The dance world lost a huge talent last week when Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss took his own life at the age of 40. The tragic news rocked the internet and crowds of fans flooded social media with their condolences. Many celebrities were quick to pay their respects to the ex. Ellen DeGeneres show DJs too, and now others are taking the time to pay their respects. Several dance with the stars the pros remembered their former colleague’s late wife, Allison Holker.
before what comes dance with the stars Tour, Eastern Time spoke with some of the participating professionals. In the wake of new details surrounding tWitch’s death, the TAKE A STEP The family has opened up about the huge loss, which is sure to hit close to home. Alan Bersten, who was present So you think you can dance With Stephen Boss, he recalled his time on the series and talked about his friend’s character:
I think it’s just disbelief. I think anyone who has ever met tWitch will say that he is the kindest, most thoughtful, outgoing person who genuinely wants everyone to feel better. He is so devastating. I don’t believe it. When I started dancing in the entertainment industry, he was in So You Think You Can Dance. He was the poster child, the pinnacle, the guy who never gave up and kept going. He was successful in show business and became a huge inspiration to many dancers, myself included. It’s so hard to believe.
Alexis Warr, the winner of SYTYCD Season 17, in which tWitch was a judge, also talked about his death. For her, the media personality was not only someone who helped her professionally, but he was also an invaluable asset in her personal life:
He was my judge when I did So You Think You Can Dance and that’s kind of why we stayed sane. He has given all of us great support and guidance. He really connected with each of us one on one and he made sure we were loved and supported. He was like a proud father to us. We always knew he had our backs. He really taught us a lot of life lessons about show business, but also about life in general.
tWitch’s sudden death apparently had a profound effect on Emma Slater as well. Slater was furious when she opened up about what the late dance pro meant to her and many others:
For me, I was completely shocked and I think the sheer sadness of how this happened really made people all over the world realize how fragile life is and think that they like it and really communicate. I know it definitely had a profound impact on me. I just thought he was an angel. I really did. I can’t believe such a thing happened to someone so good and so pure.
Allison Holker and tWitch celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary just days before her death, and the two have three children. Britt Stewart, who has known Holker for years, made sure to send her and her kids some love as she recalled how special Stephen Boss was:
tWitch was an integral part of the dance community, but she had this amazing ability to go beyond that. She just lit up every room. He was so positive no matter where he was. I know, personally, that I really want to send lots of love and light to his wife, Allison, who I’ve known since I was a teenager, and her children, of course.
Brandon Armstrong paid tribute to Holker and family and also hoped this tragedy would encourage others to seek help if they need it, especially around the holidays:
We just pray for the family, we pray for Allison and for the children, and we hope people can use this opportunity to reach out to people they love, to reach out to people who may be struggling. If you’re struggling, reach out to people who love you. Know that you always have family around you; you always have support.
In an interview with People, Sharna Burgess opened up about the loss of her friend and colleague. She particularly recalled the advice she gave her that still stands to this day and also praised her legacy:
He has always shared with me a deep appreciation for what I have created with him, and it was wonderful that it came from someone who is a beast and a talent at it. I really felt seen by him and really thankful for this compliment. I think the best thing tWitch gave to the world wasn’t necessarily just his dancing, [but] it was her sense of community and she tried to support everyone around her and always gave her light to others. She will be deeply missed. She will be a shining light and she will be long remembered, honored and celebrated.
TAKE A STEP Veterinarian Derek Hough also paid tribute to his friend upon hearing the news. He posted a cute photo of the two of them on Instagram. You can see the sentimental message for you below:
Ellen DeGeneres and others have also paid tribute to tWitch, and it has been wonderful to see the outpouring of love for him and his family during this time. This just goes to show the impact he really has had not only on the dance world, but on society at large. The beloved DJ of The Ellen DeGeneres Showhe has always seemed like a force for good and will be greatly missed.
The star recently served as a judge So you think you can dancewhere she also graciously addressed fan complaints about the dance series and also hosted Fox’s four-episode celebrity reality contest, the real dirty dance. It is sad to think that he is no longer with us, but his memory will live on through his family and many colleagues such as those of dance with the stars.
We at 24 News Bulletin continue to turn our thoughts to the family and loved ones of Stephen “tWitch” Boss during this time. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you can find resources on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website and also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 or simply dial 988.
Source: Cinemablend
