Stephen "tWitch" Boss of The Ellen DeGeneres Show has reportedly passed away. TMZ reports that Boss was found dead of an "apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound" at a Los Angeles hotel after his frantic wife reported him missing at a police station. His wife, Allison Holker, confirmed to E! News that her husband has died at the age of 40.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us," Holker said in a statement. "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."
She added, "To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won't be a day that goes by that we won't honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children. (To Boss,) I will always save the last dance for you."
Boss had been sharing posts on social media celebrating his family in recent days. Three days prior to his passing, he posted an image celebrating his wedding anniversary, writing, "Happy anniversary my love." The next day, he shared a video of himself alongside Holker with the two dancing to holiday music by Alicia Keys.
Stephen "tWitch" Boss Rose to Fame as a Dancer Before His Time on Ellen
Boss spent many years working alongside Ellen DeGeneres, but he first rose to fame as a runner-up for the dancing competition series So You Think You Can Dance in 2008. He joined Ellen in 2014 and served as a DJ, sidekick, and co-host of the show at times until the series ended earlier this year. Boss also appeared as DeGeneres' partner for the game show Ellen's Game of Games. In 2020, he was made a co-executive producer on Ellen.
Meanwhile, Boss also collaborated with Holker on the Freeform series Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, a docuseries featuring Disney-themed weddings. The two-season series spanned from 2017 to 2020, and the episodes can be found streaming on Disney+.
Boss's survivors include his wife, Allison, and their children, 14-year-old Weslie, 6-year-old Maddox, and 3-year-old Zaia. Our condolences go out to the family at this painful time. Rest in peace, Stephen "tWitch" Boss.