‘DWTS’ Cast Mourns Passing of Len Goodman: “Shattered All Over Again”
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For Dancing With The Stars cast, retired judge Len Goodman had been nothing but a wonderful man. From the ballroom to the backstage, the English expert has served his purpose: as a mentor, non-blood family, and a friend.
Amid his passing, members of the dancing competition series have paid tribute and expressed their grief.
DWTS Judges Honor Len Goodman Amid His Death
On Saturday, Goodman died during his battle against bone cancer in a hospice in Kent, England. According to his manager Jackie Gill, the dancing legend died while “surrounded by his family.” The announcement broke on Monday, to the shock and sorrow of his past workmates and friends.
On Instagram, DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba posted a reel to pay tribute to the former head judge. Regarding him as a refined gentleman and a wonderful storyteller, Inaba stated that she still can’t acknowledge the bad news.
“Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart. But today’s news has shattered it all over again. I can’t believe that you’re gone,” she wrote. “You were one of a kind my dear friend. And I will cherish our memories and hold them close, while I join so many others in mourning your loss.”
Bruno Tonioli also took the time to honor Goodman, uploading a candid photo of them laughing together. In his caption, the Britain’s Got Talent judge explained that he’s heartbroken after losing his friend and partner of 19 years. Derek Hough also posted on Instagram, beginning his tribute by dropping one of Goodman’s memorable lines.
“‘Hold my gaze,'” he wrote. “… When I think back at the memories we all shared with Len, his sense of humor, his smile and charm everything feels much brighter and full of sunshine. Still hard to fully process but filled with gratitude knowing I had the privilege of working beside this absolute legend.”
Additionally, former DWTS host Tom Bergeron shared his grief of Goodman passing on Instagram as well. Not only did he share various Instagram posts, he spoke about Goodman on Extra on Monday.
Dancing Pros, Celebrities Express Gratitude for Him
DWTS co-host Alfonso Ribeiro also paid tribute through a post on Instagram. Meanwhile, Tyra Banks went to her Instagram Stories to upload Goodman’s photo, slapping the same with the text “A LEGEND FOREVER.”
A number of dancing pros and celebrity alums have also made a space on their social media to thank Goodman for his contributions to their life. Drag queen Shangela posted as well, saying that heaven has “gained a class act” with Goodman.
“Your critiques made me a better dancer, and your kindness always made me feel right at home,” she wrote. “If angels have legs, I know you’re making them extra crispy🍗”
Former DWTS pro Sharna Burgess penned a heartfelt message for Goodman. As she stated, his “incredible impact” in their lives have made them lucky.
“Thank you for always reminding us where we came from, for always authentically being yourself, for all the tough love and especially for the 10’s,” she wrote. “A 10 from you was just about the greatest feeling we could hope for on show day.”
Jenna Johnson, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Cheryl Burke and many others have also posted about Goodman’s passing. Meanwhile, several celebrity alums also took the time to honor the former head judge through their Instagram Stories. Some including Charli D’Amelio, JoJo Siwa, and Wayne Brady.
