In an unexpected reveal, the latest 'Masked Dancer' to pop out from beneath a giant mascot head is none other than kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart. For fans of true crime or horror, her story is familiar. It's one you're more likely to hear on NBC News than an NBC dance competition show, but Elizabeth beat the odds again, proving viewers should never underestimate the strength of a survivor.

She further shocked fans by making light of her past in a post-elimination interview yesterday. Laughter is the best medicine, right? Here's what went down.

Elizabeth was Kidnapped at Age 14

Elizabeth became an overnight celebrity in the worst way back in June 2002. She was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City at only 14 years old, and then held captive by convicted criminals Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. As Elizabeth told Oprah back in 2008, her kidnappers were "the description of evil."

She was found 15 miles from her home nine months later after being recognized by a passing stranger. Now an advocate for survivors like herself, Elizabeth celebrates the anniversary of her rescue every year and believes she is living a "miracle."

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She Went On 'The Masked Dancer' Because of Her Grandma

Ms. Smart lasted a full eight weeks on 'The Masked Dancer,' where she was known only as "Ms. Moth," a "child safety activist." When asked about why she agreed to do the show, Elizabeth said her grandmother inspired her.

"I remembered how fun she was, how funny she was," Elizabeth explained. "It's been so much fun, it's been an experience I'll remember forever."

That's when her sense of humor jumped out and surprised viewers. She added:

"I feel like it takes actual real bravery and courage to willingly go out on stage and dance in front of people. I've kind of joked around and I've said it's been one of the bravest things that I've WILLINGLY done in my life."

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She Wants Survivors to 'Pursue Joy'

This multi-talented mother of three is directing all this 'Masked Dancer' attention to her social platforms, where followers can support kidnapping survivors like herself. She's got her own charitable foundation and a new campaign called #webelieveyou, but Elizabeth's greatest contribution might be showing people that you can still have fun after facing dark times.

"I acknowledge my down days or even weeks, I turn to family and friends for help, I make mistakes all the time but I don’t give up," Elizabeth shared in a recent IG caption.  "Pursuing joy is important...I encourage you all to keep going, pursue your healing, embrace the good in your life, and find happiness along the way."

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