Len Goodman: Cause of Death, Wife, Net Worth & Career
Len Goodman, the beloved head judge of Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars, died on April 22, 2023, at the age of 78. His death marked the end of an era for ballroom dance television, a world he helped shape over two decades. Goodman passed away in a hospice in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, surrounded by his family, after a battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
From a welder at Woolwich docks to a global television icon, Goodman’s journey was anything but ordinary. He brought a firm but fair judging style to millions of living rooms, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment. His legacy extends far beyond the scores he gave, influencing how ballroom dancing is perceived worldwide.
What Was Len Goodman’s Cause of Death?
25 April 1944, Farnborough, Kent, England
22 April 2023 (aged 78), Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Metastatic prostate cancer (spread to bones)
Jackie Goodman (m. 1972–2023)
- Len Goodman’s transition from competitive dancer to beloved television personality made him a household name in ballroom.
- He served as head judge on both the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing (2004–2016) and the US version Dancing with the Stars (2005–2022).
- His death in April 2023 after a battle with metastatic prostate cancer prompted tributes from colleagues and fans worldwide.
- Despite a net worth estimated in the millions, Goodman remained known for his down-to-earth, authentic personality.
- He received three Emmy nominations for his work on Dancing with the Stars.
- Goodman opened his own ballroom dance school in Dartford, Kent, which continues to operate.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Leonard Gordon Goodman |
| Profession | Ballroom dancer, dance teacher, TV judge |
| Championships | British Exhibition Championships (1970, 1971) |
| Notable show | Strictly Come Dancing (head judge 2004–2016) |
| Net worth | £8–10 million (estimated) |
| Married to Jackie Goodman | 51 years |
| One son | James Goodman |
| Emmy nominations | 3 (2 Primetime) |
| Dance school | Opened in Dartford, Kent |
Who Was Len Goodman’s Wife?
Len Goodman was married twice. His first wife was Cherry Kingston, a fellow dancer whom he married in 1972. The couple divorced in 1987. Later, he married Sue Barrett, a dance teacher, on December 30, 2012. Sue remained his wife until his death in 2023.
Family Life and Children
Goodman had one son, James William Goodman, from his first marriage. James has largely stayed out of the public eye. Goodman often spoke warmly about his family, describing them as his anchor away from the television spotlight.
How Long Was Len Goodman Married?
His marriage to Cherry Kingston lasted 15 years, from 1972 to 1987. His second marriage to Sue Barrett spanned just over a decade, from 2012 until his death in 2023. In total, Goodman was married for about 28 years across both relationships.
Some early reports incorrectly referred to Goodman’s wife as “Jackie.” His wife at the time of his death was Sue Barrett, a dance teacher. The couple married in a small ceremony in December 2012.
What Was Len Goodman’s Net Worth?
Estimates of Len Goodman’s net worth vary depending on the source. Celebrity Net Worth places his wealth at approximately $18 million at the time of his death, while TheRichest estimates a lower figure of around $12 million. His will, filed in the UK, disclosed £4.1 million (roughly $5.2 million), which primarily reflected his television career earnings.
Sources of Income
Goodman’s income came from several streams. His role as head judge on Dancing with the Stars was his most lucrative, reportedly earning him a substantial salary per season. He also earned from his tenure on Strictly Come Dancing, his ballroom dance school in Dartford, Kent, and occasional television appearances.
Property and Assets
Goodman owned a home in Kent, where he lived with his wife Sue. The value of his property was included in the £4.1 million disclosed in his will. No further details about other assets or investments have been made public.
Different sources report different figures. Celebrity Net Worth estimates $18 million, while TheRichest suggests $12 million. The only official figure comes from his UK will, which disclosed £4.1 million. No single source can be considered definitive.
How Did Len Goodman Become a Dancing Judge?
Goodman’s path to becoming a television judge began not on a soundstage, but on a dance floor. After starting dance lessons at age 19 to recover from a foot injury, he quickly discovered a natural talent. He went on to win the British Exhibition Championships in 1970 and 1971, establishing himself as a competitive ballroom dancer.
Early Career as a Dancer and Teacher
Before his television fame, Goodman worked as a welder at the Woolwich docks. Dancing was initially a form of physiotherapy, but it soon became his life’s work. He opened his own ballroom dance school in Dartford, Kent, and began teaching and choreographing professionally.
From Dancer to Head Judge
Goodman’s big break came in 2004 when he was selected as the head judge for the BBC’s new show, Strictly Come Dancing. His expertise and no-nonsense style made him an instant hit. The following year, he took on the same role for the American adaptation, Dancing with the Stars, a position he held until his retirement in 2022.
Guest Appearances and Cameos
Beyond his judging roles, Goodman made occasional guest appearances. He appeared as a celebrity contestant on a special episode of The Chase in 2018. He also had a minor cameo in The Inbetweeners Movie (2011), playing himself. These appearances, while brief, showcased his willingness to engage with popular culture beyond the ballroom.
Goodman’s television judging career spanned 18 years, from 2004 to 2022. He was the only judge to serve as head judge on both the UK and US versions of the show simultaneously for many years.
What Was Len Goodman Like When He Was Young?
Leonard Gordon Goodman was born on April 25, 1944, in Bethnal Green, East London, though some sources list his birthplace as Farnborough, Kent. He grew up in a working-class family and left school at a young age to work. His early years were far removed from the glittering ballrooms he would later dominate.
How Did Len Goodman Start Dancing?
At age 19, Goodman suffered a foot injury while working as a welder. A doctor recommended dancing as a form of rehabilitation. He took up ballroom dancing and quickly discovered a natural aptitude. Within a few years, he was competing at a national level.
Early Dance Career
Goodman formed a successful dance partnership with Cherry Kingston, whom he later married. Together, they won the British Exhibition Championships in 1970 and 1971. After retiring from competitive dancing, Goodman transitioned into teaching and choreography, eventually opening his own dance school in Dartford, Kent.
Key Milestones in Len Goodman’s Life
- 1944: Born in Farnborough, Kent (or Bethnal Green, East London).
- 1963: Began dancing after a foot injury.
- 1970: Won British Exhibition Championships.
- 1972: Married Cherry Kingston.
- 1990s: Opened dance school in Kent.
- 2004: Became head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
- 2005: Joined Dancing with the Stars as head judge.
- 2016: Retired from Strictly Come Dancing.
- 2022: Retired from Dancing with the Stars after Season 31.
- 2023: Died at age 78 in hospice care.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Len Goodman’s Death?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Len Goodman died on 22 April 2023 at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells. | Exact net worth figures vary by source; no official public disclosure. |
| Cause of death was metastatic prostate cancer, confirmed by family and reported by the BBC. | Details of his will or inheritance have not been made public beyond the £4.1 million figure. |
| He was married to Sue Barrett from 2012 until his death. | Some sources mention a cameo in The Inbetweeners Movie, but his role there is not widely documented. |
| He served as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars. | Early reports sometimes simplified his cause of death to “bone cancer,” but the official cause is metastatic prostate cancer. |
What Was Len Goodman’s Impact on Ballroom Dancing?
Len Goodman’s influence on ballroom dancing is difficult to overstate. He helped bring competitive ballroom to mainstream television audiences in both the UK and the US. His judging style was firm but fair, and his signature phrase “seven!” became a cultural touchstone.
The news of his death was first announced by his family and then confirmed by the BBC, leading to widespread media coverage. Tributes poured in from former contestants, fellow judges, and fans. He was remembered as a “true gentleman” and a “ballroom legend.”
Goodman’s legacy continues through his dance school in Dartford and the many dancers he mentored over the years. He received three Emmy nominations for his work on Dancing with the Stars, a testament to his impact on the genre. For more on other notable figures in entertainment, read about Wynne Evans – Biography, Personal Life, and 2025 Career.
What Did People Say About Len Goodman After His Death?
“He died on Saturday at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, surrounded by his family.”
— BBC News
“He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.”
— Family statement (via BBC)
“Goodman died from bone cancer on 22 April 2023, three days before his 79th birthday.”
— Wikipedia (citing reliable sources)
What Is Len Goodman’s Lasting Legacy?
Len Goodman remains a defining figure in TV dance competition history. He is credited with shaping the global success of both Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars. His wry humor, gentility, and iconic judging style made him a beloved figure. He was honored as a ballroom legend and a true gentleman by peers and fans alike. For more on other notable figures in entertainment, read about Wynne Evans – Biography, Personal Life, and 2025 Career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Len Goodman
What did Len Goodman die of?
Len Goodman died of metastatic prostate cancer that spread to his bones, not primary bone cancer. He passed away on 22 April 2023.
How old was Len Goodman when he died?
He was 78 years old, three days before his 79th birthday.
Who was Len Goodman’s wife?
His wife at the time of his death was Sue Barrett, a dance teacher. They married on December 30, 2012.
Did Len Goodman have children?
Yes, he had one son named James William Goodman from his first marriage to Cherry Kingston.
What was Len Goodman’s net worth?
Estimates range from $12 million to $18 million. His UK will disclosed £4.1 million, primarily from TV earnings.
Was Len Goodman on The Chase?
Yes, he appeared as a celebrity contestant on a special episode of The Chase in 2018.
Did Len Goodman act in movies?
He had a minor cameo in The Inbetweeners Movie (2011) as himself.
How long was Len Goodman on Dancing with the Stars?
He served as head judge from 2005 to 2022, a total of 17 seasons.
Did Len Goodman have any other TV shows?
He hosted Holiday of My Lifetime (2014–2016) and Partners in Rhyme (2017).
Where did Len Goodman die?
He died in a hospice in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, surrounded by his family.
Olivia Hartley is Business & Economy Correspondent at DailyCity.co.uk, reporting on the city economy, property, retail, hospitality and employment.