The world is shocked to hear about the news of Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s death. The “So You Think You Can Dance” alum, famed DJ who starred on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” and all-around talent died on Dec. 13 from suicide at the age of 40, People confirmed. TMZ was the first to break the news.
Boss’s wife, Allison Holker, shared an emotional statement about her husband’s death with People, saying, “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.”
She continued, “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 three children.” Holker concluded with a special message to Boss adding, “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
Holker isn’t the only one who had kind words to share about Boss. Heartwarming statements from stars poured out on social media on Wednesday, including one from a member of the Magic Mike Live team (Boss starred in 2015’s “Magic Mike XXL”) who tweeted, “Rest in Power, @official_tWitch. A great talent with a kind heart and fierce love who will be missed. The @magicmikelive team has your family in our thoughts.”
Read ahead to see how other celebrities are reacting to Boss’s death.
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Ellen DeGeneres
On Dec. 14, the former daytime talk show host and Boss’s longtime friend paid tribute to the late dancer on Instagram writing, “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.”
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Kerry Washington
Washington penned a loving tribute to Boss on Dec. 14 on Instagram writing, “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. 🙏🏾”
She continued, “You never know what people are struggling with or going through. Hug your loved ones. Call your friends. Reach out to people in need. And if you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. ❤️.”
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Billy Porter
On Dec. 14, the “Pose” alum paid tribute to Boss on Instagram, writing, “Remembering a life well lived. Please keep the family of Stephen “tWitch” Boss in your prayers. And please check on your friends. Even the “strong” ones, the “happy” ones. We never know what folks are going thru. 🙏🏾🕯.”
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Viola Davis
Following news of Boss’s death, Davis reacted on Instagram, writing, “I’m at a loss for words right now, praying for his family and loved ones. 💔🕊🙏🏿.”
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Loni Love
On Dec. 14, the former “The Real” cohost posted two videos of her dancing with Boss on Twitter, tweeting, “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.”
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Questlove
On Dec. 14, The Roots musician shared a moving tribute dedicated to Boss on Instagram, writing, “I have no words man. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 May his family find resolution in this dark 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. A lot of us can’t process emotions & how to deal with it . . . Time literally heals wounds. Rest In Melody Twitch. 🙏🏾🕊️.”
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Jennifer Hudson
Hudson reacted to news of Boss’s death by writing on Instagram, “We need to pray ! My God ! U never know what someone is going through. This breaks my heart.”
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Yvette Nicole Brown
On Dec. 14, the 51-year-old actor shared a TMZ article about Boss’s death on Twitter and wrote, “What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I’ve loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always. Oh, tWitch!💔 If you are feeling despair PLEASE call 988. #PleaseStay.”
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DJ Pauly D
Shortly after news of Boss’s death broke, the “Jersey Shore” alum tweeted, “Damn this is sad news. sending prayers to Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’s family and friends. ❤️🙏 RIP TWITCH.”
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Emmanuel Acho
On Dec. 14, the former NFL player shared an old video of him and Boss goofing around and tweeted, “You’ll be missed by brother. You’ll be missed. Thanks for always laughing and smiling with me. Stephen “tWitch” gone way too soon 💔💔💔. RIP tWitch.”
Acho also shared another video of Boss and captioned it, “My brother tWitch, I trust you entered heaven just like you left one of your final tapings. With a storm of people applauding you for a job well done. #RiptWitch 💔💔.”
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Steven Canals
On Dec. 14, the “Pose” cocreator tweeted of Boss and his death, “He always exuded joy. You never know what a person is dealing with. Check in on your people. ❤️ RIP Twitch.”
