UPDATE: On October 2, Dancing With the Stars judge Len Goodman’s cause of death has been officially revealed.
According to several reports, Goodman died from “prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones.”
Six months ago, Len Goodman sat down with The Daily Mail for an interview. During that interview, Goodman nearly predicted his death.
While talking with The Mail, Goodman admitted that he wouldn’t be surprised if he died around the same time his father died. According to the former professional dancer, his father died unexpectedly at the age of 79.
Goodman would have celebrated his 79th birthday today, April 25.
“My dad had the right idea. He loved gardening and he had a stroke while he was out in the garden. He was 79 so if I go the way of my dad, that’ll be next year.”
Len Goodman Predicted His Death In One of His Last Interviews and Shared What He Wanted His Obituary to Read
Goodman also shared what he wants his obituary to read. “Just write: ‘He was a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky.’ Because that’s just about the truth of it.”
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, the devastating news of Goodman’s passing was shared during the early morning hours of April 24. He was 78 years old.
Len was a judge on Dancing With the Stars since its premiere in 2005. He left the show after 17 years in 2022.
Goodman announced he would be leaving the show in November. “It has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show,” he said in his statement. “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.”
Prior to his time as a judge, Goodman was a world-renowned dancer himself.
Goodman’s manager shared the news of his passing with a statement to BCC, reading, “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78.”
“A much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.” According to the BBC, Goodman was surrounded by his family in Kent, England when he died.
His cause of death has been labeled as bone cancer. Now those who loved and worked closely with Goodman are sharing their own condolences.
Hart broken 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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/M5qnHedx5S
— Bruno Tonioli (@BrunoTonioli) April 24, 2023
Fellow DWTS judge, Bruno Tonioli took to Twitter to share a photo of himself with Goodman, writing, “[Heartbroken] 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 [and] @officialdwts. There will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10.”
Carrie Ann Inaba also took to social media to share a slideshow of pictures and videos of her years sitting next to Len at the judges’ table. “A Dancer. A teacher. A refined gentleman. A wonderful storyteller. A special soul. A mentor. A family man. And… A treasured friend,” Carrie began.
“Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart. But today’s news has shattered it all over again. I can’t believe that you’re gone. You were one of a kind my dear friend. And I will cherish our memories and hold them close, while I join so many others in mourning your loss. Thank you for all that you shared with us. Your humor, your wisdom, your wit, and your truth. Until we meet again…Rest In Peace, Len.”
Shirley Ballas, fellow professional dancer and the mom of DWTS alum Mark Ballas, also shared her condolences as well. As Ballas shared in her statement, Goodman was once her own teacher
“What extremely sad news this morning. As I came off Good Morning Britain, I heard of the passing of my dearest friend Len Goodman. My past teacher, a dance legend. and a true gentlemen. He was a shining star in the ballroom that everyone loved. He was funny, kind and quick-witted. He always found the best way to give couples feedback. My heart is full of memories with him. Thank you for all the years in the dance industry, for your dedication to the art of ballroom dancing, for all your advice over the years and for teaching @corkyballas and I and helping us to win so many championships. For believing in me at times when I didn’t believe in myself. I’ll hold your memory deep in my heart. My heart goes out to Len’s wife Sue, his beautiful family, and all who knew him. Love you, Len. Reace In Peace.
Len Goodman leaves behind his wife Sue Goodman, his son, James William Goodman, and his grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Goodman family during this particularly difficult time.
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