Leonard Gordon Goodman was an English professional ballroom dancer, dance judge and coach best known for his role as a judge on the popular television show "Strictly Come Dancing," from its debut in 2004 until 2016 where he became a beloved figure to audiences around the world. Goodman began his career in dance as a young man, studying and competing in ballroom and Latin dance styles. He went on to become a successful professional dancer, winning numerous championships and accolades throughout h... moreLeonard Gordon Goodman was an English professional ballroom dancer, dance judge and coach best known for his role as a judge on the popular television show "Strictly Come Dancing," from its debut in 2004 until 2016 where he became a beloved figure to audiences around the world. Goodman began his career in dance as a young man, studying and competing in ballroom and Latin dance styles. He went on to become a successful professional dancer, winning numerous championships and accolades throughout his career. In the 1990s, Goodman began working as a dance coach and judge, bringing his expertise and passion for dance to a wider audience. He became a regular judge on "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2004, where his wit, charm, and expertise made him a fan favorite. He also judged “Dancing With the Stars” from its debut until last year. In addition to his work on television, Goodman was also an author, with several books to his name on the subject of ballroom and Latin dance. Throughout his career, Goodman was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Carl Alan Award, in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British National Dance Awards in 2018.
