Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Dead at 40: Celebrities React
Gone too soon. Celebrities are mourning the loss of TV personality Stephen “tWitch” Boss after his death at age 40.
Us Weekly confirmed on Wednesday, December 14, that the dancer died one day prior in Los Angeles reportedly by suicide. Boss’ wife, Allison Holker, broke her silence in a statement soon after the news made headlines.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” she told People. “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.”
She continued: “To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”
The actress, 34, also offered a message to her late husband, adding, “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
Shortly after the news broke, Yvette Nicole Brown took to social media to pay her respects to the choreographer.
“What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I’ve loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always,” Brown, 51, wrote via Twitter. “Oh, tWitch!💔.”
The Alabama native rose to stardom after appearing on So You Think You Can Dance in 2008. Boss went on to join The Ellen DeGeneres Show as the in-house DJ from 2014 to 2022. The freestyle dancer later collaborated with Ellen DeGeneres again for the NBC game show Ellen’s Game of Games.
Ahead of his passing, Boss frequently gushed about his marriage to Holker and offered glimpses at their family life via social media. The couple, who tied the knot in 2013, welcomed son Maddox in 2016 and daughter Zaia in 2019. The actor was also stepfather to Holker’s daughter Weslie.
Two days before his death, the pair shared a sweet video of them dancing together. “HOLIDAY SUNDAY FUNDAY DANCE !!! With my lover @sir_twitch_alot 🥹,” the former Dancing With the Stars pro captioned the Instagram footage on Sunday, December 11.
Scroll down to read more heartfelt tributes about the late star:
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock
‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Alum Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Dead at 40: Yvette Nicole Brown, Sharna Burgess and More Stars React
Gone too soon. Celebrities are mourning the loss of TV personality Stephen “tWitch” Boss after his death at age 40.
Us Weekly confirmed on Wednesday, December 14, that the dancer died one day prior in Los Angeles reportedly by suicide. Boss’ wife, Allison Holker, broke her silence in a statement soon after the news made headlines.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” she told People. “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.”
She continued: “To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”
The actress, 34, also offered a message to her late husband, adding, “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
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Shortly after the news broke, Yvette Nicole Brown took to social media to pay her respects to the choreographer.
“What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I’ve loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always,” Brown, 51, wrote via Twitter. “Oh, tWitch!💔.”
The Alabama native rose to stardom after appearing on So You Think You Can Dance in 2008. Boss went on to join The Ellen DeGeneres Show as the in-house DJ from 2014 to 2022. The freestyle dancer later collaborated with Ellen DeGeneres again for the NBC game show Ellen’s Game of Games.
Ahead of his passing, Boss frequently gushed about his marriage to Holker and offered glimpses at their family life via social media. The couple, who tied the knot in 2013, welcomed son Maddox in 2016 and daughter Zaia in 2019. The actor was also stepfather to Holker’s daughter Weslie.
Two days before his death, the pair shared a sweet video of them dancing together. “HOLIDAY SUNDAY FUNDAY DANCE !!! With my lover @sir_twitch_alot 🥹,” the former Dancing With the Stars pro captioned the Instagram footage on Sunday, December 11.
Scroll down to read more heartfelt tributes about the late star:
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Credit: Ron Adar/Shutterstock
Jennifer Lopez
“Twitch was such a light and a beautiful soul…💔 Shocked and deeply saddened. My heart breaks for @sir_twitch_alot, his wife and children 🙏,” the Marry Me star wrote via Instagram, sharing photos from their joint experience on World of Dance. “Sending you love and strength 🤍.”
Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
Nina Dobrev
“Rest in peace,” the Vampire Diaries alum captioned a series of Instagram Story slides. “We lost one of the brightest lights.”
Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Jenna Dewan
The former World of Dance host sent her condolences to Holker and Boss’ “beautiful family.”
She wrote via Instagram Story: “The kindest sweetest warmest soul. I had met in this business. Heart broken today. … The impact you have had on the dance community and the world at large is immeasurable. Fly with the angles, tWitch.”
Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Chelsea Handler
The comedian sent her love to Holker in the wake of Boss’ death.
Credit: MediaPunch/Shutterstock
Viola Davis
“I’m at a loss for words right now, praying for his family and loved ones. 💔🕊🙏🏿,” the How to Get Away With Murder alum posted on her Instagram page alongside a photo of Boss.
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Olivia Munn
Munn commented via Instagram, writing, “Oh my goodness… my whole heart is with you and your family.”
Credit: Magnus Sundholm/Shutterstock
Justin Timberlake
“It’s heartbreaking to hear that someone who brought so much joy to a room, was hurting so much behind closed doors. I’ve known [tWitch] for over 20 years through the dance community – he always lit everything and everyone up,” the musician wrote alongside an Ellentube clip. “You just never know what someone is really going through. Take care of yourselves. LOVE that human in the mirror. Check on your people. Tell them you LOVE them.”
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Kerry Washington
“The world lost a bright light today. Twitch brought joy and love to people all over the world through music and through dance. My heart is heavy today for his family and all of those who knew and loved him,” the actress tweeted. “You never know what people are struggling with or going through. Hug your loved ones. Call your friends. Reach out to people in need. And if you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. ❤️”
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
Jessica Alba
“It’s so strange to reflect back on time with someone who you never thought would pass -in this way …” Alba began via Instagram.” I think it’s why it’s so devastating, because there is no way to prepare you. I have had nothing but joyful experiences with Twitch, although brief we would catch up on our kids and ‘better halves’, he was such a bright light, his energy radiated. My heart goes out to Allison and their three babies, I’m so so sorry for your loss. Twitch, you will be missed, thank you for sharing your light with us. 🙏🏽”
Credit: NINA PROMMER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Ellen DeGeneres
“I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light,” the host wrote via Instagram. “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.”
Credit: Earl Gibson III/Shutterstock
Yvette Nicole Brown
The Community alum tweeted, “What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I’ve loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always.”
Credit: ABC/Maarten de Boer
Jimmie Allen
“Stephen (Twitch) my brother, one the best people I’ve ever gotten to know,” the country singer wrote alongside a video of Boss. “I gonna miss the laughs, the jokes, the honest conversations and these random videos. We are gonna miss you. Thank you for your light. Praying for Allison and the children. This hurts.”
Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock
Allison Holker
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” Holker, who raised three kids with Boss, said in a 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.”
Credit: Soul Brother/Shutterstock
Matt Bomer
“RIP Twitch. You were an absolute light in this world- and pure joy to be around,” the White Collar alum wrote. “Please reach out if you need help, and check in with your loved ones. This can be a difficult time of year for many. My thoughts are with his family.”
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Lisa Vanderpump
“What a bright light he was on Ellen show..so sad,” the reality star, 62, tweeted. “🥲#RIP.”
Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
Michael Abbott Jr.
“Saddened by the news of DJ Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’s death at 40. We met on NYE in Times Square a few years ago when we simultaneously complimented each others tuxedos,” the Walking Dead alum, 44, wrote via Twitter. “He seemed like an incredibly nice guy. Another reminder that we never know what someone is dealing with inside.”
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Pauly D
The Jersey Shore star, 42, took to Twitter, writing, “Damn this is sad news. Sending prayers to Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’s family and friends. ❤️🙏 RIP TWITCH.”
Credit: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
Loni Love
“A kind soul and a sweet person.. that is how I will remember Twitch… This was his 40th birthday party .. my heart goes out to his family especially Allison and their beautiful kids.. this is devastating… I love you brother and will miss you dearly,” the TV host, 51, wrote alongside videos of Boss.
Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock
Sharna Burgess
The Australia native reflected on how Boss’ passing didn’t “seem real” in the comments section of her last Instagram post with him. “We are sending you and your babies so much love and please let us know how we can best support you. I’m so sorry Allison,” Burgess wrote.