Derek Hough Says 'DWTS' Family Didn't Know Extent Of Len Goodman's Illness: 'A Huge Shock'
By Fiyin Olowokandi on June 2, 2023 at 9:00 PM EDT
Over a month after Len Goodman's death, his friend and former colleague, Derek Hough, revealed what he knew about Goodman's health.
It's no news that the ballroom dancer passed on a few days before his 79th birthday after battling bone cancer. Before his death, he spent over sixteen years as a judge for the ABC show "DWTS." Given his time on the show, the iconic choreographer and other members were more like family. His friendship with Hough was present before they worked on the show.
However, Hough recently revealed that while Goodman struggled with his health, other dance show members were barely aware of the severity of the illness.
Derek Hough Says He And Other 'DWTS' Members Were Unaware That Len Goodman Was Severely Sick
While discussing with Extra, the 38-year-old pro dancer emotionally opened up about how the news of Goodman's sickness was shocking to him and the rest of the "DWTS" family.
"We sensed his fragility, but we had no idea the extent of it. This was a huge shock for all of us," Hough explained. "He's a special guy, just a special guy. We lost somebody special."
The three-time Primetime Emmy Award winner recalled his friendship with the demised choreographer, highlighting what the late star meant to him. Hough praised Goodman saying, "He was just pure joy. He was. I mean, what he represented and did for that show, for television, for all of us."
He further talked about his experience working with the former "Strictly Come Dancing" judge for over sixteen years. Hough stated, "I remember just savoring every moment with him. And I'm so grateful for that." Hough then indicated his wish to do something remarkable for his late pal. He said, "I want to do something to honor him and continue to in the future."
When Goodman died, Hough dedicated a moving tribute to honor the star. Alongside a clip of him and Goodman laughing and dancing, Hough wrote, "Hold my gaze." Heartbroken by the news of our dear friend and mentor, Len Goodman. It's a gloomy morning here in Los Angeles, which seems fitting after this heartbreaking news."
He added, "But when I think back at the memories we shared with Len, his sense of humor, his smile and charm, everything feels much brighter and full of sunshine. 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."
Other "DWTS" members also paid tribute to the late 78-year-old, including Sharna Burgess and Carrie Ann Inaba.
The Late' DWTS' Judge Seemingly Predicted His Death
While Goodman didn't divulge details of his health to members of the reality competition, he seemingly predicted his demise. During an interview months before his passing, the English Ballroom dancer revealed how his father died and likened himself to his dad.
"My dad had the right idea. He loved gardening, and he had a stroke while he was out in the garden. He was 79, so if I go the way of my dad, that'll be next year." The dance maestro spoke about his retirement from the dance show to spend more time with his wife, Sue, and his grandchildren, Alice and Jack.
Goodman then told his interviewer to draft a miniature obituary for him. He said, "Just write he was a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky because that's just about the truth of it."
This revelation got many fans wondering if the pro dancer already knew his end, considering the state of his health. In 2009, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer which was treated with surgery. He previously spoke to a news outlet about his health.
The ballroom dancer said, "I don't make a fuss about stuff like that. It's like when you have a car—you keep it serviced, but even so, you'll have some trouble with your carburetor, and you'll need to get it fixed, and eventually, the whole thing will conk out, and there you go. It's more about the journey, and mine has been lovely."
