Dancing with the Stars has been a staple of our television screens since it started airing in 2005 with numerous legendary celebs aiming to prove their worth for the Mirrorball Trophy. With such a long history, sadly some of the stars who've appeared on the show have passed on and these stars are remembered in the show's studio, with senior producer Adam Raia previously sharing a memorial star that carried the names of the deceased.
Since the first season aired back in 2005, an astonishing 381 celebs have put their best foot forward with their celebrity partner. Read on for our tributes to those who are sadly no longer with us.
Len Goodman
© Eric McCandlessLen Goodman was head judge on the show since its beginning, and we loved his mannerisms, catchphrases, and of course his iconic uttering of 'SEV-ERN'! At the end of season 31, he said he was retiring and returning to the UK to spend more time with his family. However, the 78-year-old sadly passed away on April 22, 2023 due to bone cancer.
Stars from both Dancing with the Stars and sister show Strictly Come Dancing paid tribute, and DWTS host Alfonso Ribeiro has promised a tear-jerking tribute for the late dancer. "There won't be a dry eye in the house. It'll be amazing. I mean, he was the best," he told People.
Shannen Doherty
© Craig SjodinShannen sadly didn't last long on the tenth season of Dancing with the Stars, being eliminated first alongside professional partner Mark Ballas. However, she revealed after the show that she had done her dad "proud". The Charmed star died on July 13, 2024 following a battle with breast cancer.
Paying tribute to the 53-year-old, judge Carrie Ann Inaba penned: "She was a warrior and inspired us all. She taught us how to be brave in the face of fear, and how to start a new life, even when the end was in sight. She had a peace in her eyes that I admired. She never gave up living or fighting for her life, even though you could see she had come to terms with her own mortality.
"The courage it takes to be able to see your own ending while living your life with passion and your warrior spirit front and center is not easy… I wish her eternal peace, that she rests easy now, knowing she inspired so many of us."
Jacoby Jones
© Adam TaylorNFL star Jacoby Jones made it all the final of season 16 with Karina Smirnoff, ultimately losing out to Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough. Jacoby sadly died at the age of just 40, passing away in his sleep on July 14, 2024.
Following the athlete's death, pro dancer Cheryl Burke said: "Absolutely devastated by the loss of my dear friend and fellow #dwts co-star, Jacoby Jones, who passed away in his sleep early this morning.
"While we weren't dance partners, I had the honor of sharing unforgettable moments with him, from being part of his trio dance to supporting his cherished foundation. My heart aches for Jacoby and his family. My prayers are with you all. Rest in peace, Jacoby. You will be deeply missed."
Jerry Springer
© Barry BrecheisenIconic chat show host Jerry Springer passed away on April 27, 2023 following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Jerry appeared on the third season of the show back in 2006 dancing with Kym Johnson, saying he took part so he could learn to waltz for his daughter's upcoming wedding. His dream came true on week 4, where he received a commendable 22/30 for his routine.
Paying tribute to him in an interview with People, Kym said: "We instantly connected and he became like a father figure to me. I remember going out to dinner with him and his old buddies that used to do the news with him in Cincinnati. The stories they had, it reminded me of the Anchorman movie. It just so sweet listening to them. From being the news anchorman to the mayor to a politician to hosting The Jerry Springer Show, he was fascinating to talk to."
Cloris Leachman
© Michael BezjianLegendary actress Cloris Leachman became the oldest contestant to compete in the show's history when she danced on the show's seventh season with professional Corky Ballas. The couple survived all the way up to week 6, and were eliminated after a cha-cha-cha didn't impress.
Cloris died at the age of 94 on January 27, 2021 following a stroke in her sleep.
Aaron Carter
© Adam LarkeySinger Aaron Carter competed on the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars, and he and professional partner Karina Smirnoff made it all the way to fifth place and topped the leaderboard in week 2. He died on November 5, 2022 at the age of 34 after becoming "incapacitated while in the bathtub" after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam.
Karina paid tribute to her former dance partner by sharing a video of their week 1 dance, and writing: "RIP @aaroncarter, so young! It's heartbreaking. You always made me smile. Rest in peace, friend. You will be missed." She later added: "My heart is broken."
Florence Henderson
© Steve GranitzThe Brady Bunch actress Florence Henderson entertained audiences alongside dance partner Corky Ballas back in the show's 11th season, with the pair surviving for five weeks.
The 82-year-old passed away on November 24, 2016 due to heart failure. Just days before her passing, she was in the audience for Dancing with the Stars to support close friend Maureen McCormick.
Kirstie Alley
© Adam LarkeyLegendary Cheers star Kirstie Alley didn't just compete on Dancing with the Stars, she also returned for its All-Stars season. In season 12, she finished as the runner-up, but for All-Stars she ended up being eliminated in week eight. Both times she was partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and in a tribute he shared: "We haven't spoken lately and I'll tell you everything when I finally see you, but for now I want to say that I love you very much and I wish you the most peaceful rest. You were one of the most unique people I have ever met and easily one of the brightest moments of my personal and professional life."
Kirstie passed away at the age of 71 on December 5, 2022, after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer earlier in the year.
Valerie Harper
© Adam TaylorValerie Harper was best known for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda, and she competed on the 17th season of the show with Tristan MacManus, with the pair leaving in the third week. Valerie died on August 30, 2019, ten years after being diagnosed with lung cancer and six years after being diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a complication that effects membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
In tribute, the Irish dancer said: "Such terrible news to hear – Valerie was one of a kind and I loved spending time with her and getting to know her I genuinely loved her and will miss her dearly."
Suzanne Somers
© Adam TaylorAuthor and Three's Company star Suzanne Somers competed on the 20th season, dancing alongside Tony Dovolani, with the pair making it to the fourth week. Suzanne passed away on October 15, 2023, just a day before her 77th birthday.
A statement shared with People read: "Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years," adding: "Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family."
Tony paid tribute to Suzanne in an interview with People, saying: "You never saw Suzanne Somers without a smile, and she was a class act from beginning to the end, even through her struggles and everything else. I mean, she suffered from that disease for over 20 years. So the fact that she remained as classy and as beautiful and always with a smile on her face was pretty awesome."
Mary Wilson
© Craig SjodinSupremes singer Mary Wilson danced with Brandon Armstrong on the show's 28th season, but they were ultimately the first couple to be eliminated. Mary died in her sleep on February 8, 2021 at the age of 76 from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a complication from high blood pressure.
Anne Heche
© Kelsey McNealActress Anne Heche appeared on the 29th season of Dancing with the Stars, making it to week 4 with Keo Motsepe. On August 5, 2022, Anne was involved in a series of car crashes, which ended with her car striking a house, breaking through a wall and catching fire. Anne wasn't extracted from the wreck for 45 minutes after the collision. She was declared brain dead on August 11, 2022, with her body kept alive for a further three days for organ donation.
In a tribute shared with People, judge Carrie Ann Inaba said: "She was a rare and precious person and I am sad that she has left us and her family so soon. I wish her family healing and love … and may Anne Heche rest and play in peace now … She will always be a part of the DWTS family."
