Let’s take a moment to talk about a man who brought joy and rhythm into millions of homes. When Dancing With the Stars first graced American screens in 2005, it wasn’t Len Goodman’s first dance with fame. The man known as the "Dean of Ballroom" had already spent decades building a storied career both on and off the stage. By the time he passed away at the age of 78 due to bone cancer on April 22, 2023, Len had amassed an impressive net worth and left behind a legacy that will endure for generations.
His manager, Jackie Gill, delivered the heartbreaking news to the world in a statement on April 24, 2023: “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78.” She went on to say, “A much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.”
Len’s final moments were surrounded by those he loved most, in a hospice in Kent, England. He leaves behind his wife, Sue Barrett, and his son, James William Goodman, from a previous relationship. As we reflect on his life, it’s clear that Len touched countless lives through his passion for dance and his unwavering dedication to the craft.
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Let’s dive deeper into the incredible life and legacy Len Goodman left behind.
How Much Was Len Goodman Worth When He Passed?
At the time of his death, Len’s net worth was estimated to be a staggering $18 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But here’s the thing—Len didn’t start out as a dancer. In fact, he was an apprentice welder when a doctor suggested he try ballroom dancing to help with a foot injury. That moment changed everything for the young man who was just 19 at the time.
Len once shared this story with The Guardian in 2006, recalling how reluctant he initially was to take up dancing: “I had an old Scottish doctor who told me to go ballroom dancing. He said it was very good for your feet because you’re going up and down a lot. My girlfriend arranged for it all to happen,” Len recounted. “I really didn’t want to go, I kicked up a right fuss. But once I’d been for a couple of weeks, I really loved it. I realized I had a bit of a talent for it.”
From there, Len's professional career took off. He went on to win numerous competitions and eventually retired in his late 20s, but his love for dance never faded. Over the years, Len earned a significant portion of his fortune by serving as the head judge on Dancing With the Stars, where he reportedly made $1.2 million per season. He missed a couple of seasons over the years, including season 29, when he couldn’t travel due to strict COVID-19 restrictions. In addition to his role on DWTS, he also judged the British version of the show, Strictly Come Dancing, from its debut in 2004 until 2016.
Len Goodman’s Retirement: Saying Goodbye to the Dance Floor
In November 2022, Len announced that season 31 of DWTS would be his last. “This will be my last season judging Dancing With the Stars,” he revealed during an episode of the show. “I’ve been on the show since it started in 2005, and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show, but I’ve decided I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.”
Beyond his career on television, Len was also the proud owner of Len Goodman’s Dance School, one of the longest-running dance schools in Kent. This institution stands as a testament to his enduring passion for teaching and inspiring future generations of dancers.
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