Dancing with the Stars to honor late judge Len Goodman with Mirrorball Trophy rename
Dancing with the Stars will honor the late judge Len Goodman for as long as the show is on the air by renaming the Mirrorball trophy.
“The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will now be lifted on Dancing with the Stars like the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted at the Super Bowl,” executive producer Conrad Green told USA Today on Wednesday. “We wanted to make Len a permanent part of this show, to always remind people the importance he’s had to Dancing With the Stars and how much he meant to all of us.”
When Dancing with the Stars premieres, currently set for Tuesday, September 26, the show will pause to honor Len by unveiling the new redesigned trophy. Green promises “a really moving moment” during the trophy dedication. “Len loves this show and will always be there, looking down on us,” said Green.
Watch BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Touching Len Goodman Tribute
“Len always had a twinkle in his eye and a brilliant turn of phrase. He was very fair and knew what he was talking about,” added Green. “The respect he brought made the show stand on its own two feet. The dancers always wanted to know what Len thought of their performance.”
Another tribute will air later in the season
Another tribute to Len will air later in the season, Green revealed, “with a proper look back” at his career, video tributes and performances. But the trophy tribute with the new cast “will be fitting for a season that is a bit of a restart,” the producer said.
However, Dancing with the Stars may postpone its premiere amid the Writers Guild of America strike after writers picketed at several rehearsals spaces. Actor and comedian Matt Walsh has already put a pause on his participation until the strike is settled.
Surrounded by family and friends
Len Goodman died at age 78 in April after being diagnosed with bone cancer. He died at a hospice in Kent, UK, surrounded by his family.
“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” said Len’s agent Jackie Gill in a statement. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
Len judged the popular BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing from its beginnings in 2004 through to 2016. He served as a judge on the U.S version, Dancing With the Stars on ABC and Disney+, from its launch in 2005 through to 2022. He retired after the show’s 31st season completed in the fall of 2022.
