Before They Were Stars

VIDEO: Before Their Fame on Dancing With the Stars

Are you ready for the Season 13 premiere of DWTS on September 19th? Dancing With the Stars has been a megahit since its debut on June 25, 2005. But where did its stars get their start? Go back in time with judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli and hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke by watching the videos below. By Julie Taylor

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CARRIE ANN INABA

Groovy, baby! Before she was a judge on DWTS, Carrie Ann Inaba played Fook Yu, the twin sister of Fook Mi, in 2002’s Austin Powers in Goldmember. Inaba and Diane Mizota (who played Fook Mi) are not related but were made up to look like identical twins. Diane Mizota tells Snakkle, “When I auditioned, they wanted to know if I had a sister. I do, but we don’t look alike, so I called Carrie Ann. We put our outfits together and did our makeup to accentuate our similarities. After maybe six auditions, we got the parts. I’m so happy about Carrie Ann’s success on DWTS because I’m always happy when any fellow dancer makes it. Carrie Ann is really talented and really smart.”

BRUNO TONIOLI

The flamboyant, did-he-really-say-that judge on DWTS was a lead dancer in Elton John’s 1983 “I’m Still Standing” video. That’s Tonioli in the black leotard with studded belt, the risqué bellman’s uniform, and the tight orange pants that leave nothing to the imagination. Work it, Bruno!

TOM BERGERON

DWTS host Tom Bergeron hosted People Are Talking on Boston TV station WBZ-TV. He interviewed then-heartthrobs New Kids on the Block back in 1989. Tom’s definitely got “the right stuff!”

BROOKE BURKE

In Season 10, Brooke Burke became the only contestant to move to the other side of the table. After winning with partner Derek Hough in 2007, Brooke is entering her 3rd season as co-host with Tom Bergeron. Check out this flashback to 2000, as a tube-topped Brooke showcases some political satire for E!