DWTS Pros Remember Len Goodman in Touching 500th Episode Tribute: Exclusive Reflections

The Dancing With the Stars 500th episode, which aired on November 12, 2024, was a glittering celebration of dance, talent and history—but it was also deeply sentimental, honoring the late, beloved head judge Len Goodman. As the ballroom came alive with performances that honored the show’s nearly two-decade run, dancers and judges alike took heartfelt pauses to reflect on Len’s incredible legacy, one marked by his passion, humor and high standards. Known for his catchphrases, dedication to the craft and an unparalleled expertise that often pushed contestants to their best, Len left an indelible mark on DWTS and in the hearts of everyone who shared the floor with him.

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In exclusive conversations with Woman’s World after the show, DWTS’ professional dancers opened up about the lessons they learned from Len, not only as performers but as people. From tongue-in-cheek interactions to heartfelt feedback, each pro had a different take away from their time shared with the head judge—the talent that all but ensured the show’s success across so many seasons.

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Len sadly passed away in April 2023 after a short battle with cancer. An emotional tribute dance was performed by the show’s past and present pros that October, choreographed by Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy, and combined elements of traditional ballroom styles he cherished, such as the waltz and foxtrot, with modern touches that represented the evolution of dance on the show—a blend Len would have appreciated. 

As the dancers glided across the floor to a stirring instrumental, they created an atmosphere of grace, precision and respect, qualities Len held dear and instilled in each of them. By the dance’s end, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, as the cast and audience alike rose for a heartfelt standing ovation, sending love to Len and celebrating the incredible impact he had on the ballroom, his fellow judges and the generations of dancers and viewers he inspired. Here, the show’s pros remember the beloved head judge upon the competition’s 500th episode, reflecting on his hardest-learned lessons and dedication to the craft.