'DWTS' judge Len Goodman's cause of death revealed

July 2024 · 3 minute read

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The cause of death for the late “Dancing with the Stars” judge Len Goodman was revealed Sunday, months after he passed away at the age of 78.

Goodman’s death certificate confirms that the former judge died after prostate cancer spread to his bones, reports The Daily Express.

Jackie Gill, Goodman’s agent, announced in April 2023 that the late star was surrounded by his family while in hospice care in the UK.

“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” said Gill in a statement. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

Prior to his death, Goodman served as head judge on the British version of the celebrity competition, “Strictly Come Dancing,” from its first foxtrot in 2004 to 2016. He later joined “DWTS” in 2005 where he was one of three judges for 17 years.

Last year, during the show’s 31st season, Goodman announced he would be leaving at the end of the season.

Prior to his death, Goodman served as head judge on the British version of the celebrity competition, “Strictly Come Dancing,” from its first foxtrot in 2004 to 2016. He later joined “DWTS” in 2005 where he was one of three judges for 17 years. ABC/ADAM TAYLOR

“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,” the coach wrote at the time.

“I cannot thank enough the family of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” he added. “It has been such a wonderful experience for me.”

According to the dancer, he was thrust into the show last-minute.

According to the dancer, he was thrust into the show last-minute. REUTERS/Fred Prouser/File Photo

“I got the call to be a judge three days before the first show,” Goodman said to Variety around the same time as his announcement. “Little Len! Who am I? I’m just a dance teacher from Dartford. Suddenly, I’m thrust into Hollywood. I got the reputation for being the tough judge, because what I see is what I say.”

In addition to both his judging duties, Goodman appeared as a presenter for multiple shows including “Partners in Rhyme,” “Holiday of My Lifetime With Len Goodman” and “Dancing Cheek to Cheek: An Intimate History of Dance.”

The former dancer was also no stranger to health issues. In 2009, he was treated for prostate cancer after secretly battling it during some seasons of both “Strictly” and “DWTS.” He also revealed in 2020 through the UK’s Melanoma Fund that he received surgery for a facial melanoma on his forehead.

In addition to both his judging duties, Goodman appeared as a presenter for multiple shows including “Partners in Rhyme,” “Holiday of My Lifetime With Len Goodman” and “Dancing Cheek to Cheek: An Intimate History of Dance.” ABC

Goodman reportedly urged others to “get checked up every year,” according to his book “Better Late Than Never.”

“Medicine is [so advanced] now that if you do get something, then hopefully they can catch it early and you have a good chance,” he wrote.

“DWTS” honored the late judge at the beginning of the show’s 32nd season, which premiered last month.

“We’re obviously missing a big part of our ‘Dancing With the Stars’ family tonight,” said co-host Alfonso Ribeiro.

His co-host, Julianne Hough, called the late judge “irreplaceable” and noted that the show intended to “keep his spirit” alive by renaming the coveted mirrorball trophy the “Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.”

Goodman is survived by his wife Sue Barrett and son from a previous relationship, James Goodman.

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