Dylan Efron on ‘DWTS’ and Choosing to Step Into the Spotlight: “Realizing I Can Just Be Myself Was the Key”
The kindhearted heartthrob speaks with The Hollywood Reporter about his whirlwind year and new Choose Kind campaign: "It was the easiest yes ever."
By Erin Lassner
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Erin Lassner
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November 14, 2025 11:15am
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Dylan Efron at the 2025 GLAAD Awards earlier this year in Beverly Hills. Kevin Winter/Getty Images
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Dylan Efron‘s been a true TV screen staple this year. And now, the Traitors breakout star and current Dancing With the Stars semifinalist is fronting a campaign near and dear to his heart. Alongside Kristen Kish and Justin Herbert, Efron is inspiring others to carry out daily small acts of kindness through Kind Snacks’ Choose Kind campaign.
In celebration of World Kindness Day (Nov. 13) and a successful year in the spotlight, the TV personality chats with The Hollywood Reporter about DWTS, what’s next for him and the jump from leading a relatively quiet life to becoming a household name.
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I feel like these last couple years have been such a whirlwind for you. What made you decide to jump into the spotlight?
I was really happy doing what I was doing. When I’d been asked in the past, I don’t think I was ready. It wasn’t what I wanted, and it wasn’t what I needed. But I was looking for a challenge, and I was in a place where I’m really comfortable with myself and who I am. I think the challenge of just stepping out of my comfort zone made it all worth it, and realizing I can just be myself was the key.
And people really do adore you for who you are. Also, it’s cool that you now get opportunities like this to work on campaigns you care about. What made you say yes to this partnership?
I like being selective — and this was the easiest yes ever. Beyond all the kindness, which is the leading part of this, I love Kind Bars. If you had a tally of how many I’ve eaten, it’s like, I don’t even want to know the number. And the messaging behind this campaign is just beautiful. I love the simple acts of kindness, it’s kind of just how I try to lead my life and it’s brought me a lot of joy.
Tell me more about the act of kindness you picked to kick off the “Choose Kind” movement.
I went to a senior home, which was awesome, ’cause it reminded me when I would visit my grandpa at his. I went and worked out with them and honestly just laughed a ton for a couple of hours. They were so grateful we came, but I think I took more away from it than them. The chance to get to learn from people who have been around a long time … the way they just speak without thinking and the way they’re just authentically themselves is something that we all try to learn our whole lives and they’ve mastered.
I love that so much. OK, we have to talk about Dancing With the Stars. From the outside looking in, it feels like such a family. Is it really like that?
Yes in that we all genuinely want everybody to succeed. Like when Elaine [Hendrix] got hurt, you should have seen everybody react. We were all devastated. And we all want each other to do our best every time out there. The amount of times I’ll get nervous before a show, and then the pros and everyone’s like, “dude, you got this,” that’s the best feeling.
We don’t see each other every day. Like we’re with our partners locked away in a studio for five to six hours a day focusing. So when we get to see them, it’s when we’re taking a little break to get coffee or something like that.
Ah, got it. So yeah, you’re spending tons of time with Daniella. I’m obsessed with her. Is she fantastic?
I actually couldn’t envision being with a different coach on this. Like, she’s been everything. She’s made the experience what it is for sure.
You guys are such a good pairing. Also, my coworker chatted with Daniella a few weeks ago, and she said she had something — and I quote — “absolutely insane” planned for your freestyle. Is there anything else you’re able to share about that?
It’s still under wraps, and I’m honestly really letting her take the lead on it ’cause at this point I’ve trusted her with everything. I’m a student so like, show me the way. (Laughs.) My job is to go out there and give it 100 percent.
Give me a rehearsal day in your life.
Gosh, it’s a more boring answer than you’d think. We all have a slot to train for about five hours. And we use all of it. And sometimes we have to do interviews in there. And then most of the time I spend the rest of the day dancing as well because I have a lot of work to do. I know there’s a few people that have been on the season that can like skip days and like change choreo halfway through the season… like that’s not me [laughs]. It takes every ounce of effort I have to learn these dances.
What’s the next challenge?
I can’t wait for next year to be able to work closer with things that I have passions in. I grew up by the ocean. It means so much to me. It’s something I want to protect and keep for the next generations. Any time I can build around doing something for the ocean or like my project I did in Guyana where we were protecting endangered species, or anything I can do in that vein is what makes me happiest.
Related: Robert Irwin on Being the New Face of Australia, His DWTS Debut and That Viral Underwear Ad
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