Inside Ellen DeGeneres' Relationship With Stephen 'tWitch' Boss

After nearly two decades and 19 seasons, "The Ellen DeGeneres" show came to an end. The chat show, which premiered in 2003, has seen Ellen DeGeneres interview countless actors, musicians, and other public figures. In addition to her hilarious interviews, DeGeneres was known for her funny dance moves and often danced to the stage at the start of her show. Assisting DeGeneres in her crowd-rousing dance breaks, was resident DJ, Stephen "tWitch" Boss.

Boss joined the popular NBC talk show in 2014 as the show's DJ, before being promoted to executive producer in 2020. However, long before the DJ joined the daytime talk show, he made a name for himself as a finalist on "So You Think You Can Dance." During Boss' run on the dance competition series, DeGeneres joined him as his guest dance partner for the finale. Boss would later appear on DeGeneres' show as her DJ of the Day, in 2013. It's clear that DeGeneres and Boss built a solid relationship, despite their bond being tested over the years, they always supported each other.

Tragically, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss died by suicide on December 14, 2022, at 40 years old. Here's a look inside Boss' relationship with his his boss, DeGeneres.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

In 2020, Ellen DeGeneres' daytime program was accused of fostering a toxic work environment. The claims were also supported by DeGeneres' former DJ, Tony Okungbowa. Okungbowa spoke out about the difficult culture backstage on the show. "I did experience and feel the toxicity of the environment and I stand with my former colleagues in their quest to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace as the show moves forward," he wrote on Instagram.

Following the flurry of accusations, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, spoke out in support of Degeneres."Obviously, there's some things to address, but from my standpoint and from countless others, there's been love," Boss said to Us Weekly. "I'll just leave it at that until there's a time where we can address this more publicly. There's been love and there will continue to be love." Boss would remain with "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" through the controversial period, solidifying his loyalty to the comedian.

After eight years on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," there's no question that host, Ellen DeGeneres, and DJ-turned-executive producer, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, were close. Boss even hosted when DeGeneres was away. In addition to moderating games and other fun bits on the show, Boss also joined DeGeneres as the announcer and MC for her NBC game show "Ellen's Game of Games."

And if there was still any doubt that the pair have a strong friendship, DeGeneres has openly gushed over her longtime pal, calling him her favorite addition to her show. "tWitch, do you want to know my favorite thing that we've added?" DeGeneres asked the DJ on her daytime show. "It's you." She then played a montage of her favorite moments of the pair from the show.

For his part, Boss admitted he was not ready for the show to end "just yet," but understood that everything comes to an end. "This is the natural order of things," he said to Entertainment Tonight. "I'm just excited for my friend to start her new chapter of the rest of her journey, you know?"

Stephen "tWitch" Boss and his former employer, Ellen DeGeneres, had nothing but love. The two also always supported each other in the press. When DeGeneres made headlines for her alleged "toxic workplace" environment,  Boss stood by her. 

In 2020, the DJ spoke with E! News about working for the comedian and how he always felt like he was "experiencing the love" at work. "You know, there hasn't been too many gigs where you feel it every day and build a genuine love from front to back," he told the outlet. "And the audience, being so happy to be there and ready to dance and ready to laugh and have a good time." To go a step further, Boss also told the outlet that he felt "blessed" to be a part of the show "on a daily basis."

The dancer was also supportive of DeGeneres when she made the tough decision to end her show, even though it left him without one of his steady jobs. "I was really proud of her, actually," he told E! News. "Because I know that she's been at it for 18-plus years now. And it's not easy." Boss also pointed out that DeGeneres "employed thousands and thousands and thousands of people" thanks to the show, which is something to be proud of.

In the wake of Boss' death, his wife Holker Boss released a statement, reading in part (via TMZ), "He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans ... I am certain there won't be a day that goes by that we won't honor his memory."