Adam Rose/FOX

CELEBRITY

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss

by Brittany Skyler posted on December 14, 2022
Today, the dance industry and Hollywood as a whole mourn the loss of the iconic dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who passed by suicide at the age of 40. The tragic news was confirmed by Boss’ wife, Alison Holker Boss.
Adam Rose/ FOX

Trigger Warning: Suicide

Today, the dance industry and Hollywood as a whole are honoring the life of the iconic dancer Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, who passed by suicide at the age of 40. The tragic news was confirmed by Boss’ wife, Allison Holker Boss.

In her statement, Holker stated, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us. 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 3 children. Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

This tragedy has left a deep wound in the dance community as almost every professional has some story about Boss’ positive impact. Former Dancing With the Stars pro Maks Chmerkovisky called Boss “the only man I’ve met in the entire industry who was loved by absolutely everyone.”

Fellow dancers have taken to social media to reflect on the bright light that Boss was and praised him for treating others around him. Some called him the “sweetest soul.”

Celebrities, including Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Zendaya, Ciara, Jimmie Allen, the Bella Twins, Jodie Sweetin, and many others, have expressed their grief surrounding his passing and sent their prayers to his wife and children.

Boss was a trailblazer on season 4 of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. As a series that heavily featured contemporary and ballet dancers, Boss brought a new style to the competition series as a hip-hop dancer, and although he was the runner-up of that season, he paved the way for so many dancers to hit the stage. He returned to SYTYCD as an All-Star in season 11 and came back this past season as a judge.

When he wasn’t being an icon on SYTYCD, he served as Ellen Degeneres’ DJ on The Ellen Show, where he spearheaded numerous games and conversations with guests and audience members.

Boss has a long list of credits from the Step Up films, Hairspray, Stomp the Yard, and Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, with guest roles in shows like Drop Dead Diva and Modern Family. Most recently, Boss and his wife starred in the new Hip Hop Nutcracker on Disney+. 

In between his commercial work, Boss prioritized teaching dance at numerous conventions and giving back to the next generation of dancers.

On the heels of this devastating news, on December 17, the Dance Equity Association is hosting a virtual community support group facilitated by licensed mental health counselors for anyone in the industry who needs a safe space to grieve.

Stephen “tWitch” Boss was indeed an icon and a shining star that has left an astounding legacy and will be missed by thousands. 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

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