Former ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Judge Len Goodman Dead at 78

The dancing and tv world are mourning after the stunning lack of Dancing With The Stars and Strictly Come Dancing decide Len Goodman. News broke within the early mourning of April twenty fourth that the 78-year-old died on Saturday, April 22, at a hospice in Kent, England, surrounded by his household, based on the BBC. He had reportedly battled bone most cancers since 2021. A press release obtained by HollywoodLife.com learn, “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78. A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.” He is survived by his spouse Sue Barrett and son James Goodman.

Len Goodman was born in London in 1944 and labored as knowledgeable dancer earlier than breaking into the TV trade. The longtime dance TV decide introduced he was retiring from his publish on Dancing With The Stars within the midst of season 31 within the fall of 2022. “I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show, but I’ve decided I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain,” he mentioned, with the viewers, the solid and his fellow judges — Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough — giving him a standing ovation.

He continued, “I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing with the Stars family. It’s been such a wonderful experience for me.” Len was additionally a preferred, longtime decide on the BBC collection Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2016, earlier than solely specializing in DWTS. At the time of his retirement announcement, host Tyra Banks referred to as him a ‘living legend’ and praised, “You’ve inspired generations of dancers around the entire globe through your passion, through your expertise and through your laser-focused eye, And they are going to carry on that commitment to excellence forever.”

Len judged DWTS starting in its very first season again in 2005. He skipped judging season 21, and was not current for season 29, both, as a consequence of COVID-19. In addition to judging Dancing With the Stars, Len was additionally a decide on the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing, typically flying forwards and backwards between England and the U.S. to juggle each jobs. He left the present in 2016 after 12 years.