Your Black Gossip reports:
J.R. Martinez was 19-years-old, protecting the nation in Iraq, when the vehicle he was in struck a landmine and exploded. He was severely burned on over 40 percent of his body. In a riveting interview with People magazine, he described in vivid detail seeing his skin peel away from his hands like a horror movie, looking in the mirror for the first time and seeing Freddie Krueger, and his long road to recovery and love.
We were first introduced to J.R. on hit show, Dancing With the Stars, where he jived and waltzed his way into America’s hearts, now he’s taken home the coveted mirror ball trophy:
“I just want to take a moment and breathe, take it in,” the actor and former U.S. Army soldier told reporters after the two-hour finale. “The fact that we were able to top it off with this … we created a lot of magical moments together on this show that we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. And my friend [partner Karina Smirnoff] won her first mirror ball trophy! Everyone knows she is a beautiful dancer, but I’m able to vouch that she’s also a beautiful person. I’m glad I was able to see that and America was able to see that as well.”
First runner-up was fan favorite, Rob Kardashian, son of famed O.J. attorney Robert Kardashian, Sr. and brother to the Hollywood KKK (Kourtney, Kim and Khloe).
