Len Goodman, a judge on the popular TV show Dancing with the Stars, predicted the date of his own death just four months before he passed away. The beloved ballroom dancer and instructor died under hospice care in Kent, England, after battling bone cancer.
Goodman had candidly discussed his thoughts on mortality in an interview with the Daily Mail last year, saying that he did not want to “linger” before passing away.
Goodman had admired the way that Bing Crosby had died suddenly after playing golf and wished for a similar experience. He also talked about how his father had died while gardening at the age of 79, and mentioned that if he were to pass away in the same way, it would be the following year. Goodman’s death has left fans of Dancing with the Stars mourning the loss of his warm and knowledgeable presence on the show.
Goodman’s prediction about the year of his death turned out to be eerily accurate. He had mentioned in the interview that if he were to pass away while gardening like his father did, it would be the following year. Goodman died just three days before his 79th birthday, which has not gone unnoticed by his fans. He had become a beloved figure through his work as a judge on popular dance shows such as Dancing with the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing.
Goodman had requested a simple obituary for himself, saying that he was just a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky. His agent, Jackie Gill, confirmed that he had passed away peacefully on Saturday night. Goodman’s death has left a void in the world of dance and television, with many people paying tribute to his talent and warmth as a judge.
“Just write: ‘He was a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky,’” he said. “Because that’s just about the truth of it.”
“Len died on Saturday evening surrounded by his family in a hospice in Kent. He has bone cancer. He kept his sense of humour throughout his illness and was a ‘true gentleman,’” his manager said in a statement Monday, according to Good Morning America.
Len Goodman had been the head judge on Dancing with the Stars for 31 seasons before stepping down in November 2022. He had been a part of the show since its inception in 2005, and it had been a pleasure for him to be a part of such a wonderful program. He had announced that he was looking forward to spending more time with his family in Britain.
Goodman was a former professional ballroom dancer and British champion who had been credited with reviving interest in ballroom dancing in both the United States and the United Kingdom. His warm personality and expert knowledge of dance had made him a beloved figure among fans of the show. Goodman’s legacy will continue to be felt in the world of dance, and he will be remembered as one of the most talented and dedicated individuals in the industry.
Len Goodman had been battling health issues for some time, with his prostate gland cancer removal in 2009 and skin cancer diagnosis in 2020. However, he had never made a fuss about his health problems, saying that it was part of life’s journey.
Goodman’s passing has left a void in the world of dance and television, with many people paying tribute to his talent and warmth as a judge. He will be remembered as a beloved figure who played an important role in reviving interest in ballroom dancing on both sides of the Atlantic. Rest in peace, Len Goodman, and thank you for the memories. You will be deeply missed.
