Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez and Michelle Obama are among the well-known faces who remember the American dancer and DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss, after his death at the age of 40.
The news was confirmed by his wife, Allison Holker Bosson Wednesday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office said the entertainer died at a hotel of “suicide.”
The dancer-DJ began his career on The Ellen Show in 2014 before being promoted to co-executive producer in 2020.
In a post on Twitter, the 64-year-old DeGeneres wrote: “I am heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light.
“He was my family and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him.”
As well as his work with DeGeneresBoss was also runner up on the US show So You Think You Can Dance and appeared in films including Step Up: All In and Magic Mike XXL.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama said she was “heartbroken” to hear the news.
And sharing a post on her Instagram page, the actress and singer Lopez wrote, “Twitch was such a light and beautiful soul. Shocked and deeply saddened.
“My heart breaks for @sir_twitch_alot, his wife and children. Sending you love and strength.”
Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson also tweeted a message of condolences, saying Boss was a “nice guy” and “you never know what’s going on between your ears.”
Justin Timberlake said he has known tWitch through the dance community for more than 20 years.
In a post on Twitter, the singer and actor said, “It’s heartbreaking to hear that someone who brought so much joy into a room, was suffering so much behind closed doors… You never know what someone is really going through.”
Actor Jamie Foxx said he was “beyond devastated” and Oscar-winning musician Questlove wrote, “Rest in Melody Twitch.”
In a statement published by People magazine, tWitch’s wife said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I must share that my husband Stephen has left us.
“Stephen lit up every room he entered.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the United States, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK