There’s sad news in the world of dance today. Dancing with the Stars judge Len Goodman has died. He was 78.
Len’s agent Jackie Gill said Godman “passed away peacefully” after being diagnosed with bone cancer.
In addition to being a Dancing with the Stars judge, Goodman was also the head judge on the British hit “Strictly Come Dancing” which launched on the BBC. Like Dancing with the Stars, it paired celebrities with professional dance partners. Both shows became unprecedented hits and revived people’s interest in ballroom dancing.
He worked on both shows simultaneously crisscrossing the Atlantic during the fall seasons for 15 years until he retired in November.
Goodman started his professional journey working as a shipyard welder for the company that built the Titanic. He presented BBC radio programs and made TV documentaries including a 2012 program on the sinking of the ship.
He was also a professional ballroom dancer. He was a recipient of the Carl Alan Award which recognizes outstanding contributions to dance. He also owned the Goodman Academy dance school in Southern England.
Goodman stood out as a judge due to his witty repartee. “You floated across the floor like butter on a crumpet,” he exclaimed after a foxtrot performance. He also complimented salsa-dancing couples saying they were “like two sizzling sausages on a barbecue.”
British broadcaster Esther Rantzen said Goodman was “astonished and delighted” to have become famous in his twilight years.
“One of the reasons he succeeded so well in the States is that he was quintessentially British. He was firm but fair, funny but a gentleman, and I hope the nation will adopt his favorite expostulation of ‘pickle me walnuts’,” she said.
BBC director-general Time Davie said Goodman was a “wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions. He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family. Len was at the heart of Strictly’s success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family.”