Vincent Pastore drops out of 'Dancing with the Stars!'

[Brian Damage]

"Dancing with the Stars" doesn't premiere until nearly three weeks from now, but the show has already lost one of its competitors.

Former "Sopranos" star Vincent Pastore has dropped out of the ABC show following a week of training. The 60-year-old actor cites the physical rigors of the 10-week competition as his primary reason.

"When I initially committed to joining 'Dancing with the Stars,' I didn't realize just how physically demanding it would be for me," says Pastore, who played mobster "Big *****" Bonpensiero on "The Sopranos." "Unable to put forth my best effort, I felt it appropriate to step aside and give someone else the opportunity."

Pastore had been slated to dance with Edyta Sliwinksa on the fourth edition of the show, which debuts Monday, March 19. An ABC spokesperson says the show will announce a replacement for Pastore in the coming days.

Executive producer Conrad Green says he's sorry to see Pastore go but "respect[s] his decision."

"We appreciate him standing aside now rather than having to withdraw later," Green says. "'Dancing with the Stars' is physically demanding, and it pays to know your limits."

[Melonhead00]

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

"Dancing with the Stars" doesn't premiere until nearly three weeks from now, but the show has already lost one of its competitors.

Former "Sopranos" star Vincent Pastore has dropped out of the ABC show following a week of training. The 60-year-old actor cites the physical rigors of the 10-week competition as his primary reason.

"When I initially committed to joining 'Dancing with the Stars,' I didn't realize just how physically demanding it would be for me," says Pastore, who played mobster "Big *****" Bonpensiero on "The Sopranos." "Unable to put forth my best effort, I felt it appropriate to step aside and give someone else the opportunity."

Pastore had been slated to dance with Edyta Sliwinksa on the fourth edition of the show, which debuts Monday, March 19. An ABC spokesperson says the show will announce a replacement for Pastore in the coming days.

Executive producer Conrad Green says he's sorry to see Pastore go but "respect[s] his decision."

"We appreciate him standing aside now rather than having to withdraw later," Green says. "'Dancing with the Stars' is physically demanding, and it pays to know your limits."

All well, at least he, Pastore-san, gave it his all. Wish him the best of all abilities.

[The Great One]

It's very interesting to hear about this. Thanks for posting the info.

[Pavan]

In case anyone didn't hear, John Ratzenberger (Cliff the mailman from Cheers) has took Vincent's spot.