Len Goodman

Len Goodman – Life, Career, and Notable Quotes

Discover the life and legacy of Len Goodman — English ballroom dancer, judge of Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars. Explore his biography, career highlights, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Leonard Gordon “Len” Goodman (25 April 1944 – 22 April 2023) was an English professional ballroom dancer, teacher, adjudicator, and television personality. He became widely known to the public as the head judge on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing (UK) from its beginning until 2016, and later as the sole head judge on Dancing with the Stars (U.S.). Over decades, Goodman brought ballroom dancing into popular culture and endeared himself with wit, fairness, and a deep respect for the art.

Early Life & Background

Len Goodman was born in Farnborough, Kent, England, on 25 April 1944. His family moved to East London; he grew up in Bethnal Green, where his grandfather sold fruit and vegetables from a barrow. As a child he helped in that business, making sure the produce appeared fresh. Around age six, his family relocated to Blackfen.

In his teens, Goodman attended Westwood Secondary Modern School and was a member of the school’s cricket team. Before dancing, he worked as an apprentice welder in Woolwich.

An injury to his foot led a doctor to suggest ballroom dance as therapy — a recommendation that would change the course of his life. Goodman took lessons at age 19, somewhat later than many dancers begin, and quickly found a passion and talent for it.

Dance Career & Teaching

Goodman turned professional in ballroom dance, competed in numerous contests, and in his late twenties won the British Championships held in Blackpool. After that milestone, he retired from competition and shifted to teaching, adjudication, and the promotion of ballroom as an art form.

He founded the Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford, Kent, where he taught and nurtured dancers. He also served as a judge and adjudicator in dance competitions, influencing standards and recognizing excellence.

Goodman was awarded the Carl Alan Award, an honor recognizing outstanding contributions to dance.

Television & Public Career

Strictly Come Dancing

In 2004, the BBC launched Strictly Come Dancing, a celebrity ballroom dancing competition show. Goodman joined from the start as head judge, bringing his expertise, firmness, and signature style to the judging panel. He remained in that role until 2016, with his final appearance airing during the Christmas special that year.

During his tenure, he became beloved by audiences for his catchphrases, his fairness, and his ability to balance critique with encouragement.

Dancing with the Stars (U.S.)

Starting in 2005, Goodman also became the sole head judge of the American version, Dancing with the Stars, a role he maintained until his retirement in November 2022. During those many seasons, he offered commentary, scoring, and mentorship across decades of contestants.

When he announced his retirement, he cited a desire to spend more time with family and grandchildren. After his passing, Dancing with the Stars honored him by renaming its Mirrorball Trophy the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

Other Media Work

Beyond dance shows, Goodman took part in documentary and TV projects:

• He hosted Titanic with Len Goodman, exploring the history of the Titanic, drawing on his early experience working as a welder.

• He appeared in programs like Len Goodman’s Dance Band Days, Len Goodman’s Perfect Christmas, Holiday of My Lifetime, Partners in Rhyme, and Dancing Cheek to Cheek.

• He also occasionally deputised on BBC Radio 2, and appeared on reality/celebrity specials, game shows, and documentary segments.

Legacy & Impact

Len Goodman helped bring ballroom dance into the mainstream, making it accessible and appealing to broad TV audiences. His influence is seen in:

• Revival of interest in ballroom dance, through the popularity of Strictly and DWTS.

• Raising standards in judging and critique, combining technical knowledge with clarity and warmth.

• Mentorship and teaching through his dance academy, which trained many dancers.

• Cultural legacy, through his memorable phrases and public persona, beloved by fans and contestants alike.

He is remembered not only for technical authority but for his kindness, humor, and integrity in the judging chair.

Selected Quotes

Len Goodman was well known for his witty remarks, memorable one-liners, and occasionally profound reflections. Here are a few:

“The deal is when we are growing up they look after us and as they grow older we look after them. That’s the deal.”

“On the dance floor, as much as you say, ‘Ladies, you are the car. He is the driver. You can only go where he takes you,’ they still try to be in control.”

“I’m a little bit of a softie, yes. Actually I don’t think it’s softness, I think it’s kindness.”

“I’ve got a great life. It’s a shame the work gets in the way of the golf, really.”

“Obviously you can’t please everyone. I’m sure some people say, ‘Bloody old Len Goodman gets on my nerves.’”

“You don’t win Dancing with the Stars in the ballroom, you win it in rehearsals. The more you sweat, the better you get!”

These quotes reflect Goodman’s beliefs about discipline, kindness, control, realism, and the behind-the-scenes work needed for performance.

Lessons from Len Goodman’s Life

From Len Goodman’s journey, a few lessons stand out:

1. It’s never too late to start
   Goodman began dancing at 19 yet rose to the heights of the ballroom world. His story shows that starting later doesn’t preclude excellence.

2. Work behind the scenes matters most
   His famous assertion that you win in rehearsal—through sweat, persistence, and preparation—points to the unseen labor behind performance.

3. Kindness and integrity elevate authority
   Even as a tough judge, Goodman combined critique with warmth and fairness, building respect rather than fear.

4. Bring passion and humility together
   His enthusiasm for dance and his humility before the art and the dancers gave him credibility and affection from peers.

5. Legacy is built by consistency and character
   Over decades, Goodman remained true to his style and standards. His consistency, respect for craft, and public personality formed a durable legacy.

Conclusion

Len Goodman’s life traced a remarkable arc: from East London and welding work, through discovering dance in mid-youth, to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in televised ballroom. His judgments, one-liners, and persona brought levity, expertise, and heart to dance shows worldwide.

Though he passed away on 22 April 2023, just shy of his 79th birthday, his influence endures—in dancers he taught, in the competitions he shaped, and in the hearts of audiences who remember hearing “a 10 from Len.”

Recent news about Len Goodman