In the glamorous world of reality television, anything can happen. Even an A-list celebrity dropping out of a popular show after just a day of rehearsals. That’s exactly what happened on the beloved dance show, ‘Dancing with the Stars’. The person in question? None other than Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen.
The Surprising Revelation
Former professional dancer Cheryl Burke, who retired from the show in 2022, dropped this bombshell on her iHeart Media podcast, Sex, Lies and Spray Tans. She revealed that Sheen was supposed to be her celebrity dance partner for the show’s 28th season, which aired in autumn 2019.
“Fun fact: I danced with Charlie for one day. Maybe you don’t know but he was going to do the show,” Burke told her guest, Denise Richards, Sheen’s former wife.
Why Did Sheen Sign Up?
It may be surprising for some to learn that Sheen, a TV icon, was planning to join a reality dance show. After all, his previous roles didn’t necessarily involve a lot of dance moves. However, it seems that the actor’s decision was driven by a desire to try something new and challenging.
A Single Day of Dance
Despite his initial enthusiasm, Sheen’s stint on the show lasted only a day. He didn’t even make it past the rehearsal stage. According to Burke, Sheen’s exit came as a shock as he had specifically requested her as his professional partner for the season.
The Demands of the Show
‘Dancing with the Stars’ is not a walk in the park. It requires a significant commitment, both in terms of time and effort. Burke explains that the show involves a lot of work, including grueling rehearsals, press engagements, and interviews.
“It’s freaking a lot of work. And there’s a lot of press and a lot of interviews, and all of this stuff,” she said.
Sheen’s Concerns
After the first day of rehearsals, Sheen began to express concerns about the show’s demanding schedule. He questioned the necessity of multiple interviews and press appearances.
The Sobering Reality
Burke, who has been sober for almost six years, empathized with Sheen’s struggles. She noted that the dancer’s journey can be incredibly challenging, especially for someone dealing with sobriety.
The Real Reason for Sheen’s Exit
While Burke wasn’t sure why Sheen decided to drop out, Denise Richards had her theories. She suggested that the physical demands of the show and the requirement for constant interviews didn’t sit well with the actor.
“He doesn’t like to work out. There’s a lot of physical activity with dancing. … He also wouldn’t want to do interviews. It would be a great challenge for him and something that he should do, but he doesn’t like to sweat.” Richards explained.
Sheen’s Admission
Back in 2019, rumours swirled about Sheen’s potential participation in the show. However, he only admitted to being offered the job, not accepting it.
“I was very flattered by ABC and their offer, but at the end of the day, I have two left feet and I just can’t dance,” he told Us Weekly.
The Final Word
While fans may never know the real reason behind Sheen’s swift exit, Burke believes that the actor made the best decision for himself.
“He was really sweet and kind and humble, but I knew as soon as we were finished that it was probably going to be a hard no,” she summed up on her podcast.
The Impact of Transparency
Burke’s revelation serves as a reminder that not everyone is cut out for the pressures of reality TV. It requires a willingness to be vulnerable and courageous. Without these qualities, the show can be overwhelming.
Reality TV continues to entertain and surprise us. And as the saga of Charlie Sheen’s short-lived dance career shows, there’s always a story behind the scenes waiting to be told.
