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5 of our very favorite moments to remember Stephen 'tWitch' Boss from 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'

tWitch will truly be missed.

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5 best moments from Stephen "tWitch" Boss

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

Stephen "tWitch" Boss died by suicide December 13. His wife, Allison Holker Boss released a statement to People saying, "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."

Anyone that has spent time watching "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" knows who tWitch is. He danced his way into people's hearts on "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2008 before eventually keeping the audience dancing as Ellen's DJ from 2014 until the show ended earlier this year. It was obvious that Boss and Ellen were friends on and off the set.

The laughter always seemed abundant between the two of them and the show wouldn't have been the same without him. Boss became an executive producer on the show during the last few seasons.

Boss also dipped his toe into acting, appearing in the "Step Up" movies, "Magic Mike XXL" and "Hairspray." He also had roles on the small screen, but Ellen is where we got to know his sense of humor and were introduced to his family. There was even an episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" where he danced with his son for Father's Day. Over a span of nearly 10 years on the talk show, there were bound to be moments that stuck out. Below are five of Boss' most memorable moments from "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

1. Snake massage

There was the time that there were talks of a "snake massage" and things got awkward pretty quickly. But you know, Ellen didn't let it end at a little embarrassment for Boss, she upped the ante by giving him a special gift card. You have to watch the video to get the full effect of the moment.

2. Dancing to royalty-free music

Boss was a talented dancer and I don't think anyone would dispute that, but once Ellen put his skills to the test by having him dance to royalty-free music. It's the kind of music that often has no words and can feel a bit like clunky elevator music. Yeah, he danced to that and somehow made it look good.

3. Turning into a robot

With the skill that Boss possessed on the dance floor, others dreamt of dancing with him, so when Dytto, a dancer known for her robotic moves, came on the show, she of course had to dance with the famous tWitch. It was a sweet moment that somehow looked choreographed though it was completely freestyle. I will forever be in awe of people that can move their bodies like that.

4. TikTok dance-off

When Derek Hough stopped by the studio, Boss and the "Dancing With the Stars" alum tried their hand at copying dances from TikTok that popped up behind them. The moment it starts, eyebrows raise and hilarity ensues.

5. Ellen's tWitch tribute

There couldn't be a greatest list without including Ellen. This tribute to tWitch hits a little differently now that he's gone, but it goes to show how true their friendship was.

Since the news of his passing, celebrities and fans have been leaving tributes for the late star. Ellen DeGeneres wrote on Instagram, "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."

One fan, Valerie Nathanson wrote, "Oh no! This is simply shocking news. How tragic. I’m so sorry. The world is left not as good as it was yesterday without him in it."

Another fan, Shannon Diepenbrock wrote, "I can’t. This breaks me down big time. I literally watched Ellen just for him. RIP, Boss, Twitch, you are always going to be missed by so many."

It's clear that Boss left an impression on this world and will truly be missed by all who knew him and those who watched him on television. Most of all, he will be missed by his family.

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Wellness

Ellen has COVID-19. As she recovers, it can be a teaching moment for her millions of fans.

via ellentube / YouTube

Daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres announced she has contracted COVID-19 in a Thursday morning tweet. The announcement comes the day after America had its largest day of deaths caused by the virus.

Over 3,000 Americans succumbed to COIVD-19 on Wednesday. For some perspective, that's more in a single day than were killed in the 9/11 attacks.

DeGeneres joins the 15.4 million Americans who've contracted the virus.

"Hi Everyone," DeGeneres wrote. "I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I'm feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines. I'll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe."

— (@)

Her announcement set a good example for the country because it showed she's handling her illness responsibly by following CDC guidelines.

DeGeneres now has the opportunity to be a good role model by sharing the realities of the disease and how she's keeping herself and those around her safe.

Celebrities like DeGeneres who are a daily part of so many people's lives are in the unique position to affect how the public views the pandemic. The talk show host has an audience of millions and can be a valuable spokesperson to encourage people to wear masks and social distance.

When Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson caught the coronavirus back in March, it was eye-opening for many. Understanding their responsibility to the public, they didn't shy away from sharing their experiences with the virus.

Hanks has since used his fame to remind people of the importance of mask-wearing.

Back in March, before the virus hit its first peak, DeGeneres taught her jam-packed studio audience how to wash their hands to avoid catching the virus.

"I like to keep you up to date on all the latest viral trends," the host told her audience. "And there's a big one sweeping the world right now — it's not a good one — I'm talking about the coronavirus."

"If you haven't heard of it, raise your filthy hand," she joked.

Ellen Wants to Help Protect You from Getting Coronaviruswww.youtube.com

In October, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" was one of the first television shows to return from COVID-induced hiatus with a live in-studio audience. The show allows around 40 people to sit in an audience with a capacity of 300.

The show also has occasional in-studio guests.

DeGeneres announcement comes as her show is experiencing a ratings free-fall after reports of a toxic work environment have plagued it for the past year. A recent report by Buzzfeed revealed that prominent stars have turned down appearances on the show due to its negative reputation and that advertisers are leery of being associated with DeGeneres' tarnished brand.

A spokesperson from Telepictures says the show will stop taping new episodes until January and will air repeat episodes instead.

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This coloring book for LGBTQ people is flying off the shelves and for good reason.

Donald Trump's presidency has rattled young LGBTQ people. In the immediate aftermath of the election, calls to queer youth suicide prevention hotlines spiked. "[Young] people are very anxious about what happened," said Steve Mendelsohn of The Trevor Project. "People are likely scared that their rights are going to be taken away."

The months that followed provided no solace. Trump stacked his administration with anti-LGBTQ leaders and has implemented myriad policy changes that harm queer people. Some evidence even suggests Trump's hostility toward LGBTQ people is emboldening homophobic and transphobic attitudes across the U.S. — and the world.

Ron Holt, an openly gay psychiatrist, was worried about how this administration could be affecting young LGBTQ people.

So he felt inspired to fight back against the bigotry — with coloring books.

In 2017, Holt and his husband developed coloring books for LGBTQ teens and adults.

On each page, colorers see abstract, calming mandala designs complemented with affirming messages and quotes from inspiring leaders.

"When [my husband] Bill and I came out, there weren't any affirmative books available," Holt explains in an email. "We therefore created the affirmative coloring book that we wished we had when we were young and struggling with self acceptance and self love."

A few pages of Holt's Pride coloring book with the designs colored in. Photos courtesy of Ron Holt.

"I am worthy and I fully accept myself," one message reads in the book.

"You are unique," another relays. "Allow yourself to fully embrace all of who you are and become aware of all the ways that you love."

"Even though it may not be safe to be out to others, it is important to be out to yourself," a message states. "When you remain hidden from yourself, you are in effect saying, 'I am not worthy of being acknowledged.'"

Holt's coloring book concept ended up impressing all the right people at "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

If you're going to impress somebody, she's hard to beat, right?

Holt was selected to be in the crowd at the comedian's 60th birthday show taping in January, when audience members were chosen because of their generosity through the show's Million Acts of Kindness campaign.

As Holt learned while in attendance, all guests were given prize money: "[DeGeneres] suggested we 'pay it forward,'" he said. "Her spirit of generosity motivates much of what I do."

With his prize money, Holt decided to take his coloring books up a notch.

Photo courtesy of Ron Holt.

He launched a GoFundMe page in March to help get his Pride coloring books into more hands.

As the fundraiser points out, Holt is supplying the books to advocacy organizations that could benefit — like gay-straight alliance groups in schools, Pride Month event organizers, and various LGBTQ nonprofits.

And lots of groups were interested.

[rebelmouse-image 19346949 dam="1" original_size="750x500" caption="Although the books read "adult" on their covers, they've been created for teenagers and up, Holt explained. Photo courtesy of Ron Holt." expand=1]Although the books read "adult" on their covers, they've been created for teenagers and up, Holt explained. Photo courtesy of Ron Holt.

As of May 10, over 4,360 books had been ordered and mailed to 136 organizations, according to Holt. He's working hard to ensure the fundraiser keeps up with the incredible demand.

"All money raised will go directly to providing coloring books to those who need them most," Holt wrote on GoFundMe, noting that neither he nor his husband is profiting off donations. "Our goal is to make sure each dollar goes directly to help these young people."

The books' purpose is simple: to help young LGBTQ people remember that being queer is a beautiful thing.

"This campaign's goal is to make sure these youth know they are not alone, they are loved, and it is OK to be who they are," Holt explains.

Photo courtesy of Ron Holt.

"LGBTQ young people need our help now — more than ever," he concluded on GoFundMe. "Together, we WILL make a difference in their lives."

To learn more about Holt's coloring book campaign, visit GoFundMe.

Foster kids deserve better. These dads know it. So Ellen helped them out.

Guests on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" often get neat surprise gifts for their selfless deeds, and it's not all that rare for there to be some tears, too.

But some guests and their stories are really something special.

Rob and Reece Scheer — a Maryland couple DeGeneres calls the "dads of the year" — started a nonprofit called Comfort Cases to help kids in foster care. When they sat down with DeGeneres to share their powerful story, it became clear just how much these two dads' life work truly matters for thousands of kids who don't get the love and care they deserve.

As she often does, DeGeneres ended the interview by giving Rob and Reece two well-deserved gifts that left the couple downright speechless.

Watch the emotional clip from "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" below:

If Rob and Reece's story sounds familiar, that may be because they were profiled in an Upworthy video that went viral back in February.

The couple started Comfort Cases to make sure kids in foster care have things to call their own.

The nonprofit provides new duffel bags and backpacks to kids in foster care filled with items they can bring with them wherever they go — pajamas, a soft blanket, a book, stuffed animals, a hygiene kit, and more — so they aren't forced to rely on trash bags to carry their belongings, like many are forced to do.

Right now, Comfort Cases provides services to kids in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. But seeing how great the need is — over 670,000 kids spent time in foster care in the U.S. in 2015 — they hope to eventually take their cause across all 50 states.

At the end of the interview, DeGeneres gave Rob and Reece the most incredible gift of all: a check for $10,000, as well as $40,000 worth of luggage courtesy of Samsonite.

Needless to say, Rob and Reece were over the moon.

[rebelmouse-image 19528609 dam="1" original_size="500x256" caption="GIF via "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"/YouTube." expand=1]GIF via "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"/YouTube.

To learn more about Comfort Cases, visit the organization's website.