It was a heartwarming moment for fans when Dylan Efron reached the finale of Dancing with the Stars earlier this month.
The family appeared completely in sync, with older brother Zac Efron beaming in the audience alongside their parents, David Efron and Starla Baskett, while half-sister Olivia perched in Zac’s lap.
What looked like a picture-perfect family outing, however, belied a complicated history.
This public reunion marked the first time Baskett and David had been seen together in two years, hinting at both the passage of time and the effort to support their children.
Life After Divorce for David and Starla
David, 65, and Starla, 76, finalized their divorce in November 2017 after nearly 20 years of marriage.
Little is publicly known about the reasons for their split, though David moved on quickly, marrying Jennifer ‘Jenny’ Hnatov, a woman 29 years his junior, by 2019.
They share two children: Olivia, five, and Henry, four.
According to marriage records, David and Hnatov married in a private ceremony in San Luis Obispo, California, officiated by a reverend from the American Fellowship Church.
Meanwhile, Starla appears to live independently in a $1 million ranch-style home in Santa Maria, about 45 minutes from David.
Behind the Scenes of the Divorce
Court documents reveal that the divorce process was complicated.
Starla cited irreconcilable differences when filing in 2016, and there were disagreements over the separation date.
Starla listed March 8, 2015, while David cited February 1, 2014; the court ultimately recognized Starla’s date.
Financial arrangements were significant. David was ordered to pay $3,700 per month in spousal support, covering retirement benefits, which remains in effect today.
Additionally, he kept Starla as a beneficiary on his life insurance for $250,000 and covered $5,000 in attorney fees.
Starla also received the family home, which she later sold for a total settlement of $196,000.
Zac Efron’s Struggles and Family Support
The divorce reportedly hit Zac Efron, 38, hard.
Sources at the time suggested the split had “shaken him to his core” and raised concerns about his well-being, particularly given his past battles with alcohol and drug addiction.
Despite the challenges, Zac has publicly acknowledged the sacrifices his parents made. Speaking at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023, he said:
“My mom and dad, they’re the reason I’m here today.
They believed in me when I don’t know how they did… They sacrificed a lot to support me throughout the years.”
Dylan Efron’s Bond with His Father
For Dylan, 33, the relationship with his father has been a source of comfort and pride.
On a recent Office Of podcast episode, he became emotional while reflecting on his upbringing and the support David provided.
“My dad is a ride or die for sure,” Dylan said. “He’s always looked after me.
I was very much raised by him… He’s been my rock my whole life.”
Fans also got a glimpse of the family’s new chapter, with step-mom Jenny and her daughter Olivia occasionally appearing during public events, including Dylan’s Dancing with the Stars performances.
The Dancing with the Stars Finale
Dylan ultimately finished fourth in season 34 of the show, while Robert Irwin and Witney Carson took home the Mirrorball Trophy.
Despite not winning, the season offered fans a touching glimpse of the Efron family’s dynamics, the bonds between siblings, and the effort of divorced parents to unite for their children’s milestones.
What Comes Next for the Efrons
While Zac and Dylan continue their respective careers, the family’s story reflects both resilience and commitment to one another.
From public reunions to private moments of support, the Efrons have shown that even after complicated separations, family ties — and love — remain at the center of their lives.
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