'Dancing with the Stars' Judge Len Goodman Passes Away; Cause of Death Revealed

• Len Goodman, a longtime judge on "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Dancing with the Stars," passed away at age 78.
• Goodman was a well-known English professional ballroom dancer.
• Len Goodman's cause of death was revealed to be bone cancer.

Len Goodman, a longtime judge on "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Dancing with the Stars," has passed away, his representative said on Monday, Apr. 24. He was 78.

His agent revealed Len Goodman's cause of death over the weekend.

Goodman, formerly a professional ballroom dancer and British champion, served as head judge for 12 years starting in 2004 when "Strictly Come Dancing" first aired on the BBC. He debuted on Dancing With The Stars in 2005 as the chief judge for the program's first season. Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, who has been on the judge's panel for all 31 seasons, joined him. Later this year, Season 32 is scheduled to broadcast.

Before taking a vacation for Dancing With The Stars season 21, Len Goodman presided as a judge for the first 20 seasons. He later returned to judging for seasons 22 through 28 before taking a second hiatus in season 29. Then, during season 30, he made a comeback before his retirement, according to People.

Len Goodman won over audiences with his witty insights and Cockney accent. For 15 years up to his retirement in November, Goodman served as chief judge on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," the program's American counterpart.

He traveled weekly across the Atlantic while concurrently presiding over the British and American concerts for several years in the fall.

Len Goodman Remembered

Notable personalities expressed grief over Dancing With The Stars judge Len Goodman's death.

The Queen Consort Camilla was "saddened to hear" of Goodman's passing. The Queen, who enjoys "Strictly," danced with Goodman in 2019 at a celebration of the British Dance Council, according to Buckingham Palace.

According to the spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Goodman was "a great entertainer" who will be "missed by many."

British broadcaster Esther Rantzen, Len Goodman was "astonished and delighted" by his renown in his latter years.

According to her, Len Goodman's Britishness was a key factor in his success across the Atlantic. She wishes the nation would embrace his favorite expression, 'pickle me walnuts,' as he was a "gentleman who was both witty and just."

Goodman was described as "a class act" by Claudia Winkleman, the program's presenter. Winkleman added that Goodman was unique because he was so modest and endearing to everyone.

Broadcast journalist Piers Morgan paid tribute to the late dancer on Twitter by sharing a photo of him with Goodman. He called Len Goodman's death another heartbreaking loss for the entertainment industry.

Morgan added that he and Len Goodman shared a good laugh and intense discussions. He described the former judge as a great guy and a quintessential Londoner.

Tess Daly, the co-host, described Les Goodman as a "beautiful man," genuine, warm, and humble, who left an impression on everyone he met, according to the BBC.

Daly said in a post that she will never forget the fun they had on set, and "his love and passion for dancing, and that wonderfully cheeky smile that lit up the screen."

Len Goodman Cause of Death Revealed

Len Goodman's death saddened the entertainment industry. According to his agent, Jackie Gill, Len Goodman's cause of death was bone cancer, and he "passed away peacefully" on Saturday night, per ABC News.

According to the NHS, 550 new cases are diagnosed in the United Kingdom each year.

Related Article: 'Super Mario Bros. Movie' Tops the Charts

Tags

Dancing with the stars, Entertainment, Uk, United States, Piers Morgan, Cancer