DANCING WITH THE STARS Longtime Judge Len Goodman Dies at 78
By Movieguide® Staff
Len Goodman, longtime judge on the hit competition show DANCING WITH THE STARS, died on April 22, 2023. He was 78.
Fox News reported:
Len Goodman, long-time lead judge of “Dancing with the Stars,” has “passed away peacefully,” Fox News Digital can confirm.
Goodman was “a much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him,” a statement per his agent Jackie Gill read.
Goodman had been diagnosed with bone cancer. He was 78.
The legendary dancer and television personality is survived by his wife Sue Goodman, as well as his son James William Goodman.
Goodman, who started his career as a professional ballroom dancer, joined BBC’s STRICTLY COME DANCING in 2004 and DANCING WITH THE STARS in 2005.
Several former stars of the show shared tributes to Goodman and his legacy on the TV series.
“Heart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together @bbcstrictly @dancingwiththestars they will never be anyone like you we will miss you,” Co-judge Bruno Tonioli wrote on Instagram.
“Dancer. A teacher. A refined gentleman. A wonderful storyteller. A special soul. A mentor. A family man. And… A treasured friend. Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart. But today’s news has shattered it all over again. I can’t believe that you’re gone,” Carrie Ann Inaba added. “You were one of a kind my dear friend. And I will cherish our memories and hold them close, while I join so many others in mourning your loss. Thank you for all that you shared with us. Your humor, your wisdom, your wit and your truth.”
Goodman’s stint as head judge lasted until season 31, when he announced his retirement in order to spend more time with his family.
“Doing a live show you have to be at the top of your game and quick to react. And as one gets older, then things start to get more challenging,” Goodman told People Magazine last year after his retirement. “I will miss the California sunshine, working with my fellow judges and the camaraderie with everyone on the show. I’ll miss seeing the celebrities developing into dancers and I will miss being part of one of the most successful shows on TV.”
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