Beloved judge Len Goodman’s death had a devastating impact on the “Dancing with the Stars” family and audiences around the world who loved him deeply. Ahead of Season 34, fans are remembering Goodman and reflecting on his absence.
DWTS Fans Are Missing Len Goodman
Goodman died on 22 April 2023, days before his 79th birthday. He had been a part of DWTS for 17 years, with his final appearance on Season 31. To honor him, the Mirrorball Trophy was officially renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in September 2023.
It has been three years since Goodman appeared on the ABC dance competition, and the current judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, do a great job, but fans are still sharing how much they miss him.
On a September 3 post of the judges and co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro on the official “Dancing with the Stars” Instagram account, the comment section was flooded with supportive messages and excitement about the new season. But some fans also shared how much they missed Goodman.
“Still sad without Len! I miss him,” a comment reads.
Other reactions include, “Icons,” “Love! Look forward to this every season!” and “I’m so excited!!!”
Comments on X have also been about Goodman. One fan shared that they will start watching Season 34 again because of the competitor, Corey Feldman. “I haven’t watched it when Judge Len Goodman passed away. It was hard to watch,” a comment reads. “I will watch it though and be rooting for you every step of the way.”
Another comment on X reads, “I wonder if Len Goodman would be watching from above.”
Carrie Ann Inaba Pays Tribute to Len Goodman
On August 29, Inaba reflected on her time judging alongside Goodman. He will be missed in Season 34, which is also the show’s 20th anniversary.
“Look what I found. Len Goodman, @brunotonioliofficial and I, in our very first press photos for @dancingwiththestars,” she captioned a throwback photo of the three of them on Instagram. “I hope we make you smile this season and give you joy and inspire you this Season 34. So much has changed over the years, but the heart of this show has stayed the same. Children have grown up watching us, and we’ve lost friends and family members along the way. But we are still going strong. And that’s because we are one big dancing family.”
Fans also commented on Goodman. “What a wonderful memory since day one. Miss seeing Len on DWTS,” a fan wrote. “Beautiful picture of beautiful memories. I started watching from day one and I’m still watching. Len will forever be loved and missed ‘It’s a 10 For Len!’” another person shared.
Where Is Carrie Ann Inaba?
In Episode 1 of DWTS Season 34, which premieres on Tuesday, September 16, Inaba will not be present. She shared her news in an Instagram post on September 16. “I wanted to share that I will not be at the show tonight as I am feeling quite under the weather. I’m resting up and can’t wait to be back next week in good health,” she wrote. “In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I’ll be cheering you on from home.”
The comment section has been filled with an outpouring of love. Derek Hough reacted with red heart emojis, Julianne Hough wrote, “Get better soon sis,” and professional dancer Britt Stewart wrote, “Hope you feel better Carrie Ann!”
