Justin Timberlake, Channing Tatum, More Lead Stephen 'tWitch' Boss Tributes

The loss of dancing DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss is being felt across the world as celebrities come out in force to pay their respects to the entertainer.

News of his death surfaced on Wednesday, December 14, and it was later reported that he died by suicide, according to authorities. His wife, Allison Holker Boss, confirmed the news in a statement to People.

After this, his longtime collaborator Ellen DeGeneres made a public statement, as did the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba and Channing Tatum, paying tribute to tWitch.

"I'm heartbroken," DeGeneres wrote alongside an image of the pair hugging. "tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children."

tWitch joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show as a guest DJ in 2014 before becoming a permanent fixture. He was named as an executive producer in 2020, a role he kept until the show came to an end in 2022.

"I have no words. There aren't any. My head or heart can not understand this," Tatum wrote on Instagram, sharing a selfie he'd taken with tWitch. "There is just so much... i don't know where to begin. I love you. I'll see you again my friend. Until then." tWitch starred in three Step Up movies as well as Magic Mike XXL alongside Tatum. He was first known as a dancer after coming second in So You Think You Can Dance Season 4.

"It's heartbreaking to hear that someone who brought so much joy to a room, was hurting so much behind closed doors," wrote Timberlake. "I've known tWitch for over 20 years through the dance community—he always lit everything up. You just never know what someone is really going through."

He continued in a follow up tweet: "Take care of yourselves. LOVE that human in the mirror. Check on your people. Sending light to his beautiful family in this dark, confusing time. You will be missed, Sir. Rest Easy.

Former first lady Michelle Obama also shared a touching tribute to the father of three. "I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let's Move! initiative and visits to The Ellen Show," Obama said, sharing a picture of his family alongside her message.

tWitch was also a judge on the TV show World of Dance, alongside Jennifer Lopez.

"Twitch was such a light and a beautiful soul... Shocked and deeply saddened," Lopez wrote on Instagram. "My heart breaks for [tWitch], his wife and children. Sending you love and strength."

Jessica Alba, who has also starred in a number of dance movies and collaborated with tWitch on The Ellen DeGeneres Show many times, also shared a tribute.

"It's so strange to reflect back on time with someone who you never thought would pass in this way... I think it's why it's so devastating, because there is no way to prepare you," Alba wrote.

"I have had nothing but joyful experiences with tWitch, although brief we would catch up on our kids and 'better halves,' he was such a bright light, his energy radiated. My heart goes out to Allison and their three babies, I'm so so sorry for your loss. Twitch, you will be missed, thank you for sharing your light with us."

The touching tributes from the celebrity community kept on coming as Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson also shared his tribute on Twitter.

"Man I am so sorry to hear the heartbreaking news about Twitch. Great guy. Sending his family all the love, light, strength and mana. I've lost a lot of friends to the struggle. You never know what's happening between the ears. So sorry Boss family. Stay strong," Johnson wrote.

Scrubs actor Zach Braff wrote that tWitch brought him and his family "so much joy" during the pandemic as they'd watch him dance together. Comedian Tommy Chong shared a reminder that we never know who is really struggling, writing: "Sometimes the happiest looking people from the outside are struggling on the inside."

Reality star Kris Jenner also expressed how "grateful and blessed" she was to have spent some time with him on Ellen's show. "Truly a special soul. I am heartbroken, and my heart goes out to his beautiful wife and children," she said.

Former NBA star Dwyane Wade shared a video of him dancing with tWitch during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. "Anyone who's had an encounter with tWitch is hurting hearing this news today," he said. "Grateful to have had this moment with you in your light."

Sharing a lively performance of tWitch's, MC Hammer also paid tribute. "So much LIFE, Light, and Love exuded from this Wonderful Man's Soul. Hard to understand. Difficult to accept," he wrote.

tWitch's final Instagram post was of him and his wife performing a choreographed dance routine to an Alicia Keys song.

Keys later shared the same video and shared her heartbreak. "What a bright soul. What a beautiful connection we had through music. I pray these songs brought him and his family joy! Praying for solace for Allison, children, and loved ones. We have to walk with kindness and love with everyone we cross paths with everyday. You just never know," Keys wrote.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.