Let’s take a moment to celebrate the life of the late Len Goodman, a beloved figure on "Dancing With the Stars" who touched countless lives. Len, who passed away at the age of 78 due to bone cancer on April 22, 2023, was not just a dance judge but also a devoted husband and family man. His wife, Sue Barrett, stood by his side through it all. In this piece, we’ll dive into Len’s personal life, including his marriage history and the woman who became his greatest supporter.
How Many Times Did Len Goodman Say "I Do"? The Story of His Marriages
Len Goodman’s journey of love took some twists and turns before he found lasting happiness with Sue Barrett. He first walked down the aisle in 1972 when he married his dance partner, Cherry Kingston. Their partnership both on and off the dance floor was magical for years, but eventually, the spark faded once they stopped competing together. Len opened up about this chapter of his life in a heartfelt interview with the Daily Mail in January 2013, saying, "The dancing was the glue that really held us together. Once that finished, she looked at me and thought, 'What am I doing with him?'"
After their divorce in 1987, Len embarked on a new relationship with a woman named Lesley. Together, they welcomed a son, James William Goodman, expanding Len’s family. Later, Len became a proud grandfather when James and his wife, Sophie Goodman, had two beautiful children—daughter Alice in 2015 and son Dan in 2019. This family became the foundation of Len’s happiness in later years.
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Meet Sue Barrett: The Woman Who Captured Len Goodman’s Heart
Sue Barrett wasn’t just Len’s wife; she was his partner in life and dance. Their story began in 2002 at a golf course, where they quickly discovered their shared passion for ballroom dancing. Ten years later, in 2012, Len and Sue tied the knot, marking the start of a beautiful marriage. Unlike many celebrities’ spouses, Sue preferred to stay out of the spotlight, choosing instead to support Len quietly from behind the scenes. But Len couldn’t help but express his admiration for her whenever he got the chance. In one of his interviews, he said with a big smile, "She’s gorgeous and makes me very happy."
Len also shared a lighthearted moment about their nightly routine, revealing, "I don’t snore. I don’t take the duvet. I just lay there and go straight off to sleep. That’s all you want out of a bloke." It’s these little details that paint a picture of a man who truly cherished his relationship.
Len’s final days were spent surrounded by his loved ones at a hospice in Kent, England. Just months before his passing, he announced his retirement from "Dancing With the Stars" to focus on spending quality time with his family. His manager, Jackie Gill, delivered the heartfelt news on April 24, 2023, stating, "It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78. A much-loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."
