Len Goodman, Best Known for Dancing With the Stars, Passes Away at 78
On Saturday (April 22) night, the much-loved judge, Len Goodman, passed away peacefully from bone cancer. The head judge of Dancing with the Stars died at the age of 78.
For the unheard, he had served as a judge for many seasons of the popular BBC reality series, Strictly Come Dancing, and its American spinoff, Dancing With the Stars.
Goodman’s death was confirmed by his manager, who also claimed that he “died peacefully, surrounded by his family.” The bone cancer patient, a ballroom dancer, and judge reportedly passed away on April 22 at a hospice in Kent with his family by his side.
From 2004 until 2016, the dancer-turned-judge served as a panelist on the BBC competition series, Strictly Come Dancing. He joined Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli as the show’s head judges on ABC in 2005. Moreover, he announced his retirement in November 2022, following season 31.
DWTS Judge Len Goodman Died At 78
Len Goodman, a well-liked and enduring judge on Dancing With The Stars, passed away, as confirmed by his manager. On Monday (April 24), Goodman’s manager informed the BBC of his demise.
He was born on April 25, 1944, in London, England, and his first job was as a welder’s apprentice. He also had a dream of playing soccer. However, his life took a diverse turn when he was 20 years old. After a foot injury, his doctor advised him to start dancing, in order to hasten the healing process.
In the early 1970s, he went pro and had a successful competitive dancing career. Winning the Dual of the Giants, British Rising Stars, British Exhibition Championships (four times), and World Exhibition Championships were a few of them.
Len Goodman’s agent, Jackie Gill issued a statement saying,
“It is with great sadness that I 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.”
Over the years, Goodman developed a reputation for giving contestants’ performances brutally honest critiques while maintaining a keen eye for proper ballroom technique.
Tributes From The Media Industry Poured In
Len Goodman’s passing was mourned by several leading figures in the entertainment industry. Tim Davie, the director general of the BBC, referred to Goodman as a “wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions.”
He continued, “Len was at the very heart of Strictly’s success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family.”
“I just woke up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away,” wrote his fellow Strictly Come Dancing judge, Craig Revel Horwood. “My heart and love go out to his family.”
Goodman was praised as “an incredible man and an extraordinary talent” by former BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker, who also said he would “never forget the little tips he would send every week on Strictly.”
When the season of Dancing With The Stars came to an end in November of last year, he made the announcement to the audience, “This will be my last season judging Dancing With The Stars.”
Goodman, who was honored with the Carl Alan Award for his outstanding achievements in dance, also had a passion for West Ham United and cricket.
SOURCE- BBC
