James Denton, renowned for his role as Mike Delfino in “Desperate Housewives,” recently embarked on a challenging yet rewarding journey on the French version of “Dancing with the Stars.” While the experience left him with lasting injuries, it was an adventure he wouldn’t trade.
Denton, 61, revealed the physical toll the competition took on his body during a Christmas Con panel moderated by PEOPLE’s Breanne L. Heldman. After nearly four months of rigorous training and performances, he confessed that his knees are “just destroyed” and he’s still in recovery. Despite the pain, he emphasized the positive aspects of the experience, highlighting the fun he had and the kindness of the people involved.
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The “Good Witch” star admitted he had been approached to participate in the American version of “DWTS” multiple times but always declined, citing his lack of dancing skills. However, the 2023 Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes provided the opportunity and impetus for him to finally accept the French offer. The extended downtime allowed him to take on the challenge, and he appreciated the care and support provided by the show’s production.
Denton confessed that stepping outside his comfort zone was terrifying, yet that fear motivated him to embrace the experience. He compared the French “DWTS” to the American version, noting the longer live performance routines in France, which exceeded two minutes compared to the one-minute routines in the US. This added pressure intensified the challenge.
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While generally not affected by stage fright, Denton admitted to feeling overwhelmed by nerves during his first live performance. He described his heart pounding like a “little kid’s,” capturing the mixture of excitement and fear he experienced. He persevered through six weeks of competition, exceeding his initial goal of simply avoiding early elimination. He attributed his survival to the supportive fans who voted for him. Humbly acknowledging the superior talent of his fellow competitors, Denton expressed relief at being eliminated when he was, believing his continued presence would have been unfair to the more skilled dancers.
Despite his limited French proficiency, Denton humorously shared the one phrase he mastered: “Je suis désolé, mon français est nul,” meaning “I’m sorry, my French sucks.” This anecdote perfectly encapsulates his adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace new experiences, even with linguistic challenges. Denton’s journey on French “Dancing with the Stars” serves as an inspiring testament to embracing challenges, pushing boundaries, and finding joy amidst adversity.
