Winner of Season 13 – J.R. Martinez

Born: Jose Rene Martinez, June 14, 1983 (1983-06-14) (age 28), Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
Occupation: Actor, Motivational speaker, Soldier (veteran)
Years active: 2008–present (acting)

Jose Rene “J. R.” Martinez (born June 14, 1983) is an American actor, motivational speaker and former U.S. Army soldier. Starting in 2008, he played the role of Brot Monroe on the ABC daytime drama All My Children. He is the winner of Season 13 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. On November 1st, 2011, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association picked Martinez as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Rose Parade. On December 17, 2011, J.R. announced that he and his girlfriend Diana Gonzalez-Jones are expecting their first child, a daughter, in the spring of 2012.

In 2003, Martinez sustained severe burns to over 40 percent of his body while serving as a United States Army infantryman in Iraq. Following his recovery, he has traveled around the country speaking about his experiences to corporations, veterans groups, schools, and other organizations.

In September 2002, Martinez enlisted in the United States Army and underwent Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he acquired skills as an 11B (Infantryman). After reporting to Fort Campbell in January 2003, he was assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

In February 2003, he was deployed to the middle east. Two months later, Martinez was serving as a driver of a Humvee when the driver’s side front tire hit an IED; he suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body. He was evacuated to Ramstein AB, Germany, for immediate care and transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas. He spent 34 months at BAMC and has undergone 33 cosmetic and skin-graft surgeries.

In 2008, Martinez was cast in ABC’s daytime drama, All My Children in the role of Brot Monroe. His character also served with the U.S. Army in Iraq and was injured in combat. Martinez first appeared on the program on Friday, November 7, 2008.

Martinez often tells the story of how his mother helped him relearn to walk eight weeks after major foot surgery. Martinez’ win also marked the first win for his partner, Karina Smirnoff. He credits her with pushing him to excel in routine after routine leading him to win the competition.