Former Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss dies aged 40

Stephen "tWitch" Boss at the Critics Choice Association's 5th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television at Fairmont Century Plaza on December 5 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Robin L Marshall/WireImage

Longtime DJ on Ellen Degeneres’ talk show, Stephen ‘tWtich’ Boss has died aged 40.

In a statement to People, wife Alison Holker Boss confirmed the sad news.

“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,” she said.

"To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt," she continued. "I am certain there won't be a day that goes by that we won't honour his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children."

tWitch started his tenure at The Ellen Show in 2014 and later was promoted to co-executive producer in 2020. 

In a post on Twitter, 64-year-old DeGeneres wrote: “I’m heartbroken. 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 – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”

Boss was also a runner-up on So You Think You Can Dance.

The dancer-DJ also appeared in films including Step Up: All In and Magic Mike XXL.

His love of dancing permeated through all aspects of his life as he aspired to emulate greats like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire.

“My personal opinion: The greatest of all time had to be Gene Kelly, man. Gene Kelly, because he’s a guy’s guy. I love Fred Astaire, but Fred Astaire was so smooth, and it was great. He was so classy,” Boss said in an interview with the Associated Press in 2014.

“But Gene Kelly — he could be like somebody’s dad, who just decided to get up off the couch and dance around and clean the kitchen up.” Boss posted dance videos on TikTok with his wife, who is also a professional dancer, with their children making guest appearances.

Boss’s passing was first reported by TMZ.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

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