Channing Tatum Says He Had a ‘Man Crush’ on Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss in Moving Tribute: 'I Will See Him Again'
Channing Tatum’s Emotional Tribute to tWitch
Channing Tatum couldn’t hold back the tears as he honored the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss at the Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony in Los Angeles on December 3. The actor, 45, delivered a heartfelt speech that celebrated Boss’s infectious energy, remarkable talent, and the profound impact he had on everyone around him. “I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry,” Tatum began, visibly emotional. “But to say that it is an honor to sit up here and talk about that man is an understatement to say the least.” The tribute, coming three years after Boss’s tragic death by suicide at age 40, was a poignant reminder of the dancer’s enduring legacy and the deep affection he inspired in those who knew him.
A Friendship Forged on the Dance Floor
Tatum and Boss first crossed paths on the set of Magic Mike XXL in 2015, but Tatum was already a fan long before that. He recalled being mesmerized by Boss’s performances on So You Think You Can Dance. “My brain just couldn’t wrap itself around how this giant, big, beautiful man was moving the way he was,” Tatum said. “I was a bigger guy, and I couldn’t fathom moving like that, and then he had to go and open his stupid mouth and be funny as well. That pissed me off. I was like, ‘Hold on a second.’ And then he smiles at you and then you fall in love with him, and then that’s just tWitch.” That blend of awe and humor defined their connection, as Tatum discovered a kindred spirit in Boss—both talented, both funny, and both from Alabama.
Admitting a ‘Man Crush’
Tatum didn’t shy away from expressing his admiration, even jokingly calling it a “man crush.” “Maybe it was because we’re both from Alabama and I just felt some sort of kinship to him,” he quipped. “Roll Tide, by the way. I’m sure he yelled it back and is laughing at me right now.” The shared Southern roots added a layer of understanding and camaraderie that Tatum cherished. But beyond geography, it was Boss’s ability to make everyone feel seen and valued that truly drew Tatum in. “He made all of us fall in love with him and he rose everyone in the room,” Tatum said. “He came in the room just, I don’t know, he just filled it up. He filled it up. He made you want to be better at anything that you wanted to be. He accepted you for who you were, who you wanted to be or wherever you were going. He wanted to help and he wanted to be there.”
The Legacy of a Bright Light
Boss’s rise to fame began in the early 2000s as a contestant on MTV’s The Wade Robson Project and later as a runner-up on Star Search. He became a household name through So You Think You Can Dance and as the beloved DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show from 2014 until the series ended in 2022. His death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes from stars like Michelle Obama and Ellen DeGeneres. Tatum himself shared a simple but powerful message on Instagram at the time: “I have no words. There aren’t any. My head or heart can not understand this. There is just so much… i don’t know where to begin. I love you. I’ll see you again my friend. Until then.” Three years later, that sentiment remains unchanged.
A Widow’s Gratitude and Continuing Bond
At the ceremony, Boss’s widow, Allison Holker, also spoke, calling him “an icon and a legend because he excelled at what he did.” Her presence underscored the family’s ongoing efforts to keep his memory alive. Tatum’s tribute echoed that commitment, as he reflected on the qualities that made Boss so special. “He just loved so big. He just loves so big and that’s why he just shines so much,” he said. “He was one of the most brilliant, bright people.” The Dance Hall of Fame honor served as a testament to Boss’s extraordinary talent and the joy he brought to countless fans and colleagues. For Tatum, it was also a chance to publicly acknowledge a friendship that transcended the typical Hollywood connection—a bond built on mutual respect, laughter, and a shared love for dance.
Moving Forward with tWitch’s Spirit
As Tatum closed his speech, he offered a message of hope and enduring friendship. “It was an honor to know him. It was an honor to call him a friend, and I will see him again.” The promise of reunion reflects the deep impact Boss had on Tatum’s life, a impact that continues to resonate. Boss’s story is a reminder that true greatness lies not only in talent but in how we make others feel. Through his kindness, humor, and boundless love, tWitch left an indelible mark on everyone he met—including one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. As Tatum and others carry his memory forward, Boss’s light continues to shine, proving that some connections are eternal.