Len Goodman was honored during the special 20th anniversary episode of “Dancing With the Stars” as the pros and stars paid tribute to the late judge.
Carrie Ann Inaba Remembers Len Goodman
Inaba spoke to Access Hollywood ahead of the anniversary episode, telling the outlet, “The one thing I think is missing tonight is Mr. Len Goodman.”
“I think it would have just been so wonderful. He would be having such a great time with seeing everybody, but I’m sure he’s watching over us,” she added. “You know it’s interesting…We don’t even have to try to keep Len Goodman front and center. He is always with us.”
She went on to say that whenever a star and pro dance a “very traditional” Waltz, “you can hear Len’s voice, saying, ‘That was a 10.'”
“There will always be that gold standard that Len set for all of us,” she added, fighting back tears. “I miss him.”
Derek Hough Remembers Len Goodman
One day ahead of the anniversary episode, Derek Hough took to social media to pay tribute to the longtime judge.
“As we approach the 20th anniversary episode, I can’t help but think back fondly to the times I spent backstage with Len,” Hough wrote via Instagram alongside clips of himself with Goodman on Monday, November 10. “Feeling nostalgic and so grateful for the moments we shared. The sentimental moments, and the playful moments.”
“That lovely man will be front & center on my mind tomorrow. I adored him,” former host Tom Bergeron — who made his ballroom return during the anniversary special — commented on Hough’s post.
Following Goodman’s 2022 retirement, Hough took over his spot on the judges panel.
Goodman passed away in April 2023 after a battle with bone cancer at age 78. Shortly after his death, the iconic Mirrorball Trophy was renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in honor of the late judge.
Bruno Tonioli Remembers Len Goodman
Goodman, Inaba and Bruno Tonioli were the original three judges, sitting side by side for nearly two decades.
Ahead of the 20th anniversary, Tonioli opened up to Us Weekly about this relationship with the late dancer.
“It is almost like Len and I were almost like a couple,” Tonioli told the outlet on November 5. “[I’m] probably the person that knows him better than [anyone], except his wife and his son. We spent so much time together.”
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Pays Tribute to Len Goodman
There was hardly a dry eye in the ballroom as “Dancing With the Stars” paid tribute to the late head judge with a touching in memoriam segment.
Other stars who have passed over the years included Cloris Leachman, Jerry Springer, Anne Heche, Aaron Carter and more.
