LOS ANGELES — Actor J.R. Martinez is taking home the mirror-ball trophy.
The Iraq war veteran and “All My Children” star was named “Dancing With the Stars” champion Tuesday, beating Rob Kardashian during the season-ending episode of the ABC show.
Martinez, 28, hoisted the trophy with his professional partner, Karina Smirnoff. Judges’ scores combined with viewer votes determined the winner.
The actor’s story of recovery from a 2003 land-mine explosion in Iraq touched millions of viewers. “Thank you, America, for believing in us,” he said.
The finale was set up when talk-show host Ricki Lake was voted off, finishing third.
Kardashian, 24, came into the final episode in first place with partner Cheryl Burke. But Martinez and Smirnoff earned a perfect score for their freestyle routine and had their eyes firmly focused on the prize.
The two-hour finale also featured music by Lady Antebellum and appearances by this season’s former contestants: TV personalities Nancy Grace and Carson Kressley, reality star Kristin Cavallari, actors David Arquette and Elisabetta Canalis, singer Chynna Phillips, activist Chaz Bono, basketball player Metta World Peace, and women’s soccer star Hope Solo. The Associated Press
