Rest In Peace Len Goodman
Len Goodman, longtime judge on Dancing with the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing, died on Saturday (April 22) at the age of 78.
Len Goodman, Former 'Dancing with the Stars' Head Judge, Dead at 78 https://t.co/xJNaZomh3e
— People (@people) April 24, 2023
Goodman’s manager, Jackie Gill, confirmed the news of Goodman’s passing. Gill released the following statement to BBC:
“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.”
According to BBC, Goodman was fighting bone cancer. He died at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Len Goodman Had A Lengthy Career
Goodman started dancing at age 19 to help strengthen an injured foot. He ended up falling in love with the art of dance, and pursued it as a career.
Roughly a decade later, Goodman won the British Dancing Championships. He eventually retired from dancing himself, and pursued a career as a choreographer and dance teacher.
Goodman first appeared on Strictly Come Dancing during its debut season in 2004. He remained on the show until 2016.
Dancing with the Stars, which is the American version of Strictly, premiered in 2005. Goodman joined that show as well, and served as the head judge for most of the show’s run.
Last year, Goodman announced that Season 31 was his final season of Dancing with the Stars. He wanted to retire so he could spend more time with his family.
Former Host Tom Bergeron Reacts To The News Of Len’s Death
Shortly after news broke that Goodman passed away, former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron reacted to the news. Bergeron got to know Goodman well, since he hosted Dancing with the Stars for 28 seasons.
Bergeron posted a collage featuring tons of photos he took with Goodman over the years. His message was short and simple, but thoroughly conveyed his grief. He said, “A Good Man, indeed” along with a sad emoji.
You can see Bergeron’s post below.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved Goodman. He will be so dearly missed…