Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, former 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' DJ, dies at 40
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Stephen "tWitch" Boss, a dancer and choreographer best known as the DJ and sidekick on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, has died by suicide. He was 40.
Boss' wife, Allison Holker, confirmed his death in a statement to FOX News Digital:
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us," Holker, 34, said. "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."
FILE - Allison Holker (L) and Stephen "tWitch" Boss attend the PUBG Mobile's #FIGHT4THEAMAZON Event at Avalon Hollywood on Dec. 9, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
"To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt," she continued. "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."
TMZ was the first to share the news, which reported that Boss died by suicide in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department later confirmed this information.
FILE - Stephen "tWitch" Boss attends Critics Choice Association's 5th Annual Celebration Of Black Cinema & Television at Fairmont Century Plaza on Dec. 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Critics Choice
Boss rose to fame while competing on "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2008, ending as runner-up. He later appeared in several films including the "Step Up" movie franchise and "Magic Mike XXL."
Boss appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" from 2014 until its conclusion in 2022, serving as a permanent fixture on the daytime talk show. "The Ellen Show" aired its last episode on May 26.
DeGeneres wrote on Twitter that she was "heartbroken" by the news.
"tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him," DeGeneres wrote, alongside a photo of the pair embracing. "Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."
Boss also hosted "Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings" with his wife, a fellow dancer and choreographer. The pair often posted dance videos on their social media accounts.
"Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you," Holker concluded in her statement.
Other reactions to Boss’ death poured in online from fans and fellow celebrities. Andy Lassner, who served as the executive producer of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" from its inception to the final episode, shared an image of the three of them together with the message: "Rest, my friend."
Jada Pinkett Smith shared a group photo on Instagram of her with "Magic Mike" co-stars tWitch and actor Donald Glover.
"I woke up this morning to the news that tWitch is gone. My heart aches for his wife Allison and their children Weslie, Maddox and Zaia. My condolences to all his loved ones that he has left behind. We had a lot of good times on the set of Magic Mike. He was so sweet, kind and generous," Pinkett Smith wrote in the caption. "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."
Questlove also posted a tribute, writing in part, "I have no words man. May his family find resolution in this dark time."
This story was reported from Cincinnati.