Stephen “tWitch” Boss has died from suicide at age 40.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” Boss’ wife, Allison Holker Boss, 34, confirms exclusively in a statement to PEOPLE. “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.”
“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.”
Closing her statement, Allison shared a message for her husband. “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you,” she concluded.
TMZ was first to report the news.
Boss rose to fame as a contestant on MTV’s The Wade Robson Project before becoming a runner-up on Star Search. He later competed on So You Think You Can Dance in 2008, ending season 4 as a runner-up and later returning as an All-Star. He was a judge when the show returned in 2022.
In 2014, Boss joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show as a guest DJ. He eventually became a permanent fixture on the series and was elevated to co-executive producer status in 2020.
The late star previously co-hosted Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings with Allison. He also appeared in many high-profile films and shows, including Magic Mike XXL, Modern Family and Step Up All In.
Offscreen, Boss frequently posted fun dance videos with wife Allison — who also competed on SYTYCD — on social media. Their kids would often join the pair in their dance video posts.
Boss is survived by his wife Allison as well as children Zaia, 3, Maddox, 6, and Weslie, 14.
This is a developing story.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
FAQ
While tWitch got his start as a contestant on MTV’s “The Wade Robson Project” in 2003 and rose to household name fame on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2008, the TV personality is most widely known for his time spent with Degeneres, 64.
Boss started as a DJ on DeGeneres’ eponymous daytime series in 2014, eventually being elevated to an executive producer in 2020. He stayed with her until the embattled finale of the show in 2022.
tWitch death was an apparent suicide, per multiple reports. He was found in a hotel room in Los Angeles, TMZ first reported. He had left home without his car shortly before, which he did not usually do, his wife, Allison Holker, reportedly told police. Holker confirmed the news to People in a statement.
Allison Holker
Ellen DeGeneres has issued a statement regarding the death of her former talk show’s longtime DJ and co-executive producer, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, saying on Wednesday that she’s “heartbroken” over his passing.
“I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light,” she wrote on Instagram. “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.”