I think this is the first time a soap opera star has won the famed mirror ball trophy on “Dancing with the Stars,” but J.R. Martinez is far from a typical soap opera actor.
I will admit that when I first heard Martinez’s name, I didn’t know who he was. I doubt many people outside the “All My Children” viewing audience knew who he was either, but now it seems the whole world not only knows him, but also loves him.
Martinez had an abrupt change of careers do to nothing he did. Martinez was a good-looking kid who joined the Army in 2002. He was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and just two months later, the Humvee he was driving hit a landmine. Martinez sustained severe burns over 40 percent of his body. He spent the next 34 months at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas recovering from his injuries and has since undergone 33 cosmetic surgeries.
But, the one thing that landmine couldn’t take was Martinez’ spirit. After recovering, he spent time traveling around the country, speaking before schools, corporations, veterans groups – anyone that would listen to this former soldier who has been quoted as saying “I’m being blessed in so many ways, and it’s because of the energy I’m putting out in the world.”
He used that energy to land a gig on “All My Children” as soldier Brot Monroe, an Iraqi vet, then later, the “Dancing with the Stars” appearance.
I think most of us would be hard pressed to have such a positive, upbeat attitude after such a tragic accident. Martinez has even said that without the accident, “My life would not be what it is today: full of joy, happiness and positivity.”
It was that joy and positivity that I believed helped him win the title last night on “Dancing with the Stars.” As I watched the final three teams get ready to perform, I remember Martinez telling partner Karina Smirnoff he wanted to win for her, to give her her first “Dancing with the Stars” pro title. I hope this is not the last we see of J.R. Martinez.