Former dancer and popular dance icon Lean Goodman died just one day before his predicted death date. Goodman, who passed away on April 22, 2023, at the age of 78, took his last breath at the Kent Hospital in England. He was diagnosed with stage 3 bone cancer. He predicted his death just one month ago.
The former head judge of the American version of “Strictly Come Dancing,” known as “Dancing with the Stars,” made a chilling prediction in an interview at the end of 2022. Just weeks after his retirement, Goodman predicted that he would follow in his father’s footsteps and pass away at the age of 79.
Sadly, Len Goodman’s prediction has now come true. On Tuesday, the renowned dance judge would have turned 79 years old. His passing has left a profound impact on the world of dance and entertainment, as he was widely regarded as a beloved figure in the industry.
Goodman had an illustrious career in dance, having started as a ballroom dancer in the 1960s. He later transitioned to judging, serving as a judge on “Strictly Come Dancing” in the UK before joining the American version in 2005.
Len Goodman Predicts His Death Day in an interview
During an interview with the Mail, Len Goodman, a dancer and judge, discussed his retirement plans and recounted a touching story about his father, who had a love for gardening. At the age of 79, while working in his garden, Goodman’s father had a stroke.
Reflecting on his father’s life, Goodman expressed that his father had a good approach by following his passion for gardening. Goodman disclosed that his retirement would be approaching soon, should he pursue the same path as his father. The dancer, who is 78 years old, clarified, “Next year if I follow my dad’s footsteps.”
Goodman announced his retirement in 2020, stating his wish to spend more time with his wife Sue and their grandchildren, Alice (7) and Jack (4). He has been a prominent figure on British television for more than 20 years, gaining a dedicated following due to his appearances on programmes like “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Countryfile.”
There has been a lot of speculation about Len Goodman’s health history. It is unclear if he knew about his serious illness during the interview. The former judge of dancing has encountered various health challenges over time. In March 2009, Goodman was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he fought and defeated with courage. It was reported that Goodman had surgery for a small facial melanoma in September 2021. He had been diagnosed with bone cancer before.
Len Goodman discussed his health and mortality during an interview with The Daily Mail. Despite his successful entertainment career, he had a modest outlook on life. When asked about his health, Goodman stated, “I don’t fuss about things like that.”
“It’s similar to owning a car—maintaining it is necessary, but issues with the carburettor may arise and require repair. Eventually, the vehicle may break down completely. Nonetheless, what matters most is the journey, and mine has been delightful.”
Goodman retired from Strictly in 2016 and had a special request for the interviewing journalist. He proposed that she write his obituary and keep it simple. According to him, he was a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky, and that’s almost the truth of it.
The well-known dancer and former judge on the BBC’s hit show, Strictly Come Dancing, Len Goodman’s passing has caused an outpouring of condolences from his colleagues in the entertainment industry. Judges and hosts of the show have stepped up to pay tribute to the late star, recalling his unforgettable charm, wit, and warm personality.
Goodman became a member of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel in 2004. He quickly won the viewers’ affection with his memorable catchphrase, “Seven!” and served as a significant presence on the show for more than ten years. As a respected judge, he brought his extensive knowledge and expertise to the table.
Goodman was the head judge for Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars, the American editions of the programmes. Nevertheless, Shirley Ballas took over his position on Strictly after the 2017 season. The notable dance expert declared his retirement from Dancing with the Stars in November of the previous year.
