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The Heartbreaking List: Which Stars From Dancing With The Stars Have Died Recently?

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The glitz, the glamour, and the fierce competition of Dancing with the Stars has captivated audiences for decades, but the show's history is also marked by moments of profound sadness. As of December 20, 2025, the extended DWTS family—including celebrity contestants, professional dancers, and even beloved judges—has mourned the loss of several iconic figures whose vibrant energy once lit up the ballroom. This article pays tribute to their legacies, detailing who we have lost and the enduring impact they left on the dance floor and their fans.

The most recent and notable loss to the international DWTS family was a respected judge who passed away in the spring of 2025. In the US franchise, the most recent celebrity contestant loss was a TV icon known for her roles in 90s dramas. The following list is a comprehensive and updated remembrance of the stars who are gone but certainly not forgotten.

Recent and Notable Losses to the DWTS Family (2023–2025)

The past few years have been particularly difficult for the DWTS community, with several high-profile figures passing away. These individuals were not only stars on the show but cultural icons whose deaths resonated deeply with fans worldwide. Their appearances on the dance floor remain a cherished part of the show's history.

Julian Benson (DWTS Judge, 1971–2025)

  • Role: Judge on Dancing with the Stars Ireland (RTÉ)
  • Date of Death: April 19, 2025
  • Cause of Death: Cystic Fibrosis
  • Biography: Julian Benson was an Australian-born Irish talent agent, choreographer, and television personality. He was a long-serving judge on the Irish version of the show, known for his flamboyant style, infectious enthusiasm, and his signature catchphrase, "You're a fabulous, darling!" He passed away at the age of 54 after a lifelong, courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

Shannen Doherty (Celebrity Contestant, 1971–2024)

  • Season: Season 10 (2010)
  • Professional Partner: Mark Ballas
  • Date of Death: July 13, 2024
  • Cause of Death: Breast Cancer
  • Biography: The beloved actress, famous for her roles as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Prue Halliwell on Charmed, competed on the tenth season of DWTS. She was eliminated first but spoke openly about her desire to honor her father by competing. Her death at age 53 following a prolonged battle with cancer led to an outpouring of tributes from her co-stars and the DWTS community.

Len Goodman (Head Judge, 1944–2023)

  • Role: Head Judge for 29 seasons
  • Date of Death: April 22, 2023
  • Cause of Death: Bone Cancer
  • Biography: Len Goodman was the heart and soul of the judging panel, known for his witty remarks, traditional scoring, and his iconic "Se-VEN!" catchphrase. He served as Head Judge for the US show from its inception in 2005 until his retirement in 2022. His passing at the age of 78 was a monumental loss, and the show dedicated an emotional tribute to him and other late stars.

Jerry Springer (Celebrity Contestant, 1944–2023)

  • Season: Season 3 (2006)
  • Professional Partner: Kym Johnson
  • Date of Death: April 27, 2023
  • Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer
  • Biography: The legendary talk show host and former politician competed on Season 3, stating he joined the show primarily to make his daughter happy. He finished in fifth place. His time on DWTS showcased a softer, more charming side of the controversial television personality.

Remembering More Stars Who Danced Their Last Dance

The following list honors additional celebrities who left a lasting impression on the DWTS stage before their passing. Their courage, dedication, and spirit in the ballroom are a permanent part of the show's legacy.

The Iconic Actresses and Entertainers

  • Suzanne Somers (1946–2023): The Three's Company and Step by Step star competed in Season 25 with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko. She died on October 15, 2023, one day before her 77th birthday, after a long battle with breast cancer.
  • Kirstie Alley (1951–2022): The Emmy-winning actress, known for Cheers and the Look Who's Talking films, competed in two seasons (Season 12 and Season 15: All-Stars) with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. She finished as the runner-up in Season 12. Alley died on December 5, 2022, at age 71, after a short battle with cancer.
  • Anne Heche (1969–2022): The actress, director, and activist competed in Season 29 with Keo Motsepe. She tragically died on August 11, 2022, at age 53, due to injuries sustained in a car crash, which was ruled an accident.
  • Cloris Leachman (1926–2021): The Oscar and multiple Emmy-winning actress competed in Season 7 at the age of 82, making her one of the oldest competitors in the show's history. Paired with Corky Ballas, she was known for her humorous and unpredictable routines. She died on January 27, 2021, of natural causes.
  • Valerie Harper (1939–2019): The star of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda competed in Season 17 with Tristan MacManus, even while battling terminal cancer. She died on August 30, 2019, at age 80, from complications of lung and brain cancer.
  • Florence Henderson (1934–2016): The beloved Carol Brady from The Brady Bunch competed in Season 11 with Corky Ballas. She died on November 24, 2016, at age 82, of heart failure. She was a vibrant example of aging gracefully and competitively.

The Athletes and Musicians

  • Aaron Carter (1987–2022): The pop singer and younger brother of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter competed in Season 9 with Karina Smirnoff, finishing in fifth place. He died on November 5, 2022, at age 34, with his death ruled an accidental drowning.
  • Mary Wilson (1944–2020): A founding member of The Supremes, Wilson competed in Season 28 with Brandon Armstrong. She died on February 8, 2021, at age 76, from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (natural causes).
  • Jacoby Jones (1984–2024): The former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion competed in Season 16 with Karina Smirnoff, finishing in third place. He died unexpectedly in 2024, though specific details were not always widely reported.
  • Billie Dee Williams (1937–Present): Although still alive, the legendary actor from Star Wars competed in Season 18 with Emma Slater. His participation was cut short due to a back injury, but his brief time showed his commitment to the challenge.
  • Geraldo Rivera (1943–Present): The journalist and host competed in Season 22 with Edyta Śliwińska.
  • Tamar Braxton (1977–Present): The singer competed in Season 21 with Val Chmerkovskiy.
  • Rick Perry (1950–Present): The former Governor of Texas competed in Season 23 with Emma Slater.
  • Charli D'Amelio (2004–Present): The social media star won Season 31 with Mark Ballas.
  • Amanda Kloots (1982–Present): The TV personality competed in Season 30 with Alan Bersten.

The Enduring Legacy of the DWTS Family

The loss of any member of the DWTS family is felt across the globe, a testament to the show’s ability to turn celebrities into relatable figures and competitors. The deaths of stars like Len Goodman, Shannen Doherty, and Jerry Springer serve as powerful reminders of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of celebrating the joy they brought to the ballroom.

The show's producers and cast members consistently pay tribute to those who have passed, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten. Whether they were champions, early eliminations, or the critical voices from the judging panel, each person's journey on Dancing with the Stars is preserved in the history of the beloved dance competition. The energy, passion, and sheer entertainment value they provided continue to inspire new contestants and professional dancers every season.

The Heartbreaking List: Which Stars From Dancing With The Stars Have Died Recently?
who died on dancing with the stars
who died on dancing with the stars

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