Celebrities Who Danced on DWTS and Left Us Too Soon

Dancing with the Stars has been a popular show for over 20 years. It's known for its glitz, glamour, and sometimes heartbreaking moments. Sadly, several former contestants have passed away, leaving fans with memories of their time on the show. One of the most recent losses was Len Goodman, a beloved judge who retired in 2023. He passed away after a battle with bone cancer. His departure left a void in the dance world, as he was known for his sharp wit and fair judging. Shannen Doherty, a fan favorite, competed on the show in 2019. She was a strong contestant, but her health struggles were well-known. Doherty passed away in 2024 at the age of 53 after a long battle with breast cancer. Aaron Carter, a child star turned singer, also competed on the show. He finished in fifth place but tragically passed away in 2022 at the age of 34. The cause of his death was initially unclear, but it was later revealed he drowned after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam. Mary Wilson, an original member of The Supremes, competed on the show in 2020. She was the first celebrity eliminated but left a lasting impression. Wilson passed away in 2021 at the age of 76 due to hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Jacoby Jones, a former NFL player, showed off his dance skills on the show in 2013. He finished in third place but passed away in 2024 at the age of 40. The cause of his death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease, caused by long-term high blood pressure. Jerry Springer, a famous talk show host, competed on the show in 2006. He placed fifth but passed away in 2023 at the age of 79 after a brief illness. The cause of his death was pancreatic cancer. Anne Heche, an Emmy award-winning actress, competed on the show in 2020. She was eliminated in the third week but passed away in 2022 at the age of 53 after a car crash. She never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead a week later. Cloris Leachman, an accomplished actress, competed on the show in 2008. She was the oldest contestant at the time and passed away in 2021 at the age of 94. The cause of her death was a stroke, with COVID-19 as a significant contributing factor. Florence Henderson, known for her role in The Brady Bunch, competed on the show in 2011. She placed eighth but passed away in 2016 at the age of 82. The cause of her death was heart failure. Valerie Harper, an inspiring actress, competed on the show in 2013. She placed eighth but passed away in 2019 at the age of 80. The cause of her death was not disclosed, but she had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Kirstie Alley, a beloved actress, competed on the show twice. She placed second in her first season and seventh in the All-Star season. She passed away in 2022 at the age of 71 after a battle with colon cancer. Suzanne Somers, a vibrant actress, competed on the show in 2015. She placed ninth but passed away in 2023 at the age of 76. The cause of her death was breast cancer with metastasis to the brain.