As âDancing With the Starsâ inches closer to the finale, fans were treated to a heartwarming surprise on November 21. Tom Bergeron shared a rare throwback photo of the late judge Len Goodman. Bergeron, who spent 15 years hosting the show, posted the image on Instagram along with an emotional caption that immediately resonated with fans.
âIâve got so much to be grateful for this holiday season. My only regret is that I didnât get to see this particular, twinkly-eyed, smiling Santa again,â Bergeron wrote. The photo captured Bergeron perched on Goodmanâs lap as the beloved judge, dressed as Santa Claus, flashed the warm smile fans knew so well.
The post reminded viewers exactly why Goodman remained such a cherished presence both on and off the ballroom floor.
Fans React With Love and Memories of the Late Judge
Fans quickly filled the comments with their own memories. One person wrote, âMiss Len!! Merry Christmas, Tom B.â Another added, âMerry Christmas, Lenta Claus! What a Good Man he was.â
A Facebook commenter echoed the sentiment, writing, âIâm sure heâs still twinkly-eyed, smiling down upon you, Tom.â Another fan shared, âI know I so miss Len. He was such a highlight of the show. He felt like he was the papa of the show he had so much sparkle to him â¦I miss him so much.â
Their responses reflected how deeply Goodmanâs presence shaped the spirit of âDancing With the Stars.â
Goodmanâs Farewell and the Legacy He Left Behind
Goodman stepped away from âDancing With the Starsâ in November 2022 after 29 seasons. During his on-air announcement, he reflected on his long run in the ballroom.
âThis will be my last season judging on Dancing with the Stars. Iâve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show,â he said. âBut Iâve decided Iâd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.â
He continued, âI could not thank you enough the Dancing with the Stars family. Itâs been such a wonderful experience for me.â
What fans didnât know then was that Goodman had been quietly battling cancer. He died on April 22, 2023. Bergeron honored him just days later with another tribute, captioning it, âA Good Man, indeed.â
Bergeron Continues to Celebrate ‘DWTS’ Memories
Bergeron parted ways with âDancing With the Starsâ in 2020, but he returned to the ballroom this season to help celebrate the showâs 20th birthday. In the weeks since, he has been looking back on his years on the series, sharing throwbacks and personal stories that remind fans why his presence meant so much.
His latest post, showing Goodman dressed as Santa and smiling with that familiar twinkle, warmed hearts across the âDWTSâ community. The photo offered a rare, joyful glimpse of Goodman and reminded viewers why he remains such a cherished part of the showâs family. It was a moment that captured the sparkle fans still miss.
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