By Mark Gray
6:53am PST, Dec 15, 2022
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Stephen "tWitch" Boss, Ellen DeGeneres' famed sidekick for nearly a decade, has died by suicide. TMZ reported that tWitch's wife, Allison Holker, reported her husband missing on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Later that morning, he was found dead at a Los Angeles hotel from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the coroner confirmed. The professional dancer started DJing on "The Ellen Degeneres Show" in 2014 and was with her until the show ended in May 2022. He first came to fame as the season 4 runner-up on "So You Think Can Dance" in 2008 and he later returned to the show as an all-star — where he met his wife — and again in 2022 as a judge. Alongside his wife, tWitch often delighted fans with dance videos posted to social media, last doing so just two days before his death. The couple, who co-hosted "Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings" and shared three children, celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary only three day before tWitch's passing. As the tragic news broke, many stars from all facets of entertainment publicly mourned the well-liked dancer.
Click through to see how he's being remembered…
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"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. 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." –Stephen "tWitch" Boss's wife, Allison Holker, said in a statement to People magazine
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"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. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia." —Ellen DeGeneres
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"I have no words. There aren't any. My head or heart can not understand this. There is just so much… I don't know where to begin. I love you. I'll see you again my friend. Until then." –"Magic Mike XXL" co-star Channing Tatum
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"It's heartbreaking to hear that someone who brought so much joy to a room, was hurting so much behind closed doors. I've known Twitch for over 20 years through the dance community – he always lit everything up. You just never know what someone is really going through. Take care of yourselves. LOVE that human in the mirror. Check on your people. Sending light to his beautiful family in this dark, confusing time. You will be missed, Sir. Rest Easy." —Justin Timberlake
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"The world lost a bright light today. Twitch brought joy and love to people all over the world through music and through dance. My heart is heavy today for his family and all of those who knew and loved him." —Kerry Washington
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"What absolutely tragic news… tWitch brought so much joy and entertainment to millions of peoples lives for so long… I have loved watching him and his family's dance videos – especially during the pandemic when we all needed fun and light. I am so sorry to his loved ones." –Meghan McCain
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"I woke up this morning to the news that tWitch is gone. My heart aches for his wife Allison and their children Weslie, Maddox and Zaia. 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. So many people suffer in silence. I wish he could have known that he didn't have to. May his beautiful, shining soul rest in the arms of the Great Supreme and may that same Higher Power heal the shattered hearts of his loved ones." —Jada Pinkett Smith
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"It truly doesn't seem real. We are sending you and your babies so much love and please let us know how we can best support you. I'm so sorry Allison" –Sharna Burgess
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"Shocked and saddened to hear the news of @official_tWitch death. Twitch was a warm, joyful, and loving person that I had the honor of working with on tv a bit. Always the most genuine and down to earth and humble energy. Sending his family my deepest sympathies. #RIPTwitch" –Adam Lambert
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"I'm devastated to hear the news about Stephen "tWitch" Boss' passing. 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" –Paula Abdul
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"Oh my goodness… my whole heart is with you and your family," Olivia Munn commented on Allison Holker's Instagram.
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"The world lost the brightest light @official_tWitch. Always remember that behind smiles, you might not know what someone is going through. Check in on those you love this holiday season and call or text 988 if you or someone you know needs support." —Paris Hilton
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"My son just called me to let me know tWitch, Stephen Boss, has passed. I send love & will pray for Allison Holker & their 3 children.I am so sad- his joyful talent lit up our hearts from the time my kids were small. Hold your loved ones dear!!This life is not promised to anyone.." –Mira Sorvino
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"I am heartbroken by the news of the passing of tWitch. Although we had met many times at the Ellen Show, I got to know him better this summer when I joined the judge's table on "So You Think You Can Dance."
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. He had such a passion and love for dance and guiding artists and the contestants on the show. tWitch adored his wife, Allison, and their three kids more than anything. He would talk about them all the time with such pride. He had a laugh and smile that lit up the whole room.
Rest easy, tWitch; you will leave a big hole in many hearts.
My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and to the many people whom he inspired.
If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts and live in the United States, you can call or text 988 to speak to someone. You can also call 800-273-8255. It may feel like you're alone right now, but you're not…someone is just a phone call or text away." –Leah Remini
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"so heartbreaking. tWitch was an inspiration to so many, and in so many worlds- but especially to the dancing world. a true trailblazer and light. he will be deeply missed. sending love to allison and the entire family." –Laurie Hernandez
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"Damn this is sad news. sending prayers to Stephen "tWitch" Boss's family and friends. RIP TWITCH" —Pauly D
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"#RIPTwitch and we're all so sorry for you and your kids @Allisonholker. So very sorry for this profound loss." –Yvette Nicole Brown
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"Love you so much, Twitch." –Ken Jeong
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"Allison I am here for you for anything. We love you, the kids. Stephen my God I love you. Can't stop crying for you and the kids and for Stephen. I am praying hard for understanding and for all of your pain" –Cat Cora
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"Stephen (Twitch) my brother, one the best people I've ever gotten to know. I gonna miss the laughs, the jokes, the honest conversations and these random videos. We are gonna miss you. Thank you for your light. Praying for Allison and the children. This hurts" –Jimmie Allen
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"Sisssssssster my heart is broken. I'm sooooo sorry," Tamar Braxton commented on Allison Holker's Instagram
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"A kind soul and a sweet person.. that is how I will remember Twitch… This was his 40th birthday party .. my heart goes out to his family especially Allison and their beautiful kids.. this is devastating… I love you brother and will miss you dearly." –Loni Love
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"Being on @TheEllenShow numerous times throughout the years I got to know Twitch pretty well. Such a nice & sweet guy. Always happy…You never know what's going on in someone else's life. Some of the "happiest" people are fighting daily battles behind closed doors. God Bless…" —Mario Lopez
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"Sometimes the happiest looking people from the outside are struggling on the inside. RIP Twitch #RIPTwitch" –Tommy Chong
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"Like many of you I'm utterly speechless and so saddened to hear that a ray of light has suddenly gone out. Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, who brought us such joy on the Ellen Degeneres show, has died. Apparently self inflicted. Prayers for his family." –Deborah Roberts
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"Rest in Peace to Stephen Boss "Twitch". I'm Heartbroken for his family" –Finneas
