Stephen Laurel Boss, who was better known to a lot of people as “Twitch,” was an American hip-hop dancer, choreographer, producer, actor, and television personality. He was best known as a recurring co-host and guest on the “Ellen Degeneres Show” where he was also an executive producer. He was born on September 29, 1982, to Sandford Rose and Connie Boss Alexander.
Twitch went to Southern Union State Community College in Alabama where he studied dance performance. His television career began in 2003 when he ended up a semifinalist on MTV’s “Wade Robson Project” and finished as a runner-up on “Star Search.” Twitch also worked as a choreographer for lots of K-pop groups such as Seven and Big Bang. He competed in “So You Think You Can Dance” and performed a dance routine in 2013 with his future wife on “Dancing With The Stars.”
In 2014, he began a recurring role on the “Ellen Degeneres Show,” where he appeared as a guest DJ and co-host. His involvement eventually evolved into an executive producer role. Twitch was also heavily involved in “Game of Games,” an Ellen Degeneres Show spin-off. The dancing DJ was also featured in several films such as “Step Up” and “Magic Mike.” He and his wife also hosted the Disney show “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings” on Disney+.
Twitch was a beloved showbiz figure and TV personality. When word got out of his untimely demise, fans of the “Ellen Degeneres Show” and the online community were in shock. Twitch had unfortunately taken his own life on December 13, 2022 with a gunshot. Though his family received lots of support, fans wanted to learn more about Twitch’s personal life. Was Twitch gay? Let’s take a closer look at the dancer’s personal life to find the answer.
VOTE: What was Twitch’s Sexuality?
Twitch’s Relationships
Fans of the “Ellen Degeneres Show” always welcomed a surprise visit from the DJ, and he always managed to crank the energy up whenever he would appear. However, details about Twitch’s personal life were not as widely available to the public. He only had one significant long-term relationship known to the public.
Twitch and Allison Holker (2013-2022)
Allison Holker was a fellow competitor on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and the pair had met in 2006. Holker claims she doesn’t remember meeting Twitch on set. It wasn’t until four years later that she became enamored, and the two began dating.
From the first week of SYTYCD as All-Stars, I thought he was the cutest guy ever… His personality was so fun.”
Allison Holker, Dance Spirit magazine, 2012
She says she made the first move… I was completely oblivious to it. I’m really thickheaded.”
Twitch, Dance Spirit magazine, 2012
The couple got married in December 2013, after three years of dating. They had their first son, Maddox, in 2016, and their daughter, Zaia, in 2019. Twitch also adopted Holker’s child Weslie.
The pair reportedly worked great as a couple, raising their children in a loving home with no scandal or controversies. Holker and Twitch even worked great professionally as they hosted the Disney+ show “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings,” a documentary-style show featuring weddings at Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line.
Twitch’s Shocking Death
A few days after his 9th wedding anniversary, Twitch would be found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His death came as a shock to everyone, especially to Holker. Fans were in disbelief as Twitch would often appear as the happiest person on camera whenever present.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us… Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans. To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”
Allison Holker, People magazine, 2022
I’m heartbroken… tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”
Ellen DeGeneres, Instagram post, 2022
Despite the tragedy, Holker came under attack, with people making speculations and rumors as to the cause of the dancer’s suicide. Many were also asking how Holker missed the signs or didn’t see any indicators of the former DJ’s failing mental health. Holker managed to get through the negativity and thanked their fans for their support.
Twitch’s Acting and Dancing Legacy
Twitch first auditioned for “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2007 for the show’s third season but didn’t make it to the Top 20. He auditioned a second time in 2008 for season four and eventually ended up as second runner-up in the finale. His contemporary performance with Katee Shean during season four was nominated for an Emmy in the choreography category in the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards.
Twitch appeared in eight films in total, including “The Blades of Glory” and “Hairspray” in 2007, “Stomp the Yard” in 2010, All three “Step Up” films throughout 2010-2014, “Magic Mike XXL” in 2015, and “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” in 2022.
After competing, he was also a constant talent, choreographer, and judge in shows like “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He also appeared in the web series “The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers.”
Was Twitch Gay?
No, Twitch was not gay. Twitch only had one publicly-known long-term heterosexual relationship. He never commented or made any statements alluding to his sexuality or gender orientation. Twitch had also refrained from making a statement in support of or against him being a homosexual.
Featured Image: “Twitch”, by Entertainment Tonight, licensed under CC BY 3.0 DEED