Ellen DeGeneres and ‘SYTYCD’ Team Remember Stephen “tWitch” Boss: “A Kind Soul and Talented Performer” (2024)

The Ellen DeGeneres Show executive producer Andy Lassner, Questlove and Kerry Washington were among those in Hollywood’s entertainment, music and dance communities sharing remembrances, tributes and condolences on Wednesday following the news of the Ellen show DJ-turned-co-executive producer and So You Think You Can Dance alum Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ death.

Allison Holker Boss, the wife of the beloved dancer, choreographer, actor and producer and mother to their three children, confirmed the news of his death at 40 in a statement that celebrated his light and legacy. Boss, who was found in a Los Angeles hotel room, died by suicide, according to his rep.

“Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans,” said Holker Boss, a reality star pro dancer who met her husband on So You Think You Can Dance. “To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory.”

On Wednesday morning, tributes and remembrances began rolling in, including from long-time Ellen executive producer Andy Lassner, who tweeted a solemn, “Rest, my friend.” The show’s host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres shared her own statement on Instagram, “I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”

The hip-hop dancer, who broke out with his success from the competition series So You Think You Can Dance, began as a guest DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and remained on the talk show, eventually becoming a co-executive producer, for nine years until DeGeneres and her show signed off earlier this year.

While the Ellen Show may have become Boss’ most high-profile job, his dancing career was brought to the attention of TV viewers when he joined as a contestant on season four of So You Think You Can Dance in 2008. In a lengthy tribute to her fellowSo You Think You Can Dancejudge, Leah Remini wrote that she was “heartbroken” over the news of his death, adding that Boss’ passing “will leave a big hole in many hearts” and that her “heart goes out to his family, his friends, and to the many people whom he inspired.”

“tWitch was always so kind to me and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes. tWitch was the guy who played and interacted with his fans in the audience during commercial breaks, and he encouraged all the contestants when the cameras weren’t rolling. He had such a passion and love for dance and guiding artists and the contestants on the show,” she added. “tWitch adored his wife, Allison, and their three kids more than anything. He would talk about them all the time with such pride.”

In their own statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Fox Entertainment, 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions said they will “always remember Stephen “tWitch” Boss for the light and joy he brought into our lives and into the hearts of so many. This tragic, painful loss of such a radiant, inimitable talent and beloved friend is immeasurable beyond words, and we grieve alongside his family, loved ones and fans. ‘tWitch,’ we will miss you dearly.”

Musician and dancer Justin Timberlake on Wednesday wrote that it was “heartbreaking to hear that someone who brought so much joy to a room, was hurting so much behind closed doors. I’ve known Twitch for over 20 years through the dance community — he always lit everything up. You just never know what someone is really going through.”

“Take care of yourselves. LOVE that human in the mirror. Check on your people,” he added. “Sending light to his beautiful family in this dark, confusing time.”

The Twitter account for Magic Mike Live also paid tribute to Boss, who was attached to the movie franchise. “Rest in Power, Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss,” the account tweeted. “Such a kind soul and talented performer. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

On Thursday, Magic Mike franchise star and producer Channing Tatum wrote in an emotional Instagram message: “I have no words. There aren’t any. My head or heart can not understand this. There is just so much… i don’t know where to begin. I love you. I’ll see you again my friend. Until then.”

Fellow Magic Mike actor Jada Pinkett Smith also remembered Boss, writing on Instagram after waking “up this morning to the news that tWitch is gone.”

“My heart aches for his wife Allison and their children Weslie, Maddox and Zaia,” she continued. “My condolences to all his loved ones that he has left behind. We had a lot of good times on the set of Magic Mike. He was so sweet, kind and generous. So many people suffer in silence. I wish he could have known that he didn’t have to. May his beautiful, shining soul rest in the arms of the Great Supreme and may that same Higher Power heal the shattered hearts of his loved ones.”🕊️

Fellow dancer and TV Judge Paula Abdul took to social media to share how “devastated” she was by the news of tWitch’s death. “tWitch greeted the world every day with a beautiful smile that was a direct reflection of his beautiful heart,” she tweeted. “He was a beacon of light & a true talent whose legacy & impact will live on in the dance community.”

Pro-dancer and choreographer Carrie Ann Inaba wrote that tWitch “was a special one” and “extraordinary.”

“A good man, a husband, an artist, a dancer, an entertainer, a bright light,” she wrote on Instagram. “He could do anything and he did it with a joy and grace and some swagger. Twitch, I’m at a loss… my heart seems to be frozen… like I don’t want to exhale, hoping that maybe if I don’t exhale, that someone will correct this horrible mistake. And all will be okay again. My prayers are joining with all the other prayers going out to@allisonholkerand your family… sending them love and so much support.”

Cheryl Burke, fellow professional dancer and Dancing With the Stars performer, took to her Instagram to share the message that her “heart breaks for@sir_twitch_alot,@allisonholkerand their beautiful family. Twitch, thank you for representing the dance world with such positivity and grace but more importantly, as a human being, thank you for being so joyful, inspirational, and for always putting a smile on my face. May your soul rest in peace my friend.”

Roots co-founder, DJ and filmmaker Questlove wrote a lengthy message on Instagram, encouraging others to take care of their mental health. “I have no words man,” he wrote of Boss’ passing. “May his family find resolution in this dark time. May we all find peace of mind in our everyday lives.”

Actress and producer Kerry Washington took to her social media, sharing mental health resources while talking about how the “world lost a bright light today. Twitch brought joy and love to people all over the world through music and through dance. My heart is heavy today for his family and all of those who knew and loved him.”

Pose creator and writer Steven Canals tweeted similar sentiments and celebrated Boss’ positive demeanor. “He always exuded joy,” he wrote. “You never know what a person is dealing with. Check in with your people. RIP Twitch.”

TV host and actress Yvette Nicole Brown expressed her shock at Boss’ passing, writing, “What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I’ve loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always.”

Fellow actor Jason Alexander tweeted Wednesday morning that while he didn’t know Boss directly, he is “so sad” at his loss. “His smile, his persona and his shining talent always brought me joy. My sympathy to his loved ones. I wish you and him peace,” he tweeted.

Comedian and talk show host Loni Love remembered the creative talent for his “kind soul,” going on to describe him as a sweet person. “That is how I will remember Twitch,” she added. “My heart goes out to his family especially Allison and their beautiful kids. [T]his is devastating… I love you brother and will miss you dearly.”

Read more tributes below.