A celebration of life service was held on Saturday in LA for the late dance icon, actor, and producer, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, People reported this weekend. His wife, Allison Holker, put together the event.
Among the attendees included Boss’ longtime friend and colleague, Ellen DeGeneres, as well as the entire cast and crew for Ellen’s former daytime TV program, Ellen DeGeneres Show. Boss was also an alum to the TV competition show, So You Think You Can Dance, whose entire cast and crew were also present at the celebration on Saturday.
In addition to Boss’ former co-workers, other celebrities were in attendance, including comedians Loni Love and Wayne Brady, Derek Hough, Wade Robson, AJ McLean, and Robin Antin.
Dancer Debbie Allen presented a tribute video for Boss, as did Boss and Holker’s wedding officiant, Jeff Thacker. There were also musical performances from country star Mickey Guyton and “Keep Your Head Up” singer, Andy Grammer.
Ellen, Wayne Brady, and Loni Love all spoke about their grievances and memories of tWitch. Holker also used the gathering as an opportunity to share her and her children’s charity they started following Boss’ death, the Move with Kindness Foundation.
The MWF “aims to carry on the legacy of Stephen tWitch Boss by spreading love and mental health awareness,” according to its website.
The guests were encouraged to donate to the foundation and were also given wristbands and display cards, which read in support of “individuals facing adversity by serving as a source of support and inspiration.”
Holker and her daughter, Weslie—who Boss adopted upon marrying Allison before welcoming their own two children, Maddox and Zaia—stood in front of the attendees and spoke about Boss and who he was to them.
“He was the light. He chose love, grace and kindness. And he deserves to be celebrated,” Allison said, according to People.
Stephen “tWitch” Boss died by suicide on December 13 last year, and since his passing, the pain and shock has lingered with everyone who knew him and even his fans, as his constant expression of happiness and joy was all anyone could think he actually felt. So often seems to be the case when people take their own lives, which is why it is so important to always check in on your loved ones, because you truly never know what’s going through someone’s mind, even if they seem perfectly happy and content.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression and/or considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
Sources:
https://people.com/tv/stephen-twitch-boss-celebration-of-life/