Derek Hough says Dancing with the Stars co-star Len Goodman’s death was a “huge shock”
Derek Hough has spoken candidly about the passing of his Dancing with the Stars colleague Len Goodman, describing the news as a profound and unexpected shock to him and to many who knew and admired the long‑time judge.
On the Whine Down with Jana Kramer podcast, Hough shared how he learned that Len had been unwell but did not know the full severity of his condition. He explained that neither he nor others in their circle were aware of the extent of Len’s illness until news of his death emerged.
“We certainly didn’t know the extent — we had no idea the extent — because this was a huge shock to all of us,” Derek told host Jana Kramer. “And it’s incredibly sad.”
“Countless tears and phone calls”
Derek described spending many hours with friends and colleagues in the days since Len’s passing, sharing “countless tears and phone calls” as they reflected on their memories. He said those conversations repeatedly returned to how much everyone loved Len, how fortunate they felt to have known him, and how meaningful the time spent together was.
“I feel incredibly emotional and sad about it,” Hough said. “And then at the same time, I feel so grateful that the last season we shared together gave me so many moments I really savored. We were playful with each other, and we had these one‑on‑one conversations that I will always remember.”
Hough emphasized that the combination of grief and gratitude has been a constant for him: deep sorrow at Len’s sudden loss, coupled with appreciation for the personal moments they shared on and off the stage.
Len gave Derek a beautiful and hilarious parting gift
Hough recalled a touching and characteristically humorous gift Len left for him when he retired from the show in 2022. Derek walked into his dressing room to find a large, elegantly framed photograph of Len with a handwritten message attached. The message, Derek said, combined warmth with Len’s trademark cheeky humor.
“It was so beautiful, but also like, inappropriate humor — funny,” he remembered. “It was a hilarious thing he wrote, and it was signed by him. I was just so touched and moved by that. It made me reflect on how our lives were so intertwined over the years.”
Derek also shared that his connection to Len went back to his childhood. He first encountered Goodman when he was about 12, studying ballroom dance in London, and Len had judged him in competition, making their relationship one that spanned decades.
Derek will pay tribute to Len on tour
Looking ahead, Hough said he plans to honor Len during his upcoming Symphony of Dance tour. He described the tribute as inevitable and necessary — not just for those who worked with Len, but for audiences who have watched and cherished the judge’s presence on television for many years.
“I just keep thinking back to these memories and moments and how fortunate we were to have him on the show for so long,” Derek said. “He certainly went far too soon in life. I will pay tribute to him on tour without a doubt. I think many audience members will be mourning him as well, because he’s been a familiar face to so many for decades.”
Hough’s reflections underline the deep respect and affection colleagues and fans held for Len Goodman. His blend of professionalism, warmth and wry humor made him a memorable figure in the dance community and on television, and his absence is being felt across that community.
As performers, producers and viewers continue to process the loss, Derek’s plans to remember Len through performance and storytelling speak to how people often honor a colleague’s legacy: by sharing memories, celebrating their impact, and keeping their spirit alive through art.