Alum Kate Flannery Shines on “Dancing With the Stars”
November 20, 2019
Actor, singer, comedian and UArts alum Kate Flannery BFA ’87 (Acting) joined the fall 2019 cast of Dancing with the Stars on ABC, where she advanced to the top 10 and placed seventh in the competition before a controversial elimination on Nov. 4.
Flannery is best known for her role as Meredith on NBC’s hit series The Office and has recently made appearances on Young Sheldon (CBS), voiced characters on OK K.O.! (Cartoon Network) and Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX). Flannery has been singing and touring with Jane Lynch for the past four years as a part of their anti-cabaret act, Two Lost Souls, at venues like the Kennedy Center, Joe’s Pub and the Carlyle Hotel in New York City. UArts honored Flannery with an Alumni Silver Star Award in 2013.
On her debut episode of Dancing with the Stars, Flannery admitted, “I danced in college 25-plus years ago but I’ve had no ballroom experience. So this is new to me.” Since that first performance, she quickly became a fan favorite, developing vibrant performances which highlighted her comedic chops and even included some singing. During her eight-week stint on the show, Flannery’s entertaining character pieces ranged from Little Red Riding Hood to Mary Poppins, and took on genres from Argentine tango to rumba to jazz. She earned her highest score of 27 points in week six for her Viennese waltz to Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.”
In an interview with Woman’s Day, Flannery stresses the importance of taking risks. "Whatever you can do to put yourself back in the game, whatever that game is, just do it. You’re worth it; everyone’s worth it. There [are] so many gifts that come with challenging yourself."
In a dance-off round on Nov. 4, Flannery and professional dance partner Pasha Pashkov faced Sean Spicer and Jenna Johnson. Although the judges awarded Flannery and Pashkov two extra points for their cha-cha, she was sent home in an upset. ET interviewed Flannery after the surprise elimination and Flannery reflects on her experience, saying “The thing about this show is, I got to be a student again. I got to be an artist again. I had the best teacher; masterclass every day. And if you’re not open to it, then it’s not going to happen. So hang in there. Show up. Keep showing up.”
