the stage on Dancing With The Stars!
Photo Credit: Andrew MacPherson
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Maksim Chmerkovskiy
CELEBRITY PARTNER: Kirstie Alley
BACKGROUND:
"The Bad Boy of the Ballroom" joined the show in Season 2, competing with partner Tia Carrere. We fell for Maks instantly. Known for his bold moves and even bolder mouth, he's the one we love to hate and hate to love.
Maks has come close to getting that shiny disco ball twice. He made it to the finals with boxing champ Laila Ali in Season 4, and finished in second place in Season 5 with Mel B. So close!
Ladies love to look at Maks. "I know my assets so I don't have a problem opening my shirt," the dancer says. "I notice women looking at my chest all the time. If you want to look at my chest, go ahead." Don't mind if we do!
Maks is a big part of the DWTS family. He toured in the national production and is part of the DWTS: Cardio Dance DVD. He recently starred on ABC's sports competition show The Superstars and played himself in an episode of All My Children.
Outside of DWTS, Maks choreographed for famed director Franco Dragone's Le Reve, and performed in the Broadway show Burn the Floor.
Currently a board member for the non-profit organization DanceTeamUSA, Maks is dedicated to inspiring American kids to get involved in DanceSport. He started the Rising Stars Dance Academy, which is the premier youth ballroom dance school in the United States. He also organizes performances all over the world through his company Maksim Chmerkovskiy Productions.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
• 2005 Yankee Classic Professional Latin Champion
• 2004 Manhattan Dancesport Professional Latin Champion
• 2003 Ohio Star Ball Latin Champion
• Ranked 2nd in the US
PRIOR CELEBRITY PARTNERS:
• Brandy
• Erin Andrews
• Debi Mazar
• Denise Richards
• Misty May-Treanor
• Mel B
• Laila Ali
• Willa Ford
• Tia Carrere
ABC
