This week, actor and adventure seeker Dylan Efron's trip on Dancing With the Stars took an unexpected turn when he disclosed that he had suffered a horrific rehearsal injury: a fractured nose. The event was revealed on Instagram by Zac Efron's 33-year-old younger brother, who was seen with an ice pack applied to his face and a noticeable bruise. According to reports, he sustained the injury while rehearsing with Daniella Karagach, his professional partner, for the forthcoming Halloween-themed show.
Karagach had accidentally elbowed him while they were trying out a new lift, he said, leaving them both sprawled on the dance floor and hearing a “really loud crack.” Efron was quick to reassure that he was “seriously all good” and would still be appearing in the next show despite the scary incident. His tenacity quickly earned him legions of fans from Dancing With the Stars audience members, who praised his good humor and resilience.
The episode not only showed Efron’s dedication to the competition, but also what the real physical stakes contestants are experiencing can be behind all that glitter and smiles. But as he prepares to go back out there and hit the dance floor, this latest (devastating) blow could end up just being one more mark in his DWTS history, a legacy that’s been all about dedication, teamwork, and an unwavering spirit.
Dancing With the Stars: Efron’s injury and comeback
Dylan Efron cracked his nose during this week's Dancing With the Stars Halloween theme rehearsal when Daniella Karagach unintentionally elbowed him while he was performing a difficult lift. He put an ice pack on his face, recorded himself from a hospital chair, and announced that he would be "back dancing tomorrow." In a season already full of passion, aspiration, and high-stakes routines, the injury introduced a severe undercurrent.
In the moment: What happened during rehearsal
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach tried a complicated lift at a rehearsal for their next show, but it went horribly wrong. In the middle of his routine, Efron was sent straight to the hospital for assessment after Karagach's elbow struck him solidly in the nose, causing a sharp break. What should have been a fun practice quickly became uncomfortable due to the incident.
"I took an elbow right here,” Efron explained in his Instagram video, pointing to his swollen nose. “It made a really loud crack. Not how I wanted to end rehearsal day, but we’ll be back dancing tomorrow.”
The accident could hardly have come at a more dramatic moment. After a strong Week 1, Efron danced to “Rewrite the Stars” with his sister Olivia for Dedication Night. He focused on recovery and preparation, rather than allowing the accident to take him down. So, when he quickly bounced back into the studio, it wasn't just clear that he's tenacious, but it only served to remind us that in Ray's world, this season of Dancing With the Stars is as much about tenacity as it is performance.
Bigger picture: Impact on the competition and Efron’s path
Although training injuries on Dancing With the Stars are not uncommon, Dylan's fractured nose serves as a reminder of how difficult—and dangerous—the practice has grown. Although audience votes and judges' scores may take center stage, a contestant's career is frequently defined by the backstage chaos. Efron now has to balance his recuperation and performance. The difficulty comes in maintaining the game both emotionally and physically, yet the Mirrorball is within grasp.
His demeanor conveys three important qualities: flexibility, bravery, and reliability. Efron elevated the story beyond choreography by continuing after the injury and recognizing the assistance of colleagues. His return provides viewers with just as much motivation as the dancers' floor moves. Dylan Efron's journey on this season of Dancing With the Stars has evolved beyond only the last routine to include demonstrating that you can still soar after being pushed down.
Watch Dancing With the Stars on ABC.