Who is Max Chermansky?
Max Chermansky is a Ukrainian-American professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor. He is best known for being one of the most popular and successful contestants on the ABC reality show Dancing with the Stars, where he competed in 17 seasons and won one title with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis in 2014. ²
Chermansky started dancing at the age of four in his native Ukraine, where he learned ballroom and Latin dances. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1994 and continued his dancing career, becoming a champion in the International Latin category. He also appeared in Broadway shows such as Burn the Floor and Forever Tango. ²
Chermansky is married to fellow dancer and Dancing with the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd, with whom he has two sons, Shai and Rio. He also has a younger brother, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, who is also a dancer and a judge on Dancing with the Stars. ²³
Why did he leave Dancing with the Stars?
Chermansky first joined Dancing with the Stars in season two in 2006, where he was paired with actress Tia Carrere. He quickly became a fan favorite for his charisma, skill, and chemistry with his partners, as well as his outspoken and sometimes controversial personality. He made it to the final round five times, finishing as a runner-up twice and third-place twice. His most memorable performances include his tango with Carrere, his freestyle with Davis, and his Argentine tango with singer Brandy. ²⁵
However, Chermansky also had his share of conflicts and controversies on the show, such as arguing with judges, clashing with partners, and being accused of being rude and arrogant. He also suffered from injuries and health issues that affected his performance and participation. He took several breaks from the show over the years, citing personal and professional reasons. ²⁵
In 2018, Chermansky announced that he was officially retiring from Dancing with the Stars after season 25, where he was partnered with TV personality Vanessa Lachey. He said that he wanted to focus on other projects and spend more time with his family. He also said that he felt that he had achieved everything he wanted on the show and that it was time to move on. ⁵
In a recent exclusive interview with Heavy, Chermansky confirmed that he will never return to Dancing with the Stars in any capacity, not even as a guest judge. He said that he has no plans to be involved with the show again and that he is happy with his decision. He also said that he respects and supports his brother Valentin and his wife Peta, who are still part of the show. ¹
What is he doing now?
Since leaving Dancing with the Stars, Chermansky has been busy with various projects and ventures. He has been working as a producer, director, and actor in different films and TV shows, such as The Last Dance, Lost & Found in Armenia, and The Real Housewives of New Jersey. He has also been developing his own dance studio brand called Dance With Me, which has locations across the country. He has also been involved in philanthropic causes, such as raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. ²⁴
Chermansky has also been enjoying his family life with his wife Peta and their two sons Shai and Rio. He often shares photos and videos of their adorable moments on social media, showing how much he loves being a father and a husband. He also revealed that he and Peta are planning to have a third child soon, preferably a girl. ³
Chermansky may have left Dancing with the Stars, but he has not left dancing or entertainment behind. He is still pursuing his passion and creativity in different ways, while also balancing his personal and professional life. He is an example of someone who follows his dreams.