The Dancing with the Stars family lost another pillar this summer when Shannen Doherty, the beloved Charmed star and season 10 contestant, passed away on July 13, 2024, after a decades-long battle with breast cancer. Just one day later, former NFL wide receiver and season 16 finalist Jacoby Jones, 40, was found dead in his sleep — a shock to fans who remembered his electric performances with Karina Smirnoff. These deaths are the latest in a heartbreaking string of losses that have reshaped the show’s legacy, from its iconic judges to its most memorable stars.
A Legacy of Light and Loss
Dancing with the Stars has always been more than just a competition. It’s a stage where celebrities shed their public personas and reveal vulnerability — often dancing through pain, grief, or personal transformation. That emotional honesty made the deaths of its participants feel deeply personal to viewers. The most enduring figure lost was Len Goodman, the British judge whose crisp critiques and warm smile anchored 29 seasons until his death on April 20, 2023, at age 78 from bone cancer. His absence was felt immediately. "He didn’t just score dances," said former pro dancer Allison Holker in a 2023 interview. "He scored character." Then came Suzanne Somers, the Three’s Company icon who competed in season 20 and survived 23 years of breast cancer before passing peacefully on October 15, 2023. Her husband, Alan, told People magazine she died surrounded by family, her final words a quiet thank you. Her resilience became part of the show’s unofficial mantra.The Tragic Toll of Fame
The show’s connection to tragedy deepened with the death of singer Aaron Carter on November 5, 2022. The 34-year-old, who placed fifth in season 9 and briefly topped the leaderboard, died after becoming incapacitated in his bathtub — the result of difluoroethane inhalation and alprazolam ingestion, according to the L.A. County Medical Examiner. His struggle with addiction, once whispered about in tabloids, became a sobering reminder of the hidden costs of fame. Even those who never danced on the show left indelible marks. Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, the charismatic So You Think You Can Dance alum and former DWTS judge, took his own life in December 2022 at age 40. His wife, Allison Holker, was a professional dancer on the show for six seasons. His death shattered the DWTS community — and sparked a wave of mental health conversations among performers. Others who passed include: Cloris Leachman (season 7, died 2021), Florence Henderson (season 11, died 2016), and late TV host Jerry Springer (season 3, died 2023). The exact circumstances of Springer’s death remain unconfirmed, but his presence on the show’s early seasons helped legitimize it as more than just celebrity spectacle.
A Night to Remember: The 20th Anniversary Tribute
On November 11, 2024, Dancing with the Stars marked its 20th anniversary with a special episode that doubled as a memorial. Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa, two of the show’s brightest rising stars, choreographed and performed a hauntingly beautiful routine set to "Hallelujah," honoring the departed. The performance included projected images of Goodman’s stern yet kind face, Doherty’s radiant smile, Carter’s playful spins, and Somers’ graceful bow. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba, visibly moved, whispered afterward: "They didn’t just dance for us. They danced for their healing. And now, they dance with us still." The tribute didn’t just honor the dead — it acknowledged the show’s evolving role. What began as a lighthearted reality contest has become a cultural touchstone for grief, resilience, and the quiet courage of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges.
What’s Next for DWTS?
As season 34 aired — featuring contestants like Charli D’Amelio, Selma Blair, and Jordin Sparks — the show’s tone shifted. Judges spoke less about technique and more about heart. Producers began incorporating survivor stories into promotional spots. The network quietly added a memorial page to its website listing all deceased participants and crew — a first in the show’s history. The deaths of these individuals have forced a reckoning. How much pressure do we place on celebrities to perform joy while hiding pain? Why do so many of these stars — dancers, judges, reality TV icons — struggle with mental health and illness in silence? The answers remain complex. But one thing is clear: Dancing with the Stars is no longer just about winning mirrors balls. It’s about who we lose, how we remember them, and what we choose to dance for next.Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the most significant figures from Dancing with the Stars to pass away recently?
The most significant recent losses include Shannen Doherty (died July 13, 2024, from breast cancer), Jacoby Jones (died July 14, 2024, at age 40), and Len Goodman (died April 2023, age 78, from bone cancer). Aaron Carter’s 2022 death and Stephen 'tWitch' Boss’s 2022 suicide also deeply impacted the DWTS community, with Boss’s wife being a longtime professional dancer on the show.
How did Len Goodman influence Dancing with the Stars?
Len Goodman served as head judge for 29 seasons, shaping the show’s tone with his precise, fair critiques and dry British humor. He was the only judge to appear from season 1 in 2005 until his retirement in 2022, and his passing marked the end of an era. Producers have since struggled to replace his authority and warmth, with new judges often compared to him — rarely favorably.
Why was the November 11, 2024 tribute so emotionally powerful?
The tribute was powerful because it wasn’t just a montage — it was a living performance by current dancers Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa, set to a mournful version of "Hallelujah." It honored not just their fame, but their humanity: Doherty’s courage, Goodman’s wisdom, Carter’s pain, Somers’ resilience. For fans, it felt like a collective grieving ritual, validating the emotional connection many felt to these stars.
Are there plans to honor deceased DWTS members in future seasons?
Yes. ABC has confirmed that a memorial page listing all deceased contestants and crew is now permanently hosted on the DWTS website. Producers have also indicated that future anniversary specials will include similar tributes, with the 25th season in 2026 expected to feature a multi-generational dance honoring those lost since 2005.
How did Stephen 'tWitch' Boss’s death affect the DWTS community?
His suicide in December 2022 sent shockwaves through the dance world. As a judge and former So You Think You Can Dance champion, he was beloved for his energy and empathy. His wife, Allison Holker, was a DWTS pro dancer for six seasons, making his loss deeply personal for cast and crew. The show paused filming briefly, and many professionals spoke out about mental health stigma in the entertainment industry.
What do experts say about the high number of deaths among DWTS participants?
Media psychologists note that reality TV stars often face intense public scrutiny, irregular work schedules, and pressure to maintain a "perfect" image — all risk factors for mental and physical health decline. While no direct causal link exists between DWTS and premature death, experts suggest the show’s culture of visibility may amplify existing vulnerabilities, especially among those with prior trauma or illness.