Len Goodman, longtime “Dancing With the Stars” judge dies at 78

Len Goodman, the beloved ballroom champion and longtime judge on Dancing with the Stars and its British counterpart Strictly Come Dancing, has died of bone cancer at age 78. 

His Agent, Jackie Gill, said Goodman “passed away peacefully” surrounded by his family in a hospice in Kent. He kept his sense of humor throughout his illness and was a ‘true gentleman,'” his manager said in a statement.

Goodman was credited with reviving an interest in ballroom dancing on both sides of the Atlantic. 

A former professional ballroom dancer and British champion, Goodman was head judge on “Strictly Come Dancing” for 12 years from its launch on the BBC in 2004. On the U.S. version of the show, ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” Goodman served as head judge for 15 years until his retirement in November after 31 seasons. The dance competition is well known for pairing celebrities with professional dance partners. For several years he judged the British and American shows simultaneously each autumn, criss-crossing the Atlantic weekly.

Tributes poured in from Goodman’s colleagues and fans as they remembered him for his wit, warmth and integrity. Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli tweeted after Goodman’s death that “there will never be anyone like you.”

Goodman was also a fan favorite of Buckingham Palace and Camilla, the queen consort. The wife of King Charles III danced with Goodman at a 2019 event celebrating the British Dance Council.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to dance, Goodman was a recipient of the Carl Alan Award (the “Oscars of the dance world“) in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance.

In addition to dancing and judging, Goodman worked on BBC radio programs and made TV documentaries, including a program about the sinking of the Titanic. His fascination stemmed from working as a young welder for the company that built the doomed ship.Goodman wrote several books, including his 2009 biography, Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom. He also owned the Goodman Academy dance school in southern England.