Former “Dancing With the Stars” judge Len Goodman died Saturday. He was 78.
The professional ballroom dancer reportedly lost his battle with bone cancer.
Goodman’s agent, Jackie Gill, confirmed his death in a statement Monday.
“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” she said.
The statement went on to call Goodman “a much-loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him,” noting that he died “in a hospice in Kent … surrounded by family.”
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Goodman is survived by his wife, Sue Barrett, and his 42-year-old son, James.
He first appeared as a judge on British dance contest show “Strictly Come Dancing” for 12 years, starting with its inception in 2004.
When “Dancing With the Stars” hit screens the following year, he judged the ABC show until announcing his retirement “with a touch of sadness” in November 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 want to spend more time with my children and family,” the coach wrote at the time.
“I cannot thank enough the family of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” he continued. “It has been such a wonderful experience for me.”
Emma Slater and more “DWTS” pros shared their mixed feelings over his transition.
“It caught me off guard,” Slater told Pvnew, noting that she “didn’t expect to feel as emotional” as she did.
As for Gleb Savchenko, he called the news “heartbreaking,” referring to Goodman’s absence as a “missing piece.”
The dancers have yet to react to Goodman’s passing.
The late dancer previously battled cancer, having a cancerous tumor on his prostate gland removed in 2009. In 2019, he had skin cancer removed from his forehead.
Goodman urged others to “get checked up every year,” saying, “Medicine is such now that if you do get something, then hopefully they can catch it early and you have a good chance.”
