Following the unexpected death of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, celebrities from all around Hollywood have expressed their thoughts. He committed suicide at the age of 40.
Allison Holker Boss, the former Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ’s wife, confirmed the news in a heartfelt message sent on Wednesday.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to tell my spouse Stephen has left us,” Allison, 34, said of her husband. “ Stephen brought light into every room he walked into. He valued his family, friends, and community above all else.
He believed leading with love and light was the greatest way to go. He was the rock of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his followers.
To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive influence will continue. There won’t be a day that we don’t remember him; I’m confident.”
Hollywood’s A-listers expressed grief as the news of the So You Think You Can Dance judge’s death broke.
Nigel Lythgoe, the show’s creator, and judge, said he was “heartbroken and grieved” and “at a loss to understand how someone as adored and inspirational to so many people as Stephen was would feel they are in such a dark place that they have no choice but to take their life.”
“With Twitch, it’s incomprehensible to me,” he stated. “He was always cheerful and smiling. Every person he met admired him. Today will be a terrible day for the dance community, but my thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Allison and their children.
It is vital to recognize that mental illness is a severe problem that often goes unnoticed by our loved ones. While this is a happy time of year for many of us, tension and negative feelings appear to be heightened in some people.”
Tiffany Maher, another SYTYCD graduate, told PEOPLE, “My heart is destroyed. Stephen “Twitch” was an excellent example. He was quite pleasant and motivating. I’m grateful to have met him. He will be remembered and missed forever. Allison and their children are in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Because of the happiness and joy that Stephen “tWitch” Boss brought into our lives and the lives of so many others, we will never forget him,” said Fox Entertainment, 19 Entertainment, and Dick Clark Productions to PEOPLE. We mourn with his family, loved ones, and fans at the death of such a great, undeniable talent and close friend. “‘tWitch,’ you will be missed.”
Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart, Boss’ mentor, also issued PEOPLE a message mourning his loss. “Today, a talented man with a wonderful heart and many fans and admirers who loved him died. Anyone who met Stephen was instantly delighted by his contagious and genuine smile. Despite our sadness at Stephen’s death, his generosity and spirit will be remembered for his contributions to the arts and in our hearts.”
Condolences poured in on social media as well. Ellen DeGeneres responded to the terrible news with a beautiful message and a photo of the couple hugging.
“I’m heartbroken. “tWitch was pure light and love.” She shared on Instagram. “I just had love to give him since he was my family. He will be greatly missed. Please send your love and support to Allison and his three beautiful children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”
Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, who frequently appeared on the Ellen show, posted an Instagram photo of Boss’s family with the caption, “I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let’s Move! Initiative and visits to The Ellen Show.”
“Stephen was a dynamic person who ensured that everyone in his presence felt the compassion and happiness he emanated. Every dance, DJ set, and creative project he created was alive with his spirit. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Allison, and their three children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia,” she continued. “Please know that you are never alone if you are in pain and need someone to talk to. Someone is always ready to help. To access the suicide and crisis hotline by phone or text, dial 988.”
Jennifer Lopez shared numerous photos on Instagram with Boss, with whom she worked in the World of Dance. “Twitch has such a beautiful and shining soul. Astounded and heartbroken. “Love and strength to @sir twitch a lot, his wife, and their children,” she wrote.