Ellen DeGeneres is among the stars mourning Stephen “tWitch” Boss, whose deathwas confirmed by wife, Allison Holker Boss, on Wednesday. Boss was the long-time DJ of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In a statement on social media,DeGeneres said she’s “heartbroken” about the passing of her friend andcollaborator.
“tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all myheart. I will miss him,” DeGeneres captioned a photo of her and Boss. Theformer talk show host asked for “love and support to” the dancer’s family.
DeGeneres hired Boss as the DJ of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2014. He laterbecame an executive producer before the program ended in May. The two alsoworked together on DeGeneres’s NBC game show Game of Games. Boss publiclybacked the Emmy-winning host when she was accused of facilitating a toxicworkplace in 2020.
In an emotional statement, Holker Boss called the entertainer “the backbone ofour family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.” The_So You Think You Can Dance_ alums celebrated their ninth wedding anniversaryfour days ago. They share three children: Weslie, 14, Maddox, 6, and Zaia, 3.
Boss died on Tuesday, but his cause of death is unconfirmed. TMZ claims hedied by suicide.
Kalen Allen, actor and guest contributor for _The Ellen DeGeneres Show_shared a heartfeltmessage to his”beloved friend, confidant, and brother.”
“God knows, my heart is at a standstill because I have never known a friendlike you. No words, dance, or show can adequately capture just how magnificentyour existence was to this world and me,” the internet personality began. “Ina world where it was easy to get lost in the shadows, I am grateful that wealways saw each other. We were each other’s number one fan and often the lightin each other’s darkest hours. I am very sorry that the darkness found a voicethis time and became too loud.”
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Allen said he called Boss on Friday for their “usual check-in.”
“As a queer Black man, I want to thank you for seeing me and providing me witha friendship that I didn’t even know could exist. Oh, my friend, you have noidea how your existence alone was revolutionary. To be heard is one thing andto be seen is another.But, to be felt is the true gift, and I hope that as youlook down from above, you know that you were never anyone’s sidekick, andhell, you weren’t even a real DJ, lol,” Allen quipped.
“But how you moved and captured the hearts of the world with your gentle andsubtle kindness was the glue that made the puzzle complete. We ended everyshow encouraging the audience to take whatever light and joy they found inthat soundstage and spread it through the world. I promise you I’ll dream theunimaginable. I’ll climb every mountain, and I’ll dance every single dancewith your memory as fuel,” the singer-songwriter concluded. “To the manupstairs, please welcome the best dance partner, faux DJ, and host… Stephen’tWitch’ Boss! Take care of him and take care of his family. You’ve gained anangel who needs no introduction.”
Leah Remini, who judged SYTYCD Boss, honored his kindness.
“tWitch was the guy who played and interacted with his fans in the audienceduring commercial breaks, and he encouraged all the contestants when thecameras weren’t rolling,” she shared. “He had such a passion and love fordance and guiding artists and the contestants on the show. tWitch adored hiswife, Allison, and their three kids more than anything. He would talk aboutthem all the time with such pride. He had a laugh and smile that lit up thewhole room.”
SYTYCD Paula Abdul judge called Boss “a beacon of light.”
Jada Pinkett Smith, Ciara, Questlove, Alyssa Milano, Ellen Show producerAndy Lassner, Jersey shore star Pauly D and more reacted to the sad news onsocial media. “RIPTwitch” has been a trending topic most of the day onTwitter.
Holker Boss frequently posted light-hearted videos of her dancing with herhusband. Her most recent Instagram was on Monday. Many of their famous friendsleft condolences.
“Oh my goodness,” said Olivia Munn. “My whole heart is with you and yourfamily.”
“God bless you and your beautiful family, I am so sorry,” Snooki commented.
“Sisssssssster my heart is broken. I’m sooooo sorry,” Tamar Braxton wrote.
“Praying for your family,” Larsa Pippen added.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911, orcall the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOMEto the Crisis Text Line at 741741.