While he looks like the consummate Latin lover — he even played a Hispanic heartthrob in Jennifer Lopez's 2004 romantic comedy
Shall We Dance?, for which he also served as the cast's dance instructor — Dovolani was born in Albania. By age 3, he was proficient in folk dancing and, after immigrating to the U.S. with his family as a teen, he was studying at a Connecticut Fred Astaire dance studio when he realized his calling. Although he was a big name on the competitive-dance circuit for years, he made a mainstream splash when he joined
Dancing with the Stars in its second season. Paired with stunning wrestling sexpot Stacy Keibler, the couple placed third in the finals, and he earned an Emmy nod for best choreography. He didn't fare as well with his next lady, Sara Evans: the country crooner left the show in the middle of Season 3 because she was going through an acrimonious divorce, and Dovolani was left without the necessary two to tango. For the fourth edition of the ABC reality sensation, he was matched with talk-show host Leeza Gibbons.
Tony Dovolani Fast Facts:
- Said he was inspired by Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly films as a child.
- Moved to the U.S. as a political refugee from his native Kosovo in 1989.
- Tony Dovolani Relationships:
- Adrian Driton Dovolani - Son
- Ariana Dovolani - Daughter
- Luana Dovolani - Daughter
- Trendelina Dovolani - Wife
- Tony Dovolani Awards:
- 2006 Emmy: Outstanding Choreography - Nominee
