Stephen Boss (aka “tWitch”), who was a runner-up on the competition series Star Search and So You Think You Can Dance before landing opposite Ellen DeGeneres in her syndicated daytime talk show as a DJ, died Tuesday by suicide. He was 40.
Stephen Boss was a freestyle hip hop dancer, choreographer, actor, television producer, and television personality. After competing in So You Think You Can Dance in 2008, he later served as an all star and team captain on multiple seasons, and was named a permanent judge in 2022.
He also went on to teach at South County Classical Ballet with fellow finalist Katee Shean.
In 2013, Boss performed a dance routine on Dancing with the Stars, and he made his debut on Ellen in 2014 as a guest DJ. In August 2020, DeGeneres named Boss a co-executive producer.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” Boss’ wife, Allison Holker Boss, 34, confirms exclusively in a statement to 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.”
“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” she continued. “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.”
Closing her statement, Allison shared a message for her husband. “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you,” she concluded.
In other news – Zanu-PF blames late Mugabe for power crisis
Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has blamed the late former President Robert Mugabe for the country’s electricity crisis, which has plunged the country into 22-hour daily load-shedding schedules.
Speaking on Sunday during a South African television broadcaster, eNCA interview, Mutsvangwa said Mugabe’s misrule caused the electricity crisis. Learn More
