Leonard Gordon Goodman was an English professional ballroom dancer, dance judge, and coach.
He appeared as head judge on the television dance programmes Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars.
Goodman was born in London and moved to Blackfen when he was six years old. He attended Westwood Secondary Modern School and was a member of the cricket team.
He was one of three children and the only child to stay in the family business.
Goodman was an apprentice welder for Harland and Wolff in Woolwich. He started dancing at the age of 19 as therapy for a foot injury.
He won various competitions and retired from dancing after winning the British Championships at Blackpool in his late twenties.
Goodman received the Carl Alan Award for his outstanding contributions to dance. In 2006 and 2007, a show in which he appeared was nominated for the Emmy Award in the Outstanding Reality/Competition Program category.
Goodman appeared as head judge on the television dance programmes Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 until 2016 and Dancing with the Stars from 2005 until 2022.
Goodman died aged 78 from bone cancer on 22 April 2023. He had been in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
Meet Len Goodman Son: James William Goodman
James William Goodman was Born on January 26, 1981, in Bethnal Green, London, James is now 41 years old.
Growing up with a father who was deeply involved in the world of ballroom dancing, it was only natural for James to follow in his footsteps.
James William Goodman has established himself as a celebrity in the world of ballroom dancing.
He is not only a professional Latin and ballroom dancer but also a highly respected dance teacher.
James has shared his knowledge and expertise at his father’s dance hub, the Goodman Dance Center, where he teaches aspiring dancers to master the art of ballroom dancing.
James William Goodman’s mother, Leslie, is not known to the public, and James has kept his personal life private as well.
He has, however, been known to be in a relationship with fellow ballroom dancer and choreographer, Dianne Buswell.
James William Goodman has been working with his father, Len Goodman, for years. Len is a well-known professional ballroom dancer, dance judge, and coach,
Aiva Arthur
