The actor delivered an emotional tribute at the Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony in Los Angeles, remembering his Magic Mike XXL costar who died in 2022 at age 40
Channing Tatum got emotional while remembering the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss at the Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony on Wednesday night. Speaking to attendees in Los Angeles, the 45 year old actor recalled his friendship with the dancer, who died by suicide in 2022 at age 40.
Tatum promised himself he was not going to cry while speaking on stage. He does this because tWitch made him laugh all the time. To say that it is an honor to sit up here and talk about that man is an understatement, to say the least, the actor shared.
Tatum recalled working with Boss in 2015’s Magic Mike XXL for a good amount of time and described him as someone who loved fiercely. Boss just loves so big, and that is why he just shines so much, he said of his late friend.
Remembering tWitch’s talent and spirit
Tatum then spoke about Boss’ talent as a dancer. His brain just could not wrap itself around how this giant, big, beautiful man was moving the way he was. The actor joked that he was a bigger guy and could not fathom moving like that, and then Boss had to go and open his stupid mouth and be funny as well.
The filmmaker added warmly that then Boss smiles at you and then you fall in love with him, and that is just tWitch. His touching tribute continued by noting that Boss made you want to be better at anything that you wanted to be. He accepted you for who you were, who you wanted to be or wherever you were going. He wanted to help and he wanted to be there.
After highlighting that both he and Boss were born in Alabama, Tatum concluded his remarks by saying it was an honor to know him and an honor to call him a friend, and he will see him again.
tWitch’s legacy in entertainment
tWitch shared son Maddox, eight, and daughter Zaia, six, with his wife Allison Holker, and adopted her daughter Weslie, 17. Initially a professional dancer, Boss joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2014 as a DJ and personality. He later became an executive producer of the long running talk show, which ended in 2022.
Following the devastating news that he had died on December 13, 2022, Ellen shared a clip with fans that highlighted his work on her series. She wrote on social media that right now all she wants to do is remember all the love and laughter she had with tWitch. He brought so much joy to her life and she knows he brought joy to others too.
The tragedy came only three days after the father of three celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife. Boss left behind a legacy of joy, talent and kindness that touched everyone who worked with him throughout his career in dance and entertainment.
The Dance Hall of Fame ceremony provided an opportunity for those who knew Boss to celebrate his contributions to the art form and remember the impact he had on their lives. Tatum’s emotional tribute captured the essence of what made Boss special, his ability to make everyone around him feel valued and inspired to be better.
The tribute highlighted not just Boss’s technical skill as a dancer, but his genuine warmth and the way he uplifted everyone in his presence. His work on Magic Mike XXL showcased his versatility as a performer, blending athleticism, humor and charisma in ways that left a lasting impression on his costars.