Renowned ballroom dancer and former head judge of “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS), Len Goodman, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, according to his agent, Jackie Gill. He was surrounded by his family in a hospice in Kent, England, where he was receiving treatment for bone cancer.
In a statement released on Monday, Goodman’s manager paid tribute to him as a “true gentleman” who kept his sense of humor throughout his illness. The statement also revealed that Goodman had left his position as head judge of DWTS in November 2022, after serving for 31 seasons.
Goodman was a beloved figure in the world of ballroom dancing, having rekindled interest in the sport on both sides of the Atlantic. He served as the top judge on DWTS for 12 seasons, after it made its BBC debut in 2004. He was widely regarded as a mentor and friend to many of the show’s contestants and professionals.
Upon hearing the news of his passing, many of those associated with DWTS expressed their heartfelt condolences.
Fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba paid tribute to Goodman’s many talents, calling him “a dancer, a teacher, a refined gentleman, a wonderful storyteller, a special soul, a mentor, a family man, and… a treasured friend.” Kym Johnson-Herjavec, a former professional dancer on the show, described him as a “class act” with a cheeky grin and quick wit.
Goodman’s contributions to ballroom dancing were also acknowledged by Tim Davie, the head of the BBC. He described Goodman as “a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions,” and praised him for being “at the very heart of Strictly’s success.”
Goodman’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of ballroom dancing and DWTS alike. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of dancers to come.
