Former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and other celebrities reacted Wednesday to the news that longtime DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Stephen “tWitch” Boss, had died of an apparent suicide. He was 40.
The 64-year-old actress and comedian wrote that she was “heartbroken” in a statement shared with E! News after Boss’ widow, Allison Holker, confirmed the news of her husband’s death.
“tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart,” DeGeneres shared in the statement.
“I will miss him,” she added. “Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”
She later shared a photo with her 76 million-plus Twitter followers. In the image, the former host and Boss were embracing in what appeared to have been a behind-the-scenes photo taken on the set of her old show.
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. pic.twitter.com/lW8Q5HZonx
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 14, 2022
DeGeneres’ touching tribute was followed by Andy Lassner, a producer on the “Ellen” show, writing, “Rest, my friend,” along with a fun photo of him with “tWitch” and DeGeneres.
Rest, my friend. pic.twitter.com/BfRhkObAkO
— andy lassner (@andylassner) December 14, 2022
Jada Pinkett Smith, who appeared in “Magic Mike XXL” with Boss, also reacted to the news with a post on Instagram that included a photo of her with the late DJ.
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“I woke up this morning to the news that tWitch is gone,” Smith captioned her post. “My condolences to all his loved ones that he has left behind. We had a lot of good times on the set of Magic Mike.”
“He was so sweet, kind and generous,” she added. “So many people suffer in silence. I wish he could have known that he didn’t have to. May his beautiful, shining soul rest in the arms of the Great Supreme and may that same Higher Power heal the shattered hearts of his loved ones.”
“Heartbroken,” actor Ken Jeong tweeted. “Always full of love & joy every time I saw him. And he always brought a smile to my face every time I saw him. Sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to [Allison Holker] & his family. Love you, Twitch.”
Heartbroken. Always full of love & joy every time I saw him. And he always brought a smile to my face every time I saw him. Sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to @Allisonholker & his family. Love you, Twitch.
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) December 14, 2022
And they weren’t the only ones. Other stars who shared tributes to Boss included actress Kerry Washington, Leah Remini, and so many more.
The world lost a bright light today. Twitch brought joy and love to people all over the world through music and through dance. My heart is heavy today for his family and all of those who knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/VmvxFgOF5d
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) December 14, 2022
Rest easy, tWitch. pic.twitter.com/jpynT2TKhy
— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) December 14, 2022
The world lost the brightest light @official_tWitch 💔 Always remember that behind smiles, you might not know what someone is going through. 😔 Check in on those you love this holiday season and call or text 988 if you or someone you know needs support.
— ParisHilton (@ParisHilton) December 14, 2022
I’m devastated to hear the news about Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ passing. tWitch greeted the world every day with a beautiful smile that was a direct reflection of his beautiful heart. He was a beacon of light & a true talent whose legacy & impact will live on in the dance community pic.twitter.com/UlUV7VmvCi
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) December 14, 2022
Related: Longtime ‘Ellen’ DJ Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Dead At 40, Apparent Suicide
If you or someone you know is struggling or thinking of harming themselves, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.