IN CONVERSATION WITH VAL CHMERKOVSKIY

interview by JANA LETONJA

Emmy-nominated ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fan-favorite pro and 3-time winner Val Chmerkovskiy is one of the iconic reality TV stars in Hulu’s new social experiment competition series ‘Got To Get Out’, premiering on 11th April, where we’ll be seeing him as a fierce competitor and ultimately becoming a key cast member throughout the season.

You’re joining ‘Got To Get Out’ as part of a new social experiment competition. What made you want to be part of this unique series, and how did you prepare for the physical and mental challenges?

I was really excited to be a part of ‘Got To Get Out’ for that exact reason, the physical and mental challenge. I’m very competitive and curious, and this felt like a really fun concept to experience. As far as preparation, I’ve been a professional on DWTS for 20 seasons, and there’s no better preparation than that. Or so I thought. 

As an iconic figure in reality TV, you’ve participated in ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for years. How does ‘Got To Get Out’ compare to your previous reality TV experiences, especially in terms of the competition dynamics?

Well, on DWTS, you’re trying to stay in the competition for as long as possible, and here you’re trying get out. But truly, outside of working alongside some celebs and touring, therefore bunking with 10 other people, I didn’t really have any clue nor did I anticipate how hard it was going to be on ‘Got To Get Out’. 

In ‘Got To Get Out’, the cash prize increases by $1 every second. How does that intensity impact your strategy in the game, how do you push through those physical limits and stay mentally sharp during these intense games?

I tried to exercise, rest when I could. I napped a lot, and we’ll see if that makes the cut. But really, I just tried to be present as much as possible. I left my little boy and wife behind, so I better make this trip worthwhile. At some point, it was less about the money and just the sheer desperation of getting out of the mansion and getting back to my life.

The show pits reality TV veterans like yourself against rookies. How do you feel about that dynamic, and what do you think gives you the edge in this competition?

Great question. These “rookies” are extraordinary people. Well not all, but majority. They’re excellent in their own fields, some of which are far more impressive to me than a professional dancer. Rob, who I became close with in the house, is an active police officer in Hoboken, NJ, who received medals of honor for saving lives, literally. Having said that, TV, and reality TV in particular, is a whole different beast. It was very noticeable who lost themselves in the game from almost the beginning, the rooks. As the days went by, even the TV vets started losing their mind.

Without giving too much away, what has been one of the most unexpected or thrilling moments you’ve experienced on the show?

There were so many. I’d say definitely the many escape attempts I had throughout. Each one took so much energy to plan, and the pressure to execute is huge because you don’t get many chances, and when you get out and start your escape, your heart is beating uncontrollably. It was how I feel in the finale of DWTS going live with your final performance for the trophy. Those type of stakes, on every escape. 

Reality TV has evolved a lot over the years. How do you feel about the direction of reality television now, especially with shows like ‘Got To Get Out’ introducing new formats and innovative twists?

I love it. I’m definitely not your avid reality TV fan, just not my typical go-to watch. My reality TV typically is sports and documentaries. When you introduce a format like ‘Got To Get Out’, you have elements that excite me. There is strategy, athleticism, competition, and comedy all wrapped in one. I think people will love watching this show, and they’ll get to binge it all. 

After ‘Got To Get Out’, are there any other types of shows or projects you’re excited to dive into next? Will we see you branching out into new formats or genres in the future?

I’m open to trying everything at least once. I’d love to do ‘Special Forces’, that seems like a project I’d really enjoy. That’s a challenge I would enjoy. Otherwise, I love me a cooking or baking show. I’m in.

As someone based in Los Angeles, how do you manage your work-life balance, especially with your involvement in multiple projects?

I don’t. It’s all intertwined and it’s been that way for as long as I can remember. I love my life that way though. While I’m young and have the energy, I want to tackle as many challenges as possible. I also love my work. It’s never been a burden or something I dread. My work is my life because it’s what I enjoy most. Having a son changed it for me, being a father to Rome and spending every minute he’s awake with him has become my main priority and my favorite thing. But again, I enjoy bringing him along on most of my projects. I’m very lucky that I built a life around my passion and talent. I get to teach, perform, and run businesses around dance and the things I love. What a blessing.

What do you do to unwind when you’re not competing or rehearsing? 

Chill with my son Rome, pick up basketball games, recover with sauna and cold plunge, farmers market, connect with strangers. I just love being a part of the world, not on my phone, not on socials, not on a TV screen, but in the world. Anonymous and in love with being alive. I get to hold my son’s hand and observe the world around us. That’s my favorite thing to do other than work. 

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals in the entertainment industry? Do you have aspirations to expand into other areas, such as acting or producing, in addition to your dancing career?

Absolutely. I want to continue to tell stories and be of impact to the world around me. The medium in which I create will change and evolve, but I’m excited for that. I have a script I want to produce a movie around, I have several creatives for shows, both scripted and unscripted, that I’d love to bring to life, and for sure I’ll never stop performing myself. The latest stage I’m falling in love with is stand-up. I’ve done it for just over a year now and I’m absolutely hooked. Entrepreneurship is another space I’m finding myself becoming better and better in and I’m excited to continue to be scared, overwhelmed, and intimidated, because that means I’m standing on the other side of exhilarated, fulfilled, and proud. 

CREDITS:

photography CLAIRE LEJEUNE