Selma Blair
She has to leave the dance show for health reasons
© ZUMA Wire / imago images
Selma Blair has been delighting audiences in the American equivalent of “Let’s Dance” for weeks. However, in the last broadcast, the actress made a sad announcement: she can no longer participate in the show.
Whether tango, rumba or quickstep: Selma Blair, 50, and professional dancer Sasha Farber, 38, have been convincing countless viewers at “Dancing with the Stars” since September 19, 2022. The actress, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, seemed to be floating on the floor. But the physical exertion in recent weeks has added to the “Ice Cold Angel” actress.
Selma Blair: ‘I went as far as I could’
In the episode, which aired on Monday October 17, Selma Blair drew a line. Before Selma and Sasha entered the floor, a previously recorded video was played in which the 50-year-old explained her decision. “I was monitored all the time and in touch with my doctors,” she told her dance partner. “I had several MRIs, now when the results came back everything was clear: I can’t. […] I can’t continue the competition. I went as far as I could.”
She went on to say that she has to be extra careful because of the chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system: “My body is definitely being affected. It’s way too much for the safety of my bones. There’s just intense bone trauma and Inflammation between cracks and fractures so I could do a lot of damage. Of course I don’t want that.” With her resignation, she also wants to show her son Arthur, 11, who comes from her relationship with designer Jason Bleick, 52, that “sometimes you have to make tough decisions.”
Comrades-in-arms said goodbye with tears
Still, she wanted to perform one last time, so she and Sasha danced a soulful waltz to Andra Day’s “What the World Needs Now.” An emotional moment that ended in a deafening storm of applause. The jury was also impressed. Although the scoring no longer counted due to Blair’s retirement, the “Hellboy” actress scored 40 out of 40 with her latest performance and received moving words from the judges. “If the other climbed hills, you climbed mountains,” said judge Len Goodman, 78. Bruno Tonioli, 66, agreed with his colleague and emphasized: “You really inspired millions of people.”
Visibly moved, Selma Blair accepted the praise and explained: “I know that as a mother and as someone who also wants to represent some people, I have to take risks. Sometimes every risk you take has consequences. I’m fine. I’ll do it.” Eventually, the show’s entire cast, including cast members like Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena, 25, and singer Jordin Sparks, 32, tearfully celebrated her and gave Selma Blair a fitting farewell.
Sarah Michelle Gellar is proud of her girlfriend
Selma Blair, who has been trying to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis for years and is open about her symptoms, is also appreciated for her incredible achievement on social media. Her good friend and then “Cruel Intentions” colleague Sarah Michelle Gellar, 45, posts a picture of herself and Blair. She writes: “Selma, I’ve never been so proud of you (and I’m often proud of you) You make the rest of us believe that we can do anything. That we must never give up.”
She also thanks professional dancer Sasha Farber: “I will miss seeing how happy Selma shines every week when she goes on stage with you. Your love and friendship is the greatest gift. I love you Blair.”
Source used: instagram.com