Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and More Pay Tribute to 'DWTS' Judge Len Goodman

Len Goodman, head judge of Dancing with the Stars, has died. He was 78. His agent, Jackie Gill, told the Associated Press that Goodman “passed away peacefully.” He had been diagnosed with bone cancer.

The long-serving judge on Dancing with the Stars and the original British version of the series, Strictly Come Dancing, had announced his retirement in 2022. He had not planned to return for Season 32 of DWTS.

Fans loved his witty observations and Britishisms. “You floated across that floor like butter on a crumpet,” he quipped after one foxtrot.

Below, a series of tributes from famous colleagues, friends and admirers.

Related: Len Goodman's Funniest Quotes

Celebs react to the death of longtime 'Dancing with the Stars' judge Len Goodman

Carrie Ann Inaba

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"A Dancer. A teacher. A refined gentleman. A wonderful storyteller. A special soul. A mentor. A family man. And… A treasured friend.Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart. But today’s news has shattered it all over again. I can’t believe that you’re gone. 💔"

Tom Bergeron

"I woke up this morning to a text from my sister, and it said, 'Sorry to hear about Len,' and that's the first that I had heard or read about it, so then I went online and saw the numerous stories of his passing," the TV personality told ET.

"That smile, that twinkle in the eye," he continued. "Grouchiness that he would kind of ratchet up for TV. I would think of times when—'cause his critiques were always 100 percent honest, but he would ratchet up when doing a commercial break. He'd call me over and go, 'That was good, wasn't it?' 'Oh yeah, that was good, yeah.' The grouchy part was really more show than his actual personality, I think."

Cheryl Burke

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"There are not enough words to describe how much Mr. Len Goodman made such an impact in my life. From when I was a teenager when he used to judge me in all of the European dance competitions I took part in all the way up until the day we hugged each other when we both retired on @dancingwiththestars this past season..."

Derek Hough

"'Hold my gaze.' Heart broken by the news of our dear friend and mentor Len Goodman. Still hard to fully process but filled with gratitude knowing I had the privilege of working beside this absolute legend. We will miss you dearly Len. We love you Rest In Peace my friend"

Sasha Farber

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"I’m going to miss our chats my friend ,Len always supported me and gave me the best feed back off camera! My goal was to always impress Len!"

Alan Bersten

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"Absolutely heartbroken by passing of Len Goodman. 💔 there was no better feeling than making him smile. When you got a 10 from Len you knew it was because you did something special and that made it feel even better."

Sharna Burgess

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"10 paddles all around for you my friend. What an incredible impact you had on the Ballroom Dancing industry and those of us lucky enough to work with you. You helped bring our art form to the world in a new way, you helped us show how beautiful and special it is… how cool it could be. Thank you for always reminding us where we came from, for always authentically being yourself, for all the tough love and especially for the 10’s. A 10 from you was just about the greatest feeling we could hope for on show day.

I’m sure you are surrounded by all the things you love up there, like perfect technique and traditional moves :) Rest in Peace my Grumpy Old Len, and save a dance for me"

Alfonso Ribeiro

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"I am heart broken right now. Len Goodman was one of the greatest men I’ve met and got to know in this world. He was always so gracious and warm to me. I’m truly at a loss for words. Prayers to his family. He left us way to soon. RIP Len."

Camilla, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom

According to AP News, Buckingham Palace said Camilla, the queen consort, was “saddened to hear” of Goodman’s death. She is said to be a fan of Strictly, and danced with Goodman at a 2019 event celebrating the British Dance Council.

Craig Revel Horwood

"I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern”will live with me forever. RIP Len"

Piers Morgan

More very sad news from the world of entertainment… RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan. Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke.

Mark Cuban

"RIP Len Goodman, you are a legend who made people around the world smile and dance."

Shirley Ballas

"What extremely sad news this morning. As I came off Good Morning Britain I heard of the passing of my dearest friend Len Goodman. My past teacher, a dance legend and a true gentlemen. He was a shining star in the ballroom that everyone loved. …"

Bruno Tonioli

"Hart broken [sic] my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away I will treasure the memories of our adventures...there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10"