Len Goodman, the former head judge of “Dancing with the Stars,” has died at the age of 78. Many are grieving the loss of the legendary dance personality, who was widely admired for his humor, expertise, and charm. Fans, celebrities, and colleagues have shared their sympathies and recollections of the beloved icon on social media.
Leonard Gordon Goodman was born in Bromley, Kent, England on April 25, 1944, and grew up in a working-class family. He worked in different jobs like an apprentice welder and a fruit and vegetable salesman after leaving school at 15. However, it was not until he was 21 that he found his love for dance after his girlfriend at the time, Cherry Kingston, introduced him to ballroom dancing. They got married eventually, and Goodman pursued a career as a professional dancer.
Goodman had a successful dancing career and won several awards such as the British Exhibition Championships and the World Cup in Latin American Dance. He then became a dance instructor and founded the Len Goodman Dance Centre in Dartford, Kent. His reputation as a respected teacher landed him a job in television as a judge on the British version of “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2004.
Goodman became popular in the UK and was invited to serve as a judge on the US version of “Dancing with the Stars” by American television producers. He joined the panel with Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli and stayed on the show for 23 seasons. His famous catchphrases and fair way of judging made him well-liked by the contestants and viewers.
During his time on “Dancing with the Stars,” Goodman developed close bonds with numerous professional dancers and celebrity contestants. His famous phrase “It’s a 10 from Len!” became inseparable from the show and a standard for top-tier performances. Goodman’s feedback and advice were invaluable to many aspiring dancers, and his contributions had a major impact on the dance community.
Goodman retired from “Dancing with the Stars” in 2016 so that he could spend more time with his family and work on other projects. Although he appeared occasionally on both “Dancing with the Stars” and the UK’s version, “Strictly Come Dancing,” his departure left a challenging gap to fill on the judging panel.
After the news of his passing, numerous messages of condolence and admiration have flooded social media. Fans and celebrities alike have expressed their grief and paid tribute to the dance icon. Even former contestants and professional dancers of “Dancing with the Stars” have shared heartfelt messages to honor and remember Goodman, acknowledging the profound influence he had on their lives and careers.
The dance community is saddened by the loss of Len Goodman, a beloved dancer, teacher, and television personality. His passion for dance and indomitable spirit were truly remarkable, and he will continue to inspire future generations of performers through his legacy. Those whose lives he touched will always remember him with fondness and admiration.
