Dylan Efron Breaks Out of His Comfort Zone — From ‘Traitors’ Castle to the ‘DWTS’ Ballroom
Dylan Efron isn’t just Zac Efron’s younger brother. He’s carving his own path in reality TV. He’s doing it with charm, brains, and a surprising knack for competition.
At 33, Dylan made waves on The Traitors season 3. He walked into the castle looking unassuming, but he quickly proved he was a player to watch. Week after week, he outmaneuvered legends from Survivor and Big Brother, all while staying true to his humble self. By the March finale, Dylan walked away with more than $200,000. He shared this amount with fellow Faithfuls Dolores Catania, Gabby Windey, and Ivar Mountbatten.
“I’ve never seen myself as a huge personality,” Dylan tells Us Weekly exclusively. “I’m just pretty normal. I’m trying my hardest. I’m a little goofy, shy, and easily embarrassed. People can relate to it.”
Unlike his older brother, Dylan doesn’t rely on a Hollywood persona. His star power comes from relatability, humor, and a quiet confidence that emerged over the course of the game.
Outsmarting the Pros
Long before Dylan became a competitor, he was a fan. He followed reality shows religiously — Survivor, Big Brother, and more — dreaming of stepping into the action himself.
“When I was a kid, I watched these shows and thought, ‘Man, that looks fun,’” Dylan admits. “And now, I’m actually on the show that fans like me watch.”
Dylan faced heavy hitters: Daniele Reyes and Britney Haynes from Big Brother, and Survivor veteran Carolyn Wiger. Despite the intimidating cast, he kept a level head. As a loyal Faithful, Dylan focused on strategy and observation, quietly identifying the Traitors and eliminating them one by one.
“I remember playing different outcomes in my head over and over,” he recalls. “I realized if Carolyn and Daniele lasted another night, the Faithfuls would lose. So we had to act fast. It played out exactly how I imagined.”
The castle tested every contestant. Comfort didn’t exist. But over time, Dylan found a rhythm. His confidence peaked when he orchestrated Carolyn Wiger’s exit.
“That was the moment I felt in control,” he says. “It felt like a shift — from being deceived to deceiving the deceivers.”
Friendships Over Fame
Dylan isn’t just about strategy. He formed real bonds, including a memorable bromance with “Boston Rob” Mariano.
“We played up the bromance for fun, but we genuinely get along,” Dylan says. “We’ve made plans since the show and even started working on projects together. It was amazing to be on Traitors with him and now call him a friend.”
He also took risks for loyalty. While the show encouraged splitting the final prize among fewer people, Dylan stuck with his group.
“We chose genuine connections over extra money,” he explains. “It wasn’t the best strategic move, but it was worth it for the shared experience of winning together.”
From Deception to Dance Floors
After conquering The Traitors, Dylan stepped into a completely different arena: Dancing With the Stars season 34. Partnered with professional dancer Daniella Karagach, Dylan has stunned judges and viewers alike.
“I’m learning to dance, to perform, and I’m putting every hour of every day into it,” Dylan tells Us Weekly. “I’m proud of how much effort I’m giving.”
DWTS has tested Dylan in ways The Traitors never did. Unlike a game of strategy, dance is fully in his control.
“On Traitors, luck plays a huge role,” he explains. “On DWTS, everything is on you. You have to show up, perform, and give it your all.”
Even seasoned dancers in the competition, like Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt, and Lauren Jauregui, have a head start. Dylan came in without prior dance experience.
“It’s physically and mentally challenging, but so rewarding,” he says. “I’m doing things I never imagined I could.”
Sweeping the Scores
So far, Dylan and Daniella have tackled the samba, foxtrot, cha-cha, and quickstep. On Dedication Night, their emotional contemporary routine earned the highest scores of the season.
“It’s surreal to be out there, doing this,” Dylan admits. “From the Traitors turret to the DWTS skybox, it’s been a whirlwind year.”
This experience has taught him more than just dance moves.
“Challenging myself, whether I fail or not, is always worth it,” he says. “It’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.”
Lessons From the Castle
One unexpected takeaway? Never underestimate a reality star… or a Housewife.
“It’s funny,” Dylan laughs. “Those women are amazing, but man, they can be ruthless when needed.”
After winning The Traitors, Dylan invested his prize money in a new apartment with his girlfriend, Courtney King. When asked if he’d change anything about his rise to reality fame, he keeps it simple:
“Is it cheesy to say nothing?”
What’s Next for Dylan Efron?
Dylan’s year has been a masterclass in stepping out of comfort zones. From strategic games in a castle to dazzling the ballroom, he’s proven versatility, charisma, and grit.
Fans can follow his DWTS journey week by week. They can watch him tackle new dance challenges. He will transform into a seasoned performer.
From castle intrigues to ballroom lights. Dylan Efron is proving he’s not just Zac’s brother. He’s a force of his own.
Fans who want the full scoop on Dylan can grab the latest issue of Us Weekly on stands now. The magazine also covers other Reality Stars of the Year.
