Channing Tatum Honors tWitch's Legacy with Tearful, Loving Tribute
Actor Channing Tatum recently reflected on his bond with the beloved, departed dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss.
“I vowed not to shed tears,” Tatum, aged 45, shared, his voice catching with emotion while delivering a tribute to Boss at the Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony held in Los Angeles on Wednesday, December 3, as reported by People. “I do this because tWitch consistently brought laughter into my life. However, to state that it's an honor to stand here and speak about him is a profound understatement.”
Tatum, who shared the screen with Boss in the 2015 film Magic Mike XXL, remembered collaborating with the performer “for a significant period,” highlighting that Boss possessed a “fierce capacity for love.”
“His love was immense, which is precisely why he radiated so brightly,” the star of Roofman further commented.
Allison Holker's Tribute to Stephen 'tWitch' Boss During the ‘SYTYCD’ Premiere
Tatum further expressed his admiration for Boss’ extraordinary dancing abilities.
“I struggled to comprehend how such a massive, impressive, and handsome man could move with such agility,” he elaborated. “Being a larger individual myself, I couldn't imagine executing such movements, and then he would open his witty mouth and be equally hilarious. It truly vexed me. My thought was, ‘Wait just a moment here.’ But then he'd flash that smile, and you'd instantly be captivated, and that, in essence, was tWitch.”
Tatum lightheartedly admitted to having a “man crush” on Boss, clarifying that this wasn't uncommon as the former So You Think You Can Dance contestant “endeared himself to everyone.”
“He inspired you to strive for excellence in whatever endeavor you pursued. He embraced you for your true self, your aspirations, and your journey,” Tatum went on. “His desire was to assist and to be present.”
Tatum mentioned feeling a “certain connection” with Boss due to their shared birthplace of Alabama.
“Go Crimson Tide, incidentally. I'm certain he's echoed the sentiment and is enjoying a laugh at my expense at this very moment,” he playfully added.
Tatum finished by saying, “It was a privilege to have known him. It was a privilege to consider him a friend, and our paths will cross once more.”
Boss tragically passed away by suicide at 40 years old in December 2022, a fact verified by Us Weekly then. His legacy continues through his wife, Allison Holker, and their three children: daughters Weslie, aged 17, and Zaia, aged 6, along with son Maddox, aged 9.
Allison Holker Reveals Family's Plans to Commemorate the Late tWitch on Father’s Day
“It is with profound sadness that I must announce my husband Stephen's passing,” Holker, 37, communicated in a prior statement. “Stephen illuminated every space he entered. He cherished family, friends, and community above all else, and living with compassion and positivity was central to his being. He was the anchor of our household, an exceptional spouse and parent, and a beacon of hope to his supporters.”
Last September, Holker utilized Instagram to commemorate Boss on what would have marked his 43rd birthday.
“Happy birthday in heaven, Stephen. Our love for you endures, and we continue to feel all of your affection,” she wrote alongside pictures of herself with their children, and an older photo featuring Boss. “We honored your memory by indulging in some of your cherished activities: Korean BBQ, a visit to the comic book store, and cookies and cream. We're sending you all our devotion and encouragement, and we're grateful for yours.”
