J.R. Martinez

In March of 2003, J.R. (Jose Rene) was deployed to Iraq, and on April 5, less than a month into his deployment, he was serving as a driver of a Humvee when his left front tire hit a land-mine. J.R. suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to more than 34 percent of his body. J.R. spent 34 months in recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas and underwent 33 different surgeries including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery. Since then, J.R. has become a highly sought-after motivational speaker, traveling the country to spread his message of resilience and optimism. In October 2008, J.R. stepped into another role, when he was cast as combat veteran Brot Monroe on ABC’ s Emmy® Award-winning daytime drama All My Children. In 2011, J.R. was cast on Dancing With the Stars. Partnered with Karina Smirnoff, they became the early favorites en route to the Mirrorball Trophy. In May of 2012, J.R. and his girlfriend Diana Gonzales-Jones welcomed a baby daughter, Lauryn Annabelle. He also continues to balance his speaking engagements, along with his extensive charity work.