Len Goodman, Head Judge On ‘Dancing With The Stars,’ Dies At 78

Len Goodman, the long-time judge on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars and the British Strictly Come Dancing, has died. He was 78.

Goodman’s agent Jackie Gill confirmed the news, saying that he had died at a hospice on Saturday “peacefully, surrounded by his family.” He had been suffering from bone cancer and exited Dancing With the Stars after the 31st edition of the veteran competition series in 2022.

“Goodman was a much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him, “ read the statement.

“Heart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away,” tweeted fellow Dancing With the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli. “I will treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10.”

“Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions,” said the BBC director-general Tim Davie in a statement. “He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family. Len was at the very heart of Strictly’s success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family.”

Added Kate Phillips, BBC director of unscripted: “This is such terribly sad news. Len was a much-loved member of the Strictly family, and from the very beginning, he was integral to its success. He always brought so much invaluable expertise and entertainment to the show and on a personal note, Len was very kind to me and everyone who worked with him, always making time for a chat. I can’t quite believe he’s gone and we’ll never have a Ten from Len again.”

Born April 25, 1944 in London, Goodman started dancing at the age of 19, after his doctor recommended it as therapy for a foot injury. After turning professional, he won various competitions, and retired from dancing after winning the British Championships in his late 20s.

Goodman appeared as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing from its inception in 2004 to 2016, and began his long run on Dancing With the Stars in the same capacity in 2005.

Goodman, additionally, ran a dancing school, the Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford, Kent. He also wrote several books, including his 2009 autobiography, Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom, Dancing Around Britain and Lost London. And he was a voice in the children’s program Auto-B-Good and participated in various documentaries.