Yesterday, Hollywood and the world at large was shocked to hear that Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, a professional dancer and beloved DJ on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, was found dead in a hotel room in Los Angeles. According to the LA County Medical Examiner, tWitch died by suicide.
tWitch rose to fame on So You Think You Can Dance but, throughout his 40 years of life, he became an emblem of the dance and music world in general through his work on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and his viral dance videos with his wife, fellow dancer Allison Holker Boss.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us," Allison said in an official statement. "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."
Fellow celebrities who have worked with tWitch throughout the years were quick to express their consternation about his sudden death, taking to social media to offer their condolences to the dancer’s family and reminisce about the impact he’s had on Hollywood and beyond.
"I'm heartbroken," Ellen wrote on Twitter. "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."
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. pic.twitter.com/lW8Q5HZonxDecember 14, 2022
"We need to pray ! My God ! U never know what someone is going through. This breaks my heart," Jennifer Hudson commented on Twitter.
Fellow artist Ciara, on the other hand, expressed her sorrow on Instagram.
"I am so crushed to hear the news that you are no longer with us," she noted. "I've always known you as joy, laughter, good times and a big smile! Heaven has gained an angel today!"
Alongside her caption, Ciara posted a video of herself dancing with tWitch.
Channing Tatum, who co-starred in Magic Mike with the late dancer, also went public about his sentiments.
"I have no words," Channing wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the two friends making funny phases. "There aren't any. My head or heart cannot 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."
Jada Pinkett Smith, who also appeared on Magic Mike, wrote on Instagram, "I woke up this morning to the news that tWitch is gone. My heart aches for his wife Allison and their children Weslie, Maddox and Zaia. My condolences to all his loved ones that he has left behind."
Other celebrities who joined the chorus of condolences and remembrance include Questlove, Paris Hilton, Paula Abdul, Yvette Nicole Brown, Dwayne Wade and Viola Davis.
Even former first Lady of the United States of America Michelle Obama chimed in.
"I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let’s Move! initiative and visits to The Ellen Show," Michelle wrote on Twitter. "My heart goes out to his wife, Allison, and his three children during this difficult time."
Clearly, tWitch touched many lives and hearts throughout his life and we offer our must heartfelt sorrows to his wife and children, who range in age from 3 to 14. May he rest in peace.
