Len Goodman, former head judge on Dancing With the Stars, passed away at 78. The English dancer, who battled bone cancer, died in a hospice in Kent, surrounded by family. Goodman was a beloved judge on the show from 2005 to 2018 and also on the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 until 2016.
Born in London in 1944, Goodman began his dance career at 19 before transitioning to television. Tributes poured in following his passing, with BBC director-general Tim Davie describing him as a “wonderful, warm entertainer loved by millions.” Shirley Ballas replaced him on Strictly after his retirement.