Len Goodman’s Death ‘Shattered’ Carrie Ann Inaba’s Heart Weeks after Her Sudden Hospitalization

“Dancing with the Stars,” legendary judge Len Goodman tragically died from cancer at age 78. The beloved judge’s co-stars, friends, and family have been left heartbroken and have extended condolences and loving tributes in his memory. Longtime fellow judge and friend Carrie Ann Inaba expressed that her heart was left “shattered” after Len’s passing just before her sudden hospitalization.

Len Goodman was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his death devastated many fans. According to Fox News Digital, he “passed away peacefully” on April 22, 2023. The “Strictly Come Dancing” icon was more than just a legendary TV personality and dance connoisseur; he was also a loving husband to Sue Goodman, a father to his son James William Goodman, and a grandfather.

Goodman was widely known for being an iconic TV personality and foreman judge on popular dance competition TV shows such as “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Dancing with the Stars.” The adored judge was best known for his bold one-liners, constructive criticism, charm, and endearing mannerisms.

Len Goodman on “Dancing with the Stars” Season 30 in 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Before his role as the leading judge on “Dancing with the Stars,” Goodman used to be a professional ballroom dancer and British champion. He then started as the head judge on “Strictly Come Dancing” since its conception on BBC in 2004 for 12 years before leaving the show in 2016. He started judging on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2005.

According to reports, Goodman had been diagnosed with bone cancer and had passed away in hospice, surrounded by his family. Several celebrity friends of the TV star have posted loving tributes in Goodman’s memory. One particularly heartfelt tribute comes from his longtime co-star and friend, TV personality Carrie Ann Inaba.

Len Goodman on “Dancing with the Stars” Season 30, week 8 in 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Carrie Ann’s Heartfelt Tribute To Len Goodman

As soon as the news of Goodman’s passing was announced, an outpouring of loving tributes flooded social media platforms. All of Goodman’s co-stars took no time to show the love and joy that Goodman brought into their lives. Most notable was fellow judge, TV star, actress, singer, and choreographer Inaba.

The choreographer, who was left “shattered” after Goodman’s passing, took to her Instagram feed to post a video montage of all the beautiful memories she shared with Goodman. The post depicts various videos and photos of the two judges being silly and goofy together, accompanied by Louyah’s “Until We Meet Again.” In the caption, Inaba details the many roles Goodman played and how much of a dear friend the legendary judge was to her:

“A dancer, a teacher, a refined gentleman, a wonderful storyteller, a special soul, a mentor, a family man, and a treasured friend. Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart, but today’s news has shattered it all over again. I can’t believe that you’re gone; you are one of a kind, my dear friend.”

British-Italian judge and TV personality Bruno Tonioli also took to Instagram to post his amorous tribute to Goodman. Tonioli is also a judge on “Dancing with the Stars” and shared a friendship with Goodman. The British-Italian judge posted a cheerful photo of himself and Goodman hugging each other and showing off their pearly whites to the camera in what looked to be a moment of laughter between the two.

Tonioli expressed his sadness over the news in his caption, stating that he was absolutely “heartbroken” over his friend’s passing. The Instagram caption read:

“Heartbroken [that] my dear friend and partner for 19 years, the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman, passed away. I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures [together]. There will never be anyone like you; we will miss you.”

Kym Herjavec, an Australian professional ballroom dancer, extended her condolences to Goodman via her own tribute. Herjavec took to Instagram to express how deeply saddened she was to hear of the tragic news. The professional dancer posted a cute pic of her and Goodman in which her arms are lovingly wrapped around his shoulders while pouting at the camera; at the same time, a cheesing Goodman turns to the camera with his arm around her waist.

Herjavec’s post caption goes on to express how the beloved judge will be missed. She lovingly mentions how nothing was better than when a dancer would receive a “10” from Goodman:

“[I am] heartbroken [and I know that] heaven’s gates are covered in 10 paddles and mirror balls today. Nothing made you feel better than getting a 10 from Len; he was a class act with a cheeky grin and quick wit. You will be so missed. Rest in Peace, sweet Len.”

South African Latin and Ballroom dancer Keo Motsepe also dedicated a post to the late icon. The professional dancer posted a charming picture of him with a broad smile on his face, pointing to the camera in awe as he watches a concentrated Goodman dance with his dance partner. The short but sweet caption read:

“Rest well, Sir, Len. You will be missed #Legend, #thankyou, #Rip.”

Len’s Loving Family

Len lived an extremely accomplished life, not only as a career man but as a family man too. The legendary judge is survived by his dear wife, Sue Goodman (formerly Barrett), his son James William Goodman, and his two grandchildren. Barrett and Goodman met each other in 2002 before marrying in 2012 in what was deemed a “surprise ceremony.”

Little is known about Len’s wife as she has lived a relatively private life, far away from the spotlight. The facts that are known about Sue include her profession as a dance instructor and the fact that the couple has an age gap of 20 years between them. Whenever Len would speak about his wife, the TV judge would always lovingly refer to her as “My Wonderful Sue.”

The couple lived in Kent until Len’s final days and ran a ballroom dancing school they owned together. Len and Susan did not have any kids together.

Their union celebration was a surprise where Goodman informed guests that would be in attendance that they would simply be having a “Sunday lunch.” The only person who knew what the real occasion was, was Goodman’s 96-year-old mother. The event was a lavish £25,000 ceremony hosted in a private room at Mosimann’s private dining club in Belgravia.

None of his fellow “Strictly Come Dancing” co-stars were in attendance except for his close friend, Anton du Beke. The day involved a five-course lunch after vows were exchanged at 2 p.m.

Goodman’s amazing life continues to be cherished and commemorated by all of his loved ones – family, friends, and fans alike. Though the TV icon is dearly missed, his legacy lives on, and he remains in the hearts of millions worldwide.

Len Goodman at the Woman’S Own Children Of Courage Awards in Central London 2008 | Source: Getty Images

Prior to his union with Sue, Len was married to his champion dance partner, Cherry Kingston, for a couple of years, before eventually divorcing. Following his split from Kingston, Goodman then started a longtime relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Lesley, who is the mother of his only son, James.

Goodman spoke to the Daily Mail about his life, career, and relationships back in 2013. The adored judge commented on how “wonderful” his son is and how much he means to him:

“[At the time] I was going out with a girl [Lesley] who got pregnant, and because of that, my wonderful son [James] came along when I was almost 40. He’s a marvelous boy. Children give life a reason to be – they make life.”

Prince Charles and Len Goodman at the reception for Age UK at Buckingham Palace in London 2018 | Getty Images

Len’s son, James, was born in January 1981 in Bethnal Green. The now 42-year-old has followed in his dad’s footsteps. As a trained dancer, he currently teaches Latin and Ballroom dance at his father’s dance academy, Goodman Dance Academy.

James has a wife, Sophie Goodman, with whom he shares two kids: a daughter, Alice Goodman, and a son, Dan Goodman. The children were born in 2015 and 2019, respectively. James keeps his father’s incredible dance legacy alive with the work he does now and has even quipped about his father’s sometimes “harsh” criticisms on the shows:

“I am much more generous with my marks than Len.”

Len Goodman spotted at the “Dancing with the Stars” rehearsal studio in Los Angeles 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Carrie Ann’s Sudden Health Scare

Weeks before Goodman’s passing, his co-star and gal-pal, Inaba, was rushed to the hospital because of a health scare. The longtime “Dancing with the Stars” judge revealed to her followers via Instagram that she had to undergo surgery for acute appendicitis. The TV personality updated fans on the details of her condition.

In a video post, Inaba was seen explaining that her recovery period would be a total of 4-6 weeks and that she is simply “grateful to be alive.” She also gave a shoutout to the medical professionals who oversaw her surgery and hospital stay.

The choreographer disclosed her “emergency appendectomy” and how the whole ordeal was a “painful experience.” She realized she should have gotten checked out sooner when she started experiencing severe symptoms, such as violent throwing up and extreme abdominal pain. The TV star spoke about the seriousness of her diagnosis and urged everyone not to delay in getting checked out should one suspect there is something wrong:

“[Should you be experiencing any] pain in your abdomen, please [make sure that you] have it checked out because it could be something very serious. Thankfully, my appendix will not be bothering me anymore.”

Goodman’s amazing life continues to be cherished and commemorated by all of his loved ones – family, friends, and fans alike. Though the TV icon is dearly missed, his legacy lives on, and he remains in the hearts of millions worldwide.

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