Dylan Efron Finally Speaks Out on Zac Efron’s Absence
It was one of the most anticipated moments of the Dancing With the Stars season. Dylan Efron took the ballroom floor to perform an emotional routine. It was inspired by his famous brother. However, Zac Efron was nowhere to be seen.
Fans were certain the High School Musical actor would join the audience during “Dedication Night.” On that night, Dylan and his partner Daniella Karagach delivered a stunning contemporary performance to “Rewrite the Stars.” This is the hit duet Zac originally sang with Zendaya in The Greatest Showman.
But when the cameras panned to the crowd, viewers quickly noticed the missing face.
Social media buzzed with questions: Where’s Zac? Why isn’t he here to support Dylan?
This week, Dylan finally broke his silence.
A Special Dedication — and a Missing Big Brother
Dylan spoke exclusively to Us Weekly after the October 14 episode. He explained that choosing “Rewrite the Stars” wasn’t just a coincidence. It was deeply personal.
“It just made sense,” the 32-year-old adventurer said. “That’s my favorite performance by Zac, so it was special. It wasn’t even a thought. I knew that was the song.”
The heartfelt number wasn’t just a tribute to his brother. It was also a love letter to his little sister, Olivia. Olivia is only five years old. The tiny star even appeared in the dance, bringing fans to tears.
“I’m dedicating this dance to my little sister, Olivia,” Dylan said in his pre-performance video. “I wasn’t expecting to be a big brother again. From the moment she was born, I was inseparable from her.”
The Efron family also includes another young sibling, Henry, 4, who Dylan calls “a total ball of energy.”
“I Want to Be the Best Role Model I Can”
Zac may have made the song famous, but for Dylan, it symbolized something much deeper. It served as a reminder of the bond between brothers.
“Zac’s always taken care of me,” Dylan said. “He’s done so many selfless things for me over the years. I want to be that kind of person for Olivia — someone she can look up to. I want to be the best role model I can.”
The emotional honesty clearly resonated with viewers — and with the judges. Dylan and Daniella received straight nines across the board, an achievement he says he “did not at all” expect.
“I was hoping for just one nine,” Dylan laughed. “So we definitely exceeded expectations.”
As the audience erupted into applause, Dylan could be seen wiping away tears. It was a rare glimpse of vulnerability. He is an adventure-loving producer known more for cliff diving and travel films than for slow dances under glittering lights.
Where Was Zac Efron?
Still, fans couldn’t help but wonder: why wasn’t Zac there to witness the big moment?
While Dylan didn’t go into detail, he made it clear there were no hard feelings. “My brother is supportive,” he said simply. “He’s always been in my corner.”
Dylan even recalled that Zac once attended a Dancing With the Stars taping “a long time ago.” He remembered how much his brother enjoyed it.
“Zac told me the best part is going to be those live shows,” Dylan shared. “He said it’s such a good feeling — the energy, the audience, everything about it.”
Zac is currently busy with several film projects. These include The Iron Claw and an upcoming Netflix series. He may have had scheduling conflicts that kept him away. But if his social media is any clue, the actor has been cheering his younger brother on from afar.
Family Support Means Everything
Zac was absent in the ballroom. Despite this, Dylan says his entire family has been “unbelievably supportive.” Their support has been evident since his casting was announced last month.
“My dad is super excited,” Dylan told Us. “He’s got little kids now, four and five, and they’re both obsessed with the show. My mom was just shocked — she’s like, ‘Where did this come from?’”
Dylan’s dad, David Efron, reportedly watches every episode with Olivia and Henry. Their mom, Starla Baskett, calls Dylan after each performance.
It’s that family energy, Dylan says, that fuels him week after week. “Having them behind me makes everything easier,” he explained. “They’re my biggest fans.”
Next Up: A Haunting Halloween Waltz
Dylan is preparing for the next live show. He is gearing up to tackle something completely different. This is a dark, romantic Viennese waltz. It is set to Tommee Profitt and Brooke’s haunting version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
The performance will air during Dancing With the Stars’ Halloween Week on Tuesday, October 28.
“It’s going to be dramatic,” Dylan teased. “I can’t say much about the costumes, but it’s definitely going to surprise people.”
Partner Daniella Karagach previously won the Mirrorball Trophy with Iman Shumpert. She has been helping Dylan push beyond his comfort zone. “She’s a perfectionist,” Dylan said. “She pushes me harder than I ever thought I could go — but I love that.”
Fans Rally Behind Dylan
Online, fans have been flooding social media with messages of support. “Dylan Efron is such a sweetheart,” one viewer wrote on X. “You can feel how much he loves his family.”
Another fan posted, “Zac must be so proud watching his little brother shine. That performance was pure emotion.”
Even former DWTS contestants have praised his progress. “Dylan’s growth each week is amazing,” one alum shared on Instagram. “He’s showing that vulnerability is strength.”
The Efron Legacy Continues
While Zac Efron’s Hollywood fame was built on musicals and movies, Dylan is quietly crafting his own path. His journey is filled with heart. It also embodies humility and a sense of family.
He started by producing outdoor adventure documentaries. Now he’s captivating millions in the ballroom. He’s proving there’s more than one star in the Efron family.
As for Zac, fans hope to see the two brothers reunite soon. Maybe it will happen on the DWTS dance floor for a surprise visit.
Until then, Dylan’s message remains simple and sincere: family first, always.
“I just want to make them proud,” he said softly. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
