Macchio eliminated from 'Dancing'

LOS ANGELES, May 17 (UPI) -- Ralph Macchio became the latest celebrity eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars" Tuesday night.

"I will never forget how the fans have driven us through every week. It inspired me. I would run here every Monday for us to present what we worked on," Macchio said upon learning his fate. "I loved that and my gratitude is overwhelming."

Turning to his partner Karina Smirnoff, he said: "You have inspired me in so many ways. ... I am proud to have been your dance partner and even more proud to be your friend."

Macchio, a former teen idol known for his roles in "The Outsiders," "Teachers" and the "Karate Kid" movies, suffered a ruptured cyst on the back of his knee earlier this month.

Going into next week's finals with their professional dance partners are Kirstie Alley, Chelsea Kane and Hines Ward.