Tom Bergeron Opens Up About Life After ‘Dancing With the Stars’ & Being ‘Open to Surprises’

Jim Halterman December 2, 2020, 5:00 pm

When Tom Bergeron was fired last summer from ABC’s Dancing With the Stars — he’d hosted the popular show since its 2005 premiere — fans were shocked. As was he: Bergeron tells TV Guide Magazine in his first interview since exiting the ballroom, “I always thought Dancing would be where I end my hosting tenure,” though he thought it would be on his terms.

He was replaced by Tyra Banks; viewers have criticized the former model for not being as polished as Bergeron and campaigned for his return. The unflappable Emmy winner, 65 — who began his career on New Hampshire radio, hosted FX’s Breakfast Time (1994–96) and ABC’s America’s Funniest Home Videos (2001–15) and performed as Taco on The Masked Singer last winter — addresses his future with Dancing and shares what’s left on his bucket list.

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How do you respond to fans who want you to return to Dancing?

Tom Bergeron: When people say, “I’m not gonna watch until you’re back,” I say, “Well, there’s really no ‘until’ here.” This train has left the station. I appreciate the sentiment, and I don’t hold it against anybody if they [watch].

What moments stand out for you?

The friendships I have with people who were on camera and behind the camera. I used to throw midseason parties for cast and staff. It helped create a sense of solidarity…and then we’d try to sober up the next day.

(Credit: Eric McCandless via Getty Images)

What was your experience with the celebrities?

There’s a humanizing factor to trying something new. For the most part, it was people trying to do a job well, with the same insecurities and hopes any of us deal with.

Looking back, do you think your career has developed according to plan?

My career path looks like a hostage note cut and pasted from a bunch of different magazines. I regarded myself as a broadcaster and was very fortunate that wonderful opportunities presented themselves. I’ve been on two network shows for the better part of 15 years each, so life’s been good.