Len Goodman, the longtime judge of “Dancing With The Stars,” has died after a battle with bone cancer, in response to reports. He was 78.
“It’s with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” Jackie Gill, Goodman’s agent, said in an announcement. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who can be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
Goodman — also a judge on the British version of the celebrity competition, “Strictly Come Dancing” — joined “DWTS” when it premiered stateside in 2005.
He’s survived by his wife Sue Barrett and son James Goodman.
“RIP Len Goodman, 78 – welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan,” Piers Morgan tweeted early Monday, certainly one of several celebs paying tribute.
Goodman began dancing in his late teens after a physician told him up-and-down movement can be good for his feet, the Guardian reported in 2006.
Amongst his achievements as a dancer was winning the British Championships in Blackpool.
Goodman retired from “DWTS” last 12 months after 31 seasons as a judge.
