‘Dancing With the Stars’ Judge Len Goodman Has Passed Away At The Age Of 78

Some sad news to report this Monday morning. The longtime ‘Dancing with the Stars‘ judge Len Goodman has died at the age of 78.

The British ballroom dancer’s manager confirmed the news to the BBC early Monday morning. As some of you may know, he had been battling bone cancer in recent months. According to the statement, had been in hospice, and that is where he ended up passing away.

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. He passed away in a hospice in Kent … surrounded by family.

He is survived by his wife Sue Barrett and a son named James from a previous relationship. Before this most recent bone cancer diagnosis, Goodman had been treated for prostate cancer in 2009 and in 2020, he revealed he had surgery for a facial melanoma.

Born as Leonard Gordon Goodman in London in 1944, Goodman relocated with his family to Blackfen at a young age. One of his early jobs was as an apprentice welder. Upon sustaining a foot injury, a doctor recommended dance as a form of therapy, and Goodman began dancing at 19. As a professional, Goodman won a number of competitions and ultimately retired in his late 20s.

Goodman had been a judge on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ since its first season back in 2005. He actually just retired from the show last year in 2022.

He wrote at the time:

I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show but I’ve decided I want to spend more time with my children and family. I cannot thank enough the family of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ It has been such a wonderful experience for me.

Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.