Months beforehis death at the age of 78,Len Goodmanremembered his favorite moments from his tenure onDancing with the Stars.
The television personalitytold PEOPLE in Novemberthat there were “so many” memorable moments from his time serving as head judge on the Disney+ series from 2005 to 2022.
“George Hamiltondoing the Paso Doble as Zorro, the Gay Blade,Jerry Springer, hoping to stay in [the competition] long enough so he could learn to waltz and dance it at his daughter’s wedding, spring to mind in a flash when I think back,” he shared. “But there are so many memorable moments… thankfully all captured on the internet for those who wish to delve back in time!”
Len Goodman.ABC/Getty
Goodman also remembered performing with Olympic gymnastNastia Liukinin 2015.
As much as Goodman enjoyed returning to the dance floor, he also cherished “meeting some of the great artists that have been singing on the show suchNeil Diamond,Barry Manilow,Stevie Wonder,Etta James,Rod Stewart,Gladys Knightto name a few… and meeting some of my sporting heroes, who either competed on the show or were watching in the audience, from the world of baseball, football, boxing, skiing, race car driving, and ice skating.”
One of the show’s signature segments “Dance Center,” a play on ESPN’sSportsCenter, also became of Goodman’s favorite memories.
“I had so much fun recording’Dance Center’for a few years with Kenny Mayne and Jerry Rice,” he shared. “It always took twice as long as it should have done to record because we kept laughing so much!”
Goodman’s manager Jackie Gill confirmed his death in a statement released Monday morning.
The former professional dancer appeared onDWTSfrom 2005 until 2022. He was also a head judge on the British version of the show —Strictly Come Dancing— from its launch in 2004 until 2016.
Kelsey McNeal/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
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PEOPLE exclusivelyconfirmed the news of Goodman’s retirementfrom the Disney+ dance competition series in November 2022. He later shared the news during an episode ofDWTS, during which he received a standing ovation from the crowd.
“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. “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
