…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Len Goodman, a former professional dancer and TV judge, passed away at the age of 78 after a battle with bone cancer.
Before his death, he shared his unconventional wishes for his tombstone in an interview from 2021.
While many people opt for traditional engravings such as “beloved father and grandfather,” Goodman wanted something different.
He said, “Here lies Len – he couldn’t be bothered,” citing his unremarkable early years and lack of interest in school or learning.
Goodman had achieved great success on the dance floor and as a judge on popular TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars, thanks to his unrivaled knowledge of Latin and ballroom dancing.
However, he admitted that in his later years, he had lost his competitive edge, saying, “So when that was over, it sort of knocked all the competitive side out of my body.”
In a statement released by his agent, Jackie Gill, after his death, Goodman was described as a “much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.”
Goodman’s Unconventional Wishes for His Tombstone
In an interview from 2021, Len Goodman shared his wishes for what he wanted written on his tombstone.
While most people opt for traditional engravings that highlight their familial relationships or virtues, Goodman wanted something unconventional.
He expressed that he wanted his tombstone to read, “Here lies Len – he couldn’t be bothered,” citing his unremarkable early years and lack of interest in school or learning.
Goodman’s Remarkable Success in Dance and TV
Despite his unconventional wishes for his tombstone, Len Goodman had a remarkable career as a professional dancer and TV judge.
He achieved great success on the dance floor and became a household name thanks to his appearances on popular TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars.
His unrivaled knowledge of Latin and ballroom dancing made him a respected judge and a favorite among fans of the shows.
Goodman’s Loss of Competitive Edge
In his later years, Len Goodman admitted that he had lost his competitive edge.
He explained that back in the 60s and 70s, when he was dancing, he was incredibly competitive.
However, when his competitive dancing career ended, he felt that it had “knocked all the competitive side out” of him.
Despite this, he continued to be involved in dance as a judge on popular TV shows until his passing.
The Legacy of Len Goodman
Len Goodman’s passing was confirmed by his agent, Jackie Gill, in a statement released after his death.
He was remembered as a “much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.”
Goodman’s legacy will live on through his contributions to the world of dance and his appearances on popular TV shows that brought joy to millions of viewers.