Len Goodman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Len Goodman
|
|
|---|---|
Goodman in 2007
|
|
| Born |
Leonard Gordon Goodman
25 April 1944 Farnborough, Kent, England
|
| Died | 22 April 2023 (aged 78) Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England
|
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1967–2022 |
|
Notable work
|
|
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Children | 1 |
Leonard Gordon Goodman (born April 25, 1944 – died April 22, 2023) was a famous English professional ballroom dancer and teacher. He was also a well-known judge for dance competitions. Many people knew him as the head judge on the popular UK TV show Strictly Come Dancing. On this show, celebrities learn to dance and compete for a special trophy. He was also a judge on the US version, Dancing with the Stars. Len Goodman also owned and ran his own ballroom dance school in Dartford, Kent.
Contents
Len Goodman's Early Life
Len Goodman was born in Farnborough, Kent, England, on April 25, 1944. He grew up in Bethnal Green, a part of East London. His grandfather worked as a costermonger, selling fruits and vegetables from a cart. As a child, Len helped his grandfather by making sure the vegetables looked fresh. When he was six, his family moved to Blackfen. He later went to Westwood Secondary Modern School. There, he was a member of the school's cricket team.
Len Goodman's Dance Career
Before becoming a dancer, Len Goodman worked as an apprentice welder for a company called Harland and Wolff. He started dancing when he was 19 years old. His doctor actually suggested it to him as a way to help with a foot injury.
Len became a professional dancer and won many competitions. He stopped competing after winning the British Championships in Blackpool when he was in his late twenties. He received the Carl Alan Award, which is a special award for people who have made great contributions to dance. Shows he appeared in were also nominated for the Emmy Award in 2006 and 2007.
Becoming a TV Dance Judge
Len Goodman became a very famous TV judge. He was known for his honest opinions and catchy phrases.
His Time on Strictly Come Dancing
Len Goodman was the head judge on the BBC One dance show Strictly Come Dancing. He was on the show from when it started in 2004 until 2016. He judged alongside Arlene Phillips, Bruno Tonioli, and Craig Revel Horwood. Later, Alesha Dixon and then Darcey Bussell joined the judging panel. In 2016, Len announced he would be leaving the show. His last appearance was on the Christmas Day Special. In 2017, Shirley Ballas took over as the new head judge.
Judging on Dancing with the Stars
Len Goodman was also the main head judge on the American version of the show, Dancing with the Stars. He judged with Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli from the very beginning of the show. For some seasons, Julianne Hough and Derek Hough also joined as judges. Len did not appear in a couple of seasons, but he still shared his knowledge of dance styles. In November 2022, Len announced he would be leaving Dancing with the Stars. He wanted to spend more time with his family in Great Britain.
Other Television Work
Len Goodman appeared in many other TV shows. In 2005, he lent his voice to a children's program called Auto-B-Good. He was also a commentator for the UK at the Eurovision Dance Contest in 2007 and 2008.
In 2012, Len hosted a three-part documentary for BBC One about the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. He used his past experience as a welder to connect with the story. He interviewed families of survivors and visited important places in the UK related to the Titanic.
Len also presented other shows like Len Goodman's Dance Band Days and Len Goodman's Perfect Christmas. In 2013, he co-hosted Dancing Cheek to Cheek with Lucy Worsley. In 2014, he was part of Secrets from the Clink on ITV. He also hosted the BBC One show Holiday of My Lifetime, which returned for a second series.
In 2015, Len and chef Ainsley Harriott presented Len and Ainsley's Big Food Adventure. This show explored different types of food in England and Wales. Before this show, Len had never tried foods like curry, spaghetti, or Chinese food! In 2017, he presented a game show called Partners in Rhyme. In 2021, he made a guest voice appearance in the soap opera Hollyoaks.
Radio Appearances
From 2013 to 2018, Len Goodman sometimes filled in for Paul O'Grady on his Sunday music show on BBC Radio 2. He played music he grew up listening to. In 2021, he hosted three special shows for Boom Radio.
Life Outside of Dance
Len Goodman was a big fan of the West Ham United football team. He even appeared on the BBC football show Football Focus. He also loved cricket and played in a celebrity cricket match in California in 2009.
In 2011, Len appeared on the BBC show Who Do You Think You Are?. On the show, he learned about his family history. He found out that one of his ancestors was a silk-weaver who died very poor. He also discovered that his great-great-grandfather, Josef Sosnowski, came from Poland. Josef fought in a war there and received a high military award for his bravery. Len was surprised to learn about his Polish roots, saying he always thought he was "English through and through."
Len Goodman passed away from bone cancer on April 22, 2023, just three days before his 79th birthday. Many people shared their sadness and memories of him. Bruno Tonioli, a fellow judge, said he was "heart broken" and would "treasure the memory of our incredible adventures." Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman called him "a class act" who was full of "twinkle, warmth and wit." Camilla, Queen Consort also expressed her sadness at his passing.
Filmography
- Strictly Come Dancing (2004–2016)
- Dancing with the Stars (2005–2022)
- Eurovision Dance Contest – UK commentator (2007–2008)
- Titanic with Len Goodman (2012)
- Len Goodman's Dance Band Days (2013)
- Len Goodman's Perfect Christmas (2013)
- Dancing Cheek to Cheek (2013)
- Secrets from the Clink (2014)
- Holiday of My Lifetime (2014–2016)
- Perspectives: For The Love of Fred Astaire (2015)
- Len and Ainsley's Big Food Adventure (2015) (with Ainsley Harriott)
- Strictly Len Goodman (2016)
- Len Goodman's Partners in Rhyme (2017)
- Hollyoaks (2021) (voice, one episode)
Images for kids
-
Len Goodman on the cover of Dartford Living, October 2008
See also
In Spanish: Len Goodman para niños
