


Former “Dancing With the Stars” judge Len Goodman has died at age 78.
The professional ballroom dancer reportedly lost his battle to bone cancer.
Goodman’s agent, Jackie Gill, confirmed his passing in a statement Monday.
“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” she wrote.
The statement went on to call him “a much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
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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.
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“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 Page Six, 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.”