Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Remembered by Ellen DeGeneres for Bringing ‘Love and Light’

Stephen “tWitch” Boss, the longtime DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died this week at the age of 40.

The popular DJ and professional dancer died by suicide, multiple media outlets reported.

He was pronounced deceased on Tuesday, Dec. 13 in Encino, California, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner’s website.

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

As news of his death spread Wednesday morning, tributes poured in across social media.

Ellen DeGeneres remembered her friend and former colleague on Twitter.

“I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart,” she tweeted. “I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”

I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. 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. pic.twitter.com/lW8Q5HZonx

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 14, 2022

Andy Lassner, executive producer of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, also paid tribute to the late DJ and dancer. “Rest, my friend,” Lassner captioned a photo of himself riding in a car with tWitch and DeGeneres.

Fellow dancer and TV Judge Paula Abdul wrote on Twitter that tWitch’s “legacy & impact will live on in the dance community.”

“I’m devastated to hear the news about Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’ passing,” she tweeted. “tWitch greeted the world every day with a beautiful smile that was a direct reflection of his beautiful heart. He was a beacon of light & a true talent whose legacy & impact will live on in the dance community.”

tWitch 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.

Leah Remini, who joined SYTYCD as a judge for this latest season, wrote a lengthy tribute to tWitch on Instagram.

“Although we had met many times at the Ellen Show, I got to know him better this summer when I joined the judge’s table on So You Think You Can Dance. tWitch was always so kind to me and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes,” she shared. “tWitch was the guy who played and interacted with his fans in the audience during commercial breaks, and he encouraged all the contestants when the cameras weren’t rolling. He had such a passion and love for dance and guiding artists and the contestants on the show.”

tWitch joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2014, and was promoted to co-executive producer six years later. He was also featured on Ellen’s Game of Games as the sidekick to DeGeneres.