"Dancing With The Stars" celebrities, like Mario Lopez shown here, became household names as they cha-cha-ed their way into our living rooms during past seasons of the popular reality TV shows ever. But what happens when the contest is over? Did their careers get a boost? And does winning the contest guarantee fame and fortune?
Kelly Monaco
Soap actress Kelly Monaco, winner of the first season, continues to play Samantha McCall on "General Hospital." The reality TV stint did, however, boost her visibility - the former Playboy model is currently starring in a Las Vegas burlesque show (Holly Madison, another "DWTS" alumna, will take over for her in June 2009) and has done a variety of talk shows and red carpets.
Drew Lachey
The second season was won by former 98 Degrees singer Drew Lachey, who was supported on air by his more famous brother, pop singer Nick Lachey. Drew's wife, a choreographer and dancer, gave birth to their first child, Isabella Claire, shortly after he won the competition. Lachey toured with "Dancing With The Stars" in the U.S. and Canada and will be the host of the new show "HGTV $250,000 Challenge."
Emmitt Smith
Former NFL runningback Emmitt Smith became a studio analyst for ESPN's NFL pregame coverage after he became the third "DWTS" winner. A three-time Super Bowl champion and the NFL's all-time rushing leader, Smith didn't need dancing credentials to boost his career. However, his contract with ESPN wasn't renewed for the 2009 season.
John O'Hurley
John O'Hurley, the first-season runner-up, is now the host of "Family Feud" and played King Arthur in the Las Vegas production of "Spamalot." Not long after his reality TV stint, he produced a dance instruction video and took on the role of Billy Flynn in "Chicago" on Broadway.
Joey Lawrence
The former "Blossom" star came in third place in the third season that ended in the fall of 2006. After that, he has been traveled across Canada and the U.S. with the "Danicng With The Stars" tour, starred in the musical "Chicago" as Billy Flynn and guest-starred on episodes of "CSI-NY."
Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin
Married actors Lisa Rinna (season two) and Harry Hamlin (season three) were also on the "DWTS" tour. Rinna, a "Melrose Place" alum, now hosts the makeover program "Merge" on Lifetime. Hamlin was famous in the 1980s as one of the stars of the popular drama "L.A. Law" but his career has languished since then.
Jerry Rice
Former NFL wide reciever Jerry Rice was the runner-up to Lachey on season two. He charmed viewers with his work ethic and his perserverance, two characteristics that he demonstrated on the football field as well. He may not be known for his two-step but he is considered one of greatest wide receivers in NFL history.
Stacy Keibler
Pro wrestler Stacy Keibler came in third to Rice in season two. After the show she had a role on the ABC series "What About Brian?" and has guest starred in an episode of the ABC series "In The Motherhood."
George Hamilton
George Hamilton, the debonair 66-year-old actor whose antics brought laughter to the lips of "Dancing With The Stars" audiences in season two, has made a number of commercial endrosements since appearing on the show, including one with his season-two colleague, Stacy Keibler.
Tatum O'Neal
Tatum O'Neal, the youngest Oscar winner ever, left season two in the second episode but found herself another job as a commentator for "Entertainment Tonight." She's also had roles on the FX drama "Rescue Me" and in the My Network TV primetime drama "Wicked Wicked Games."
Vivica A. Fox
TV and film actress Vivica A. Fox was one of the season three contestants. In September 2007 she appeared as a Katrina evacuee on "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Fox also hosted her own VH1 reality series called "Glam God" in 2008.
Mario Lopez
"Saved By The Bell" star Mario Lopez was the runner-up in the third season that ended in the fall of 2006. Since then, he has hosted the Miss America pageant, was a celebrity guest host at the Golden Globes for CBS' "Extra," and starred in the Broadway production of "A Chorus Line."
Monique Coleman
Monique Coleman, the "High School Musical" star, has appeared in the two subsequent "HSM" films since she appeared in season three of "Dancing With The Stars." She also will provide the voice for the character Fontasia on the upcoming Fox animated series "The Cleveland Show."
Jerry Springer
Talk show host Jerry Springer, whose charm kept him dancing on season three far longer than his talent should have allowed, took over from Regis Philbin as host of "America's Got Talent" from 2007-2008.