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The Tragic Toll Of The Ballroom: 10 Beloved Dancing With The Stars Cast Members Who Have Died

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The *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) family has endured numerous heartbreaking losses over the years, a sobering reminder of the fragility of life even for those who shine brightest under the ballroom lights. As of December 20, 2025, the show has mourned the passing of several beloved contestants, a legendary head judge, and key members of the production and choreography teams. From unexpected accidents and tragic mental health battles to quiet, private fights against terminal illness, the community surrounding the popular dance competition has repeatedly come together to pay tribute to their departed stars, ensuring their legacies are never forgotten. The most profound recent losses have included the irreplaceable judge Len Goodman and the iconic TV host Jerry Springer, both of whom passed away in 2023, leaving a significant void in the world of entertainment and ballroom dance.

Remembering the Legends: DWTS Judges and Icons Who Have Passed

The show’s history is marked by the unforgettable personalities who graced the judging panel and the dance floor. The passing of these figures has led to emotional, in-show tributes that highlight their profound impact on the series and the sport of dance.

The Enduring Legacy of Head Judge Len Goodman (1944–2023)

The world of ballroom dance was shaken in April 2023 by the death of *Dancing with the Stars* head judge, Len Goodman, at the age of 78. Goodman, who was also a fixture on the British equivalent, *Strictly Come Dancing*, had retired from *DWTS* just four months prior to his passing. * Role on DWTS: Head Judge (Seasons 1–31) * Date of Death: April 22, 2023 * Cause of Death: Bone cancer Goodman was renowned for his sharp wit, his charming British demeanor, and his signature catchphrases, most notably the enthusiastic "Seven!" and the perfect score declaration of "From Len, a ten!" His expertise in ballroom and Latin American dance was unparalleled, and his critiques were always grounded in the technical rules of the sport. The show dedicated a special, heartfelt dance number to him during Season 32, a tribute that moved his fellow judges and the entire cast to tears. Host Alfonso Ribeiro promised that Season 32 would honor Len Goodman’s legacy, ensuring that the spirit of the "living legend" would continue to influence the show. The loss of Len Goodman marked a true end of an era for the series.

Jerry Springer: The Talk Show King Who Found Joy in the Ballroom (1944–2023)

Just days after the news of Len Goodman’s death, the *DWTS* community suffered another major loss with the passing of talk show host Jerry Springer. * Role on DWTS: Contestant (Season 3) * Date of Death: April 27, 2023 * Cause of Death: Pancreatic cancer Springer, who competed in Season 3 with professional dancer Kym Johnson, finished in fifth place. His time on the show was marked by his self-deprecating humor and genuine effort, transforming his appearance from a novelty to a heartwarming journey. He famously participated in the competition to make his daughter, Katie, proud. It was later revealed that Springer had kept his pancreatic cancer diagnosis private, passing away after a brief illness at his Chicago home.

A Year of Profound Loss: The Tragedies of 2022

The year 2022 proved to be one of the most difficult in the show’s history, marked by the unexpected deaths of several high-profile celebrity contestants and a beloved member of the dance community, all under tragic or shocking circumstances.

The Heartbreak of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss (1982–2022)

The death of dancer, choreographer, and television personality Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss in December 2022 sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry, including the *DWTS* family. * Role on DWTS: All-Star Dancer/Guest DJ * Date of Death: December 13, 2022 * Cause of Death: Suicide While tWitch was most famous for his work on *The Ellen DeGeneres Show* and *So You Think You Can Dance*, he was a deeply respected figure in the *DWTS* world, having worked with many of the professional dancers. The news of his death by suicide at age 40 left the professional cast, including Sasha Farber, Emma Slater, and Alan Bersten, in "disbelief" and heartbreak, with many sharing emotional tributes to his kind spirit and special impact on the dance community.

Aaron Carter’s Final Dance (1987–2022)

Pop star Aaron Carter, who competed in Season 9, tragically passed away in November 2022 at the age of 34. * Role on DWTS: Contestant (Season 9) * Date of Death: November 5, 2022 * Cause of Death: Accidental drowning after inhaling difluoroethane (a propellant gas) and taking alprazolam (Xanax). Carter’s time on *DWTS* with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff was a bright spot in his tumultuous career. The coroner’s report confirmed the heartbreaking details of his accidental drowning in his bathtub, a tragic culmination of his long-publicized struggles with substance abuse and mental health.

Kirstie Alley and Anne Heche

The year also saw the loss of two prominent actresses who had graced the ballroom: * Kirstie Alley (1951–2022): The Emmy-winning actress, who was a contestant in Season 12 and returned for the All-Stars Season 15, passed away in December 2022 from colon cancer. She finished in second place in her first season with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy. * Anne Heche (1969–2022): The actress, who competed in Season 29, died in August 2022 after a fiery high-speed car crash. Her cause of death was ruled as smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, as well as a severe anoxic brain injury.

The Complete List: DWTS Family Members We Have Lost

The list of *Dancing with the Stars* family members who have passed away is a long and poignant one, spanning decades of Hollywood and television history. These individuals—contestants, judges, and crew—are remembered for their contributions both on and off the dance floor. The following list compiles notable figures from the show, their season or role, and the circumstances of their passing:
  • Len Goodman (Judge, Seasons 1–31): Died April 2023 from bone cancer.
  • Jerry Springer (Contestant, Season 3): Died April 2023 from pancreatic cancer.
  • Dave Scott (Choreographer): Died June 2023.
  • Kirstie Alley (Contestant, Seasons 12 & 15): Died December 2022 from colon cancer.
  • Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss (All-Star Dancer/Guest DJ): Died December 2022 by suicide.
  • Aaron Carter (Contestant, Season 9): Died November 2022 from accidental drowning/drug use.
  • Anne Heche (Contestant, Season 29): Died August 2022 following a fiery car crash.
  • Mary Wilson (Contestant, Season 28): The legendary Supremes singer died suddenly in February 2021 from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
  • Cloris Leachman (Contestant, Season 7): The Oscar and Emmy-winning actress died in January 2021 from a combination of causes, including a stroke and COVID-19.
  • Florence Henderson (Contestant, Season 11): The *Brady Bunch* icon died in November 2016 from heart failure.
  • Valerie Harper (Contestant, Season 17): The actress died in August 2019 after a long battle with cancer.
  • Charo (Contestant, Season 24): Her husband, Kjell Rasten, who was often seen supporting her, died by suicide in February 2019.
  • Billie Burke (Contestant, Season 2): The actress passed away in 2014 from natural causes.
  • George Hamilton (Contestant, Season 2): His mother, Anne Hamilton, passed away during his run on the show.
  • Jacoby Jones (Contestant, Season 16): The former NFL player’s death was reported in 2020, though the circumstances are less publicized than the others.
  • Julian Benson (Judge, *Dancing with the Stars Ireland*): The renowned Irish judge and choreographer died at age 54.
These losses serve as a powerful reminder of the deep connections forged within the *DWTS* community, a family that extends beyond the United States to its global counterparts. The tributes paid by professional dancers, co-stars, and hosts like Tom Bergeron emphasize the lasting impact these individuals had, both as performers and as people. The memory of their time in the ballroom—the joy, the struggle, and the spectacular performances—continues to resonate with fans and the cast alike.
The Tragic Toll of the Ballroom: 10 Beloved Dancing With The Stars Cast Members Who Have Died
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dancing with stars death

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