Len Goodman's Emotional Farewell on Dancing With the Stars Leaves Pros and Judges in Tears

Len Goodman. Media Punch/INSTARimages.com

Dancing With the Stars went above and beyond to pay tribute to the late judge Len Goodman in its episode on Tuesday, October 24th.

A group of former professional dancers including Maks Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff, Mark Ballas, Kym Johnson-Herjavec, Tony Dovolani, Anna Trebunskaya, Louis van Amstel, and Edyta Sliwinska made a special appearance. They were joined by all of the professional dancers from season 32. Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson, who are current cast members, choreographed the routine to the song "Moon River" by Henry Mancini.

Cohost Alfonso Ribeiro expressed the deep shock and sadness felt by the Dancing With the Stars family upon learning of Goodman's passing at the age of 78 in April. Recognizing that Len will forever be an integral part of the show, Ribeiro, aged 52, announced a special tribute performance in his honor.

Before the emotional group waltz commenced, the dancers, dressed in elegant white gowns and sharp tuxedos, shared their heartfelt memories of Goodman through a pre-recorded video.

Derek Hough, the judge, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to judge alongside Len, stating that it allowed him to spend some additional quality time with him. Derek, 38, and his sister Julianne Hough, who is cohosting this season with Ribeiro, have known Goodman since their childhood.

Julianne, 35, expressed that she had known Len since she was 10 years old, making this show feel like a welcoming and familiar environment.

The other DWTS professionals reminisced about Goodman's unique talent of providing tough feedback with genuine affection.

“You were going to receive the truth from Len Goodman, but he would deliver it with his charming twinkle,” stated Johnson-Herjavec, 47. “If you were not executing it [right], he would make sure you were aware,” added Ballas, 37.

Disney/Eric McCandless/ABC

Following the tribute waltz dedicated to the late DWTS judge, there was an emotional moment as several performers, including Derek and current DWTS pros Daniella Karagach and Emma Slater, were moved to tears. Bruno Tonioli, overcome with emotion, rose from his seat at the judges table and embraced his fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

Having been a judge on Dancing With the Stars since its debut in 2005, Goodman announced his retirement from the ABC reality competition series in November 2022. Tragically, he passed away in April the following year after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.

The show decided to rename its prize in memory of Goodman before the premiere of season 32. Executive producer Conrad Green explained to USA Today in September that now "The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy" will be lifted on Dancing With the Stars, similar to how the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted at the Super Bowl. Green wanted to ensure that Len becomes a permanent part of the show, serving as a constant reminder of his significant contribution to Dancing With the Stars and how much he meant to everyone involved. Additionally, Green pointed out that the premiere was dedicated to Goodman, expressing that Len's love for the show will always be present, as he continues to watch over and support them.

Cohosts Ribeiro and Julianne briefly discussed Goodman’s impact in the September premiere. “Although he is irreplaceable, … we wanted to maintain his influence,” Julianne stated as Ribeiro gestured towards the mirrorball trophy. “It’s wonderful that Len will always be with us moving forward.”

Earlier this month, Julianne further expressed her experience as a host on the show while paying tribute to Goodman. “This season will be filled with nostalgia and memorable moments, especially as we honor and pay tribute to the remarkable Len Goodman,” she exclusively told We on October 11. “He was a dear friend, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to honor him and keep his spirit alive in the ballroom.”

She stated, "He served as a great source of inspiration and will forever remain the driving force behind this show."

In season 32, Inaba, aged 55, and Tonioli, aged 67, have been the consistent members of the judging panel. In September, Green disclosed that the show had no intentions of finding a replacement for Goodman upon his retirement.

"I've always believed that Len is truly unique," Green expressed to Entertainment Weekly. "He holds an invaluable role in the show's history and is instrumental in its continued success. His unwavering honesty, expert knowledge of ballroom dancing, and genuine connection to the world of dance have shaped the show's legacy in an extraordinary way. Len has always been the champion of ballroom dancing on the show, and his absence will be deeply felt."

Catch Dancing With the Stars on ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.