‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 14 contestants

Claims to fame: Child star, SAG president

It’s the sort of gig Nellie Oleson might yank Laura Ingall’s perfectly braided pigtails over. The former child star best known for her role as Laura in “Little House on the Prairie,” who went on to make a career out of appearing in TV movies and as a leader of the Screen Actors Guild, will be putting on those strappy dancing heels and even strappier dancing outfits.  (Dan Steinberg / Associated Press)

Claim to fame: TV personality

The “Extra” host knows a thing or two about skimpy outfits -- ahem, she donned a bikini in the middle of freezing Time Square after losing a Super Bowl bet -- so some skimpy sequined numbers under the warmth of bright lights will be a piece of cake when she joins the cast of celebrities competing this season. We’re sure “Extra” buddy Mario Lopez, a former “Dancing” contestant, also provided words of caution on those pesky plunging necklines.  (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

Claim to fame: Tennis star

Wielding a racket is a natural precursor to a stint as a wannabe pro ballroom dancer. Hey, Navratilova played professional tennis until she was 49 -- that sort of dedication and resilience has her primed for a lengthy stay. And she’s already used to short skirts.  (Stephane Reix / EPA)

Claim to fame: Opera singer

Opera fans, rejoice! The Welsh mezzo-soprano is already familiar with the sleek floor on “Dancing With the Stars,” having observed its sheen as a performer on the show last year.  (Jonathan Short / Associated Press)

Claim to fame: Actor

The 20-year-old appears on a Disney Channel series called “Shake It Up,” about a group of friends who are professional dancers on a local show. Uh ...  (Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

Claim to fame: Singer

Maybe now the rocker’s biggest claim to TV fame won’t be for having penned that “One Tree Hill” theme song. Will the 35-year-old singer be adding choreography to his performances after his stint on “DWTS”?  (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Claim to fame: Actor

Years of wearing skintight pants hiked up to his chin as TV’s nerdiest neighbor, Steve Urkel, in the long-running sitcom “Family Matters” did not leave White’s legs immobile. The 35-year-old actor, who, post-Urkel fame, has appeared on “House” and “NCIS,” and will soon be hosting a game show on the SyFy network, will get his dance on this season. Let”s hope he channels the suave moves of Urkel’s alter ego Stefan rather than Urkel’s two left feet, or he might soon find himself saying, “Did I do that?”  (Dan Steinberg / Associated Press)

Claim to fame: Comedian, TV personality

Perhaps Shepherd was tired of the sedentary life that comes with co-hosting “The View”? Guess the comedian doesn’t have enough on her plate to get those legs moving. She’s also host of “The Newlywed Game.” Here’s hoping her pal Niecy Nash, a contestant in Season 10, has given her some words of wisdom.  (Evan Agostini / Associated Press)