Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Dies: Professional Dancer and Former ‘Ellen’ DJ Was 40

Stephen tWitch Boss at the NBC TCA Winter Press Tour at Langham Huntington Hotel on January 9, 2018 in Pasadena, CA. (Credit: Shuttersttock)

Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a hip-hop dancer and choreographer who was best known as the DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, has died. He was 40

His wife, Allison Holker Boss, confirmed his passing in a statement Wednesday morning to People magazine.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” she said. “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.”

Related Story: Ellen DeGeneres and DJ tWitch Share Emotional Moment Before Final Episode (Video)

Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Ellen DeGeneres (Credit: Ellen)
Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Ellen DeGeneres (Credit: Ellen)

The statement did not include details on his cause of death. However, People and several other outlets reported that tWitch died by suicide.

He was pronounced deceased on Tuesday, Dec. 13 in Encino, California, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner’s website. The coroner’s office listed his place of death as Hotel/Motel. An autopsy is pending.

The popular performer was the runner-up on So You Think You Can Dance in 2008. He was announced as a permanent judge for the 17th season of the dance competition series earlier this year.

tWitch joined Ellen in 2014 and was promoted to co-executive producer six years later.

Ellen wrapped its run after 19 seasons in May 2022. Before the show concluded, host Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to tWitch in an on-air video. She walked everyone through how they met and shared some of the best moments they had together on the show.

“I used to be a huge fan of So You Think You Can Dance, and I wanted to do a dance. So, the producers of So You Think You Can Dance set me up with tWitch,” she said in the video. “tWitch came over to my house and he helped me try to copy it. We bonded over learning to dance together.”

After the segment concluded, tWitch told DeGeneres: “I came here to dance one time and now I’ve gained a family.”

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line).