Len Goodmanhas left a legacy of dance behind.
The formerDancing with the Starshead judgehas died, but won’t soon be forgotten for his expertise in the art form. Throughout his tenure onDWTS, Goodman occasionally took the stage with celebrity guests, and referenced his career on stage.
One of the most notable moments from Goodman’s time onDWTSmay have been when hetook the floorwith celebrity starLisa Vanderpump. Thequick number featureda kiss on the cheek from Vanderpump, which Goodman comically took with joy.
Len Goodman and Lisa Vanderpump.Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Goodman also stepped in with another celebrity guest,Nastia Liukin, during amemorable Vietnamese Waltz. Though Liukin began the dance with partnerDerek Hough, Goodman swapped places with the pro for the final moments of the dance number.
Len Goodman with Derek Hough and Nastia Liukin.Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
His best moments onDWTSwere alsocaptured in a farewell video, which the series shared last season followingnews of his retirement.
The professional dancer’s technical influence wasn’t limited toDancing with the Stars. Goodman previously appeared on a panel forStrictly Come Dancing, where he taught Mel Giedoychow to waltz.
And of course, Goodmanshined on the dance floorthroughout his own life — hence his impactful expertise on reality dance series globally.
Goodman’s professional dance history, combined with his moments in the pop culture spotlight, leftendless clips of his techniqueand skill online.
Some of the moments include hisspicy Latin routinewith partner Cherry Kingston at the German Showdance Championships in 1971.
Goodman also danced withCamilla, Duchess of Cornwallat the Victory Services Club in London tocelebrate the 90th anniversaryof the British Dance Council.
The pro’s celebrity friends, includingPiers Morgan, Bruno Tonioli,Carrie Ann Inaba,Tom Bergeronand more,shared tributes to the late danceron social media Monday morning.
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Goodman stepped away from his role as judge in November 2022. Heannounced the retirement exclusively with PEOPLE— and with a sense of joy.
“Doing a live show you have to be at the top of your game and quick to react. And as one gets older, then things start to get more challenging,” he told PEOPLE at the time. “I haven’t fallen asleep or started dribbling yet on the show, so I thought it’s best to go before I start to do so!”
source: people.com
