Danielle Fishel opens up about cancer diagnosis during emotional ‘Dancing With the Stars’ routine

“Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel delivered an emotional performance on Dancing With the Stars, dedicating her contemporary dance to Aerosmith’s “Dream On” as she reflected on her breast cancer diagnosis.

Fishel, partnered with professional dancer Pasha Pashkov, revealed in rehearsals that the song inspired her to pursue her dreams after being diagnosed with cancer last year.

“This song really inspires me to live out my dreams, because as my cancer diagnosis showed me last year, you never know when your time could be up,” she said.

During rehearsals, Fishel grew tearful as she told Pashkov she wanted to show “the benefit of being able to take hardship and rise above.” She described the performance as “a big gift,” adding that it allowed her to channel her emotions into movement.

The judges praised the routine, with guest judge Flavor Flav calling it “on point,” while Bruno Tonioli commended her resilience. “Life can be a b---- sometimes, but you don’t give up. You stay resilient, keep a positive attitude, and it’s not over,” he said.

Carrie Ann Inaba apologised for a previous comment referring to Fishel as “tiny,” adding, “You are small and you do pack a punch — that’s why I can say that, because I believe in you.”

Fishel later told host Julianne Hough the dance felt like “therapy,” reflecting on a challenging week of rehearsals. Despite earning a score of 34, Fishel was eliminated on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night.

The actress previously revealed on her Pod Meets World podcast that she was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer last August, urging listeners to prioritise early screenings.

Fishel described her DWTS journey as “life-changing,” adding, “Every single moment, including this one, has been joyous.”