Ezra Frech, a 21-year-old Paralympian, is currently making waves on the 35th season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (DWTS), partnered with professional dancer Daniella Karagach. Born with congenital limb differences, Frech had his left leg amputated above the knee, which places him among a select group of amputees who have participated in the popular television competition.
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This season, Frech and Karagach have captivated both judges and audiences alike, consistently ranking among the top scoring couples. Their performances have not only showcased their talent but have also highlighted the representation of athletes with disabilities on mainstream television.
One powerful supporter of Team Frech is Amy Purdy, a former contestant on DWTS and a two-time Paralympic gold medalist. The 46-year-old veteran competed in season 18 and finished in second place alongside pro Derek Hough. Since Frech’s selection for the current season, Purdy has been vocal in her encouragement, cheering him on from the sidelines.
After the “Yacht Rock Night” episode on September 30, Frech spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about the influence Purdy’s support has had on him. He expressed deep appreciation, stating, “I have a lot of love for Amy. Getting her love each week is fueling.” He recognised Purdy and fellow contestants with disabilities as trailblazers, stating that they have paved the way for increasing visibility and representation on screen for younger generations.
On September 23, after Frech and Karagach scored a commendable 12 out of 30, Purdy took to Instagram to share her emotional reaction to Frech’s performances. “I’ve been emotional in the best way thinking about Ezra Frech on DWTS. And honestly, it’s about so much more than the dancing,” she remarked. Purdy emphasised how Frech’s candidness regarding disability has impacted her, unlike her experience during her own time on the show.
Reflecting on her journey, Purdy admitted her own hesitance in discussing her disability openly during her competition. As a double below-the-knee amputee, Purdy felt she could only focus on showcasing her abilities through hard work, rather than fully embracing her identity. “But watching Ezra take that even further is incredibly powerful,” she explained. “He isn’t only showing people what’s possible. He’s talking about disability, owning it, and helping make it more normal to talk about.”
Purdy’s emotional insights culminated in a heartfelt caption where she expressed admiration for Frech, acknowledging the profound effect he has on viewers. “I can only imagine how many people are watching him right now and seeing a bigger future for themselves because of it,” she said, united in their shared mission to normalize conversations around disability.
Frech reciprocated Purdy’s affection by proclaiming his love for her in the comments section of her post. Prior to the DWTS season premiere on September 15, Frech shared a sentiment of gratitude on Instagram. He highlighted the significance of representing the disabled community on such a prestigious platform like DWTS.
He expressed appreciation towards Karagach, stating, “Thank you, Dani, for being my fearless leader, the best teacher, and big sis.” Their collaborative spirit not only uplifts Frech but also contributes to a broader dialogue about inclusivity in competitive shows.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, bringing forward compelling stories such as Frech’s as part of its entertainment narrative. With each performance, Frech is not just dancing; he is also contributing to a much-needed conversation about disability representation in the performing arts, inspiring many along the way.