Len Goodman, ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Judge, Dead at 78

By Samantha Nungesser @samjnungesser
Published April 24, 2023, 9:26 a.m. ET

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Len Goodman, the professional ballroom dancer who was best known for his time judging Dancing with the Stars, has died. He was 78.

Goodman was “surrounded by family” when he passed away on Saturday (April 22) in a hospice in Kent, southern England following a battle with bone cancer, his manager confirmed to CNN.

The beloved dance coach was born in London in 1944. According to his website, he began dancing professionally at 19 years old. He retired from dancing in his late twenties after he won the British Championships in Blackpool.

Goodman first began judging on Britain’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he remained until 2016. He joined the American version of the competition show — Dancing with the Stars — in 2005, where he stayed until his retirement last year.

In November 2022, Goodman announced that he wouldn’t be returning to the hit dance show — which had moved in its most recent season from network TV to Disney+.

“It has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show,” he said at the time, per USA Today. “But I’ve decided I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain. I could not thank you enough, my Dancing with the Stars family, it’s been such a wonderful experience for me.”

Goodman’s colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to their friend following his death.

Fellow DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli wrote, “Hart broken [sic] my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away I will treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10 ❤️.”

Craig Revel Horwood, who judged Strictly Come Dancing alongside Goodman, said, “I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family.”

He continued, “Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and ‘It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern’ will live with me forever. RIP Len.”

Goodman is survived by his wife, Sue, his son and his grandchildren.