Len Goodman Didn't Always Get Along With Tyra Banks On Dancing With The Stars
In November 2022, longtime "Dancing with the Stars” judge Len Goodman announced his retirement, noting that he wanted to spend more time with his family. "I've been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show," he said in the semifinals episode of the Disney+ show. "I cannot thank you enough, the 'Dancing with the Stars' family. It's been such a wonderful experience for me."
After Goodman's retirement announcement, Derek Hough took to Instagram to show his love and support for the former ballroom dancing judge. "Thank you so much for gifting us all with your heart, wit, intelligence and unforgettable feeling of getting a Ten from Len," the former "DWTS" pro wrote. He noted that he has known Goodman since he was a young boy, and how it was an honor to be able to judge beside him. "You have truly made an impact on us all," he added. "Thank You ... Even though you gave me a 6 that one time with Kellie Pickler in semi-finals. Love you Len."
The former "Strictly Come Dancing" judge — who tragically died on April 24, 2023 — was known for being the strictest of the three to four judges on the panel. His comments, although at times got booed from the audience, were honest and straightforward. And it seems that this personality may have caused him to butt heads with former "DWTS" host Tyra Banks.
Len Goodman and Tyra Banks weren't on the same page
In August 2020, it was clear that Len Goodman and Tyra Banks seemed to have differing opinions on how the show should operate. "Tyra has taken over completely," a source told OK!, adding that because the model was an executive producer, she had the power to change the show. "The only person that is standing up to her is Len, which as you can imagine isn't going over well. Len thinks Tyra has no respect for the art of ballroom dancing and instead wants to turn the show into 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians.'"
Goodman and Banks had quite the awkward exchange during Season 31's Halloween episode. The former "Dancing with the Stars" judge mentioned that Charli D'Amelio and Mark Ballas' Argentine Tango "transported him to a club in Argentina." The supermodel and host then added that she observed some shocked reactions from the audience, to which Goodman replied: "I don't know what you're talking about." Banks explained that everyone was thinking about the judge partying at a club, which made the audience laugh.
It seems that the two have kept it professional during their time together on the show, and it looks like the former "America's Next Top Model" host has a lot of respect for the late "DWTS" judge despite the awkward moments.
Tyra Banks still gave Len Goodman his props
During the Season 31 semifinals of "Dancing with the Stars," former host Tyra Banks called former judge Len Goodman a "living legend" as he announced his retirement. "You've inspired generations of dancers around the entire globe through your passion, through your expertise and through your laser-focused eye," she said. "And they are going to carry on that commitment to excellence forever."
It's clear that so many people respected the late "DWTS" head judge, as the show's professional dancers like Emma Slater, Val Chmerkovskiy, Derek Hough, and Mark Ballas have all been judged by Goodman since their younger years. Even professional dancer Gleb Savchenko said that the judge was the "representation of ballroom dance."
So, when it was announced that Goodman died at the age of 78, his fellow judges didn't hesitate to post a tribute on Instagram. "Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart," Carrie Ann Inaba wrote. "But today's news has shattered it all over again. I can't believe that you're gone. You were one of a kind my dear friend." Bruno Tonioli wrote, "Heart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away. I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together."
Tyra Banks pays tribute to Len Goodman after his death
Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that Tyra Banks and Len Goodman ever achieved the easy banter and camaraderie that Banks enjoyed with some of the other "DWTS" heavyweights like Bruno Tonioli. Although Banks and Goodman may not have always been on the same page, not all of their moments were tense.
During Goodman's last episode as a judge, production arranged for the decorated judge to receive his own mirror ball trophy. Banks was front and center as her "DWTS" co-host, Alfonso Ribeiro, delivered the coveted souvenir to Goodman. "That is fantastic," said Goodman as Tyra gave a little bow (via People). "It's been such a joy for me being a part of 'Dancing with the Stars.' I've had such a wonderful time and this is absolutely the cherry on the top," said Goodman.
Amid the news of Goodman's death, Banks has also posted a somber tribute to her former colleague. Taking to social media, the former model and television host posted a glowing black and white photo of Goodman to her Instagram stories. "A legend...forever," she captioned her post.