Celebrities, including actors, singers and dancers, are remembering DJ and choreographer Stephen “tWitch” Boss for the light he spread across the world through dance.
The co-host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” died Tuesday at a hotel, according to a report from the Los Angeles County medical examiner. No cause of death was given. He was 40.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” his wife and fellow “So You Think You Can Dance” co-star said in a statement obtained by NBC News and 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.”
Boss’ community shared memories and tributes to their late friend on social media Wednesday, remembering the dancer as “sweet, kind and generous.”
Obituary:Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, dancer and ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ DJ, dies at 40
“I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him,” DeGeneres wrote on Twitter with a photo of the two hugging after the show. “Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children.”
“So You Think You Can Dance” judge Leah Remini shared a lengthy post of the ways Boss impacted her life.
“tWitch was always so kind to me and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes. tWitch was the guy who played and interacted with his fans in the audience during commercial breaks, and he encouraged all the contestants when the cameras weren’t rolling,” Remini wrote. “He had such a passion and love for dance and guiding artists and the contestants on the show.
She posted her words and condolences with a video of him and JoJo Siwa dancing behind the judges’ table during filming. “You will leave a big hole in many hearts.”
Jada Pinkett Smith shared a photo of herself with Boss and Donald Glover, saying “her heart aches” with news of his death.
“My condolences to all his loved ones that he has left behind. We had a lot of good times on the set of Magic Mike. He was so sweet, kind and generous,” she wrote
Boss was a staple on the “Ellen” show as the guest DJ, occasionally filled in for the daytime host and in 2020 was named co-executive producer. Media personality Kalen Allen, who was first discovered by DeGeneres and often worked with Boss, considered him a “brother” and “confidant.”
“God knows, my heart is at a standstill because I have never known a friend like you. No words, dance, or show can adequately capture just how magnificent your existence was to this world and me,” Allen wrote.
Paula Abdul tweeted: “tWitch greeted the world every day with a beautiful smile that was a direct reflection of his beautiful heart. He was a beacon of light & a true talent whose legacy & impact will live on in the dance community.”
“Remembering a life well lived. Please keep the family of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss in your prayers,” Billy Porter wrote on Instagram.
Story Credit: usatoday.com