Dylan Efron may not have had his brother Zac Efron in the audience during Dancing With the Stars’ Dedication Night, but his performance made it clear how much his older sibling means to him.
During the Tuesday, October 14, episode of the ABC reality competition, the 33-year-old and his dance partner, Daniella Karagach, performed a contemporary number to “Rewrite the Stars,” the beloved hit from Zac’s movie The Greatest Showman. Although Zac, 37, wasn’t seen in the ballroom, Dylan shared the spotlight with their 5-year-old sister, Olivia.
“I’m dedicating this dance to my little sister, Olivia,” Dylan said during rehearsals. “I wasn’t expecting to be a big brother again, but the moment she came into my life, we were inseparable.”
Zac Efron, Dylan Efron. Getty Images (2)
Dylan grew emotional reflecting on the influence Zac had on him. “Performing to ‘Rewrite the Stars’ is my way of honoring my brother,” he said tearfully. “Zac has always been so selfless, always taking care of others. I want to be that kind of role model for Olivia — to be someone she can look up to.”
The emotional performance resonated with both the audience and the judges, earning Dylan straight nines for a total score of 36 out of 40.
Though Zac hasn’t yet been spotted in the DWTS ballroom this season, Dylan had hinted that Dedication Night would be a family tribute. During the October 7 Disney Night episode, cohost Julianne Hough joked, “Everyone thought you’d do High School Musical tonight,” referencing Zac’s breakout role. Dylan teased, “I’ve got something special planned for next week — if I’m still here,” leaving his partner Daniella both surprised and amused.
Zac Efron first captured hearts worldwide as Troy Bolton in High School Musical (2006–2008), but his younger brother is now carving his own path in the entertainment world.
After the DWTS lineup was announced in September, Dylan told Us Weekly his family was thrilled about his new challenge. “My dad is super excited. He’s got little ones, ages 4 and 5, and they’re all cheering me on. My mom was shocked — she was like, ‘Where did this come from?’ And my brother’s been really supportive,” he shared.
Dylan Efron with sister Olivia on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ ABC
Dylan revealed that Zac once attended a DWTS taping years ago and offered him advice about what to expect. “He told me, ‘The best part is the live shows. You’ll love the energy,’” Dylan said.
When asked whether Zac would show up in person to support him this season, Dylan teased with a smile, “We’ll see.”
Dylan emphasized that he and Daniella wanted to establish their own creative identity, saying, “We’re doing our own thing — no High School Musical numbers this time.”
Before joining DWTS, Dylan gained attention for winning The Traitors season 3 alongside Gabby Windey, Dolores Catania, and Ivar Mountbatten. However, he admitted that Dancing With the Stars was a much bigger leap. “This is way harder. On The Traitors, all I had to do was raise my hand. Here, I have to get up and dance!” he joked.
Despite never having performed before, Dylan embraced the challenge. “At first, I said no right away,” he recalled. “But then I thought, I’m saying no because I’m scared — and sometimes that fear means it could be the best thing you’ll ever do. Stepping out of your comfort zone is how you grow.”
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Hulu.