Stephen "tWitch" Boss obit

Stephen “tWitch” Boss Dies: Longtime ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ DJ Was 40

 

 He was not on the list.

Stephen Boss, better known as DJ tWitch of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, who also was a contestant-turned-judge on So You Think You Can Dance, died Tuesday in a Los Angeles hotel room, reportedly by suicide. He was 40.

His death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. The office did not state a cause.

In a statement, Boss’ wife, dancer Allison Holker Boss, confirmed his death, saying, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us. 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.

“To say he left a legacy,” she continued, “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. Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

TMZ and other news outlets are reporting that Boss died by a self-inflicted gunshot.

Boss, a dancer, choreographer and DJ, joined the Ellen show in 2014 and stayed until DeGeneres ended the talk show in 2022. Boss was made an executive producer in 2020.

Last May, as the show was coming to an end, a tearful DeGeneres surprised the DJ with a special film tribute. “Over a decade ago I met someone who changed my life and our show,” the host said. “I’m talking about you tWitch…I love you so much.”

Prior to his work with DeGeneres, Boss appeared on So You Think You Can Dance, where he placed as a runner-up in 2008. He served as a judge on the show in 2018 and 2022.

 

Born Stephen Laurel Boss in Alabama, tWitch studied dance at at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Alabama, and Chapman University, and in 2003 was a semifinalist on MTV’s The Wade Robson Project and a runner-up on the television talent competition Star Search.

 

He had two small dancing roles in the 2007 films Blades of Glory and Hairspray, and the following year competed on So You Think You Can Dance; he would return to that series as a guest and all-star frequently. In 2013, he performed on Dancing with the Stars, and in 2014 began his association with DeGeneres as a guest DJ on her show. That year he also was cast in Magic Mike XXL.

In 2017, he and wife Allison Holker hosted the documentary series Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings.

Just three days ago, Holker posted photos of the couple’s wedding, writing, “It’s our 9th anniversary!! I couldn’t be more grateful to celebrate this perfect magical day!!! Saying YES to @sir_twitch_alot has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life!! I feel so blessed and loved!! I love you baby and I will never take you or OUR love for granted! I LOVE YOU”

 

In addition to his wife, Boss is survived by two daughters and a son.

Filmography

Film

Year       Title       Role       Notes

2007      Blades of Glory Flamboyant Dancer         Uncredited

Hairspray             Maybelle's Store Dancer               Role in the dance number

at the platter party and in "You Can't Stop the Beat"

2010      Stomp the Yard: Homecoming    Taz        

Step Up 3D          Jason Hardlerson             

2012      Step Up Revolution         Jason Hardlerson             

2014      Step Up: All In    Jason Hardlerson             

2015      Magic Mike XXL                 Malik

2022      The Hip Hop Nutcracker                Dad        Disney+ release; final role

Television

Year       Title       Role       Notes

2008      So You Think You Can Dance        Runner-up         

2010      Bones    Russell Leonard                

2011      So You Think You Can Dance        All Star

Touch    The Beastmaster             

2012      So You Think You Can Dance        All Star

Drop Dead Diva                 Billy Donaldson TV series, Season 6 episode 2: "Soulmates"

2013      So You Think You Can Dance        All Star

Dancing with the Stars                  

2014–2022          The Ellen DeGeneres Show          Show DJ/Host   

2015      Bound & Babysitting       Ethan    TV film

So You Think You Can Dance        Team Captain-Team Street         

2017      Famous in Love                

2017–2021          Ellen's Game of Games Announcer         

2017–2020          Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings                     

2018      Modern Family                  Episode: "Wine Weekend"

Young & Hungry               Himself                

2018      So You Think You Can Dance        Judge   

2021      Clash of the Cover Bands               Host      

2022      The Real Dirty Dancing   Host      

2022      So You Think You Can Dance        Judge   

 

Web series

 

Year       Title       Role       Notes

2010      The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers        LXD Trainer         Season 2, Episode 1

Teacher, Student              Season 2, Episode 2

2011      The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers: The Secrets of the Ra           Dr. E     

2016      Love       Doobie