Maks Chmerkovskiy Shares Reaction To Len Goodman’s Death
When Maks Chmerkovskiy was a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars, he had a reputation for being the “bad boy” in the ballroom. As such, he frequently butted heads with the judges, including head judge Len Goodman.
The two had a complicated relationship through the years, which fans even saw onscreen from time to time. But even so, Maks admitted he felt saddened to learn of Len’s death back in 2023.
Now, the Ukrainian dancer is opening up about his true feelings.
Maks Chmerkovskiy Respected Len Goodman Immensely
Maks Chmerkovskiy parted ways with Dancing With The Stars several years ago. But along with many other former pros, he returned for the stunning Len Goodman tribute in Season 32. His younger brother and sister-in-law, Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson, choreographed the beautiful routine.
Len Goodman previously struggled with health issues. However, many felt shocked to hear about his death in April 2023, just months after he announced his retirement.
“It was unfortunately coming for some time, and you know, I don’t mean it in a sensitive way. I mean it like, he had dealt with some things. Those were not the regular checkup [type things]. When he passed away [after] battling his ailments for a while… it wasn’t all good,” Maks shared in a recent interview with The Sun.
“It was a very touchy moment. I’m not gonna lie. I didn’t think it was going to be that impactful on me. Personally, we weren’t the best of friends in the sense of, you know, we didn’t have that daily communication that you would with someone that when you hear their passing, you start tearing up. But that’s what happened,” the Ukrainian dancer admitted.
“That was my personal realization, just being very open about this. That was when I realized how much space that person took up in my life. I felt all those things when it happened… So it was very surprising to me that it was so impactful.”
Maks Chmerkovskiy concluded by saying he feels honored that he is part of Len Goodman’s story at the end of the day.
Len Goodman’s Influence Shines Through In The Pro Dancer
Len and Maks didn’t always get along, but the Ukrainian dancer definitely took away many lessons the former DWTS judge taught him. Today, Maks Chmerkovskiy is a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.
“It’s a privilege. I’m not gonna lie. And for me and someone like me, it’s a huge responsibility,” he previously shared with TooFab. “I’ve spoken about it a lot. I’ve criticized that position infamously. I just need to live up to my own expectations and sort of the standards that I set when I was on the other side. I’m that guy. I remember everything I said to those people. So now, go and do better.”
It’s very much been a full-circle journey for the dancer.
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