Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Abdul, among celebrities remembering Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’ ‘shining talent’
Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss dead at 40 File photo: Stephen Boss attends Critics Choice Association's 5th Annual Celebration Of Black Cinema & Television at Fairmont Century Plaza on December 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Critics Choice )
By Lauren Silver, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
LOS ANGELES — Stephen “tWitch” Boss, known as a dancer and a DJ on the popular television shows “So You Think You Can Dance” and the “Ellen DeGeneres Show,” has died at age 40.
In the hours after Boss’ death was confirmed by his wife, celebrities took to social media to remember the talented performer.
Ellen DeGeneres, the host of the show where Boss performed as DJ, said Wednesday on Instagram: “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.”
Actor Alyssa Milano shared a video of Boss performing a dance with Kherington Payne to “Dreaming with a Broken Heart” by John Mayer, with the simple words, “RIP TWITCH. Damn.”
Paula Abdul, who was a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance,” remembered Boss on Twitter, saying, “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.”
On Instagram, musician Questlove said, “I have no words man. May his family find resolution in this tough time. May we all find peace of mind In our everyday lives. Everyday is a winding road & you just may never know who is on the edge. … Rest in Melody Twitch.”
Actor Mira Sorvino revealed on Twitter that she heard the news from her son, saying, “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.”
Even those who never met Boss were quick to remember his talent.
Actor Jason Alexander, known for the role of George Costanza on “Seinfeld,” said on Twitter: “I am so sad at the loss of Stephen ‘Twitch’ Boss. Never met but his smile, his persona and his shining talent always brought me joy. My sympathy to his loved ones. I wish you and him peace.”
Jada Pinkett Smith posted on Instagram, “I woke up this morning to the news that tWitch is gone. … 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.”
Actor Julie Bowen remembered Boss for his work both on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” and appearances on “Modern Family,” saying, “I did ‘Ellen’ a gajillion times, and every time this sweet man made me smile, laugh and dance (horribly…always horribly). He even came and did a guest spot on ‘Modern Family,’ and it was like getting a visit from the sun. His lightness, joy and kindness filled every room he entered. It’s terrible to think he was suffering inside. Tell somebody you love them today.”
Note: If you, or someone you know, is thinking of harming themselves, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free support via the Lifeline by dialing 988. For more about risk factors and warning signs, visit the organization’s official website.
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 04: Stephen "tWitch" Boss attends the 4moms Car Seat launch event at Petersen Automotive Museum on August 4, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for 4moms) (Tommaso Boddi)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years SAVANNAH, GA - OCTOBER 26: (L-R) Actors Joe Manganiello, Adam Rodriguez and dancer Stephen Boss pose for a photo backstage during Matt Bomer Spotlight Award Tribute at Trustees Theater on Day Two of the 17th Annual Savannah Film Festival presented by SCAD on October 26, 2014 in Savannah, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for SCAD) (Andrew H. Walker)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 08: Dancer Stephen "tWitch" Boss attends the world premiere of Disney-Pixar's 'Finding Dory' at the El Capitan Theatre on June 8, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: In this image released on October 14, tWitch speaks onstage at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, broadcast on October 14, 2020 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Stephen "tWitch" Boss attends 2022 Fox Upfront on May 16, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 28: Allison Holker and Stephen Boss attend the Los Angeles premiere screening of "Velvet Buzzsaw" at American Cinematheque's Egyptian Theatre on January 28, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images) (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 26: Actor Stephen 'Twitch' Boss (C) attends the Timberland and American Rag present MarkMakers on March 26, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Timberland) (Tommaso Boddi)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 24: Dancers Stephen 'tWitch' Boss attends LEXUS Live on Grand hosted by Curtis Stone at the third annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival on August 24, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ben Horton/Getty Images for Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival) (Ben Horton)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 11: (L-R) Allison Holker, Maddox Laurel Boss, and Stephen Laurel "tWitch" Boss attend the world premiere of Disney and Pixar's TOY STORY 4 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) (Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - SEPTEMBER 04: Allison Holker and Twitch attend the Premiere Of Warner Bros. Pictures' "The Nun" at TCL Chinese Theatre on September 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images) (Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 19: Dancer Stephen Boss at The World Premiere of Marvel Studios Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA April 19th, 2017 (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Disney) (Rich Polk/Getty Images for Disney)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 08: Dancer Stephen "Twitch" Boss attends the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "Kong: Skull Island" at Dolby Theatre on March 8, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 25: Allison Holker and Stephen "tWitch" Boss and family attend Illumination and Universal Pictures' "Minions: The Rise of Gru" Los Angeles premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 25, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images) (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
Stephen ‘tWitch Boss’ through the years LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 05: Stephen Boss attends Critics Choice Association's 5th Annual Celebration Of Black Cinema & Television at Fairmont Century Plaza on December 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Critics Choice )