'Dancing with the Stars' cast and more pay tribute to Len Goodman
Derek Hough, Alfonso Ribeiro and more remember the former "DWTS" judge.
"Dancing with the Stars" castmembers and more are remembering Len Goodman, who died Saturday at the age of 78.
Goodman was the long-serving head judge of "DWTS," as well as a judge on the British reality competition on which it was based, "Strictly Come Dancing."
Goodman stepped down as head judge on "DWTS" in November 2022 after 31 seasons.
"It has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show," Goodman said at the time. "It's been such a wonderful experience for me."
Goodman was a mentor and friend to many in the ballroom, including "DWTS" judge Derek Hough, who said Monday after news of Goodman's death was made public that he was "filled with gratitude knowing I had the privilege of working beside this absolute legend."
"When I think back at the memories we all shared with Len, his sense of humor, his smile and charm everything feels much brighter and full of sunshine," Hough wrote on social media. "We will miss you dearly Len. We love you <3"
See more tributes to Goodman below.
Alfonso Ribeiro: "I am heartbroken right now," the "DWTS" co-host wrote on Instagram Monday. "Len Goodman was one of the greatest men I've ever met and got to know in this world. He was always so gracious and warm to me. I'm truly at a loss for words. Prayers to his family. He left us way too soon. RIP Len."
Keo Motsepe: "Rest well Sir Len. You will be missed ❤️," the "DWTS" pro wrote on Instagram.
Julianne Hough: "I'm forever grateful for the many years you influenced my past, present and future!" the "Dancing With the Stars" co-host wrote on Instagram. "What an honor it has been to have been a part of your wonderful life. You're a legend and left a beautiful legacy."
Donny Osmond:
Tom Bergeron:
Louis Van Amstel: "The dance world has lost a true legend," the former "DWTS" pro wrote on Instagram. "Rest in peace, Len."
Alan Bersten: "Absolutely heartbroken by passing of Len Goodman," the dance pro and season 28 "DWTS" mirrorball champ wrote on Instagram. "There was no better feeling than making him smile. When you got a 10 from Len you knew it was because you did something special and that made it feel even better."
Bruno Tonioli: "Heart broken my dear friend and dance partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away," the "DWTS" judge wrote on Instagram Monday. "I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together."
Carrie Ann Inaba: "A Dancer. A teacher. A refined gentleman. A wonderful stortyteller. A special soul. A mentor. A family man. And… A treasured friend," the "DWTS" judge wrote on Instagram alongside a photo slideshow of herself and Goodman. "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."
Emma Slater: "RIP Len Goodman," the "DWTS" pro wrote in an Instagram post. "You are the father of ballroom without doubt, and you kept us all in line. But it's the personality for me that shone the most, you always had it. ...Glad I got to tell you what an impact you have on me and how much I admire you. We will miss you so much Len, this really was your ballroom❤️"
Sasha Farber: "I'm going ot miss our chats my friend," Farber wrote on Instagram. "Len always supported me and gave me the best feedback off camera! My goal was to always impress Len!"
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