Inside the Story Behind Stephen 'tWitch' Boss's Famous Nickname

Mar. 15, 2025

The lateStephen “tWitch” Bosschose his nickname based on a poignant time in his life that he never wanted to forget.

In a 2013 interview with AL.com, Boss — whodiedat age 40 on Tuesday — explained that “tWitch” was a nod to the nickname he gave his 1992 Toyota Paseo, a car he described as “super raggedy” that “would accelerate on its own sometimes.”

Boss told the outlet hechose the nickname when he was around 20 years old, as “that was when I first started dancing, going places and teaching dance, and a lot of my dance knowledge and a lot of my dance thoughts took place in that car.”

The Montgomery, Alabama, native added: “Driving from place to place. Whether it was to Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Bessemer, Birmingham, whatever. I’d choreograph in the car.”

Stephen “tWitch” Boss.Amy Sussman/BBMA2020/Getty Images

TheSo You Think You Can Dancealum’s wife,Allison Holker Boss, confirmed the death of herhusband of nine yearsin a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” Allison, 34, shared with PEOPLE exclusively. “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.”

Closing her statement,Allison shared a message for her husband: “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

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In 2014, Boss joinedThe Ellen DeGeneres Showas a guest DJ. He eventually became a permanent fixture on the series and was elevated to co-executive producer status in 2020.

The late star previously co-hostedDisney’s Fairy Tale Weddingswith Allison. He also appeared in many high-profile films and shows, includingMagic Mike XXL,Modern FamilyandStep Up: All In.

source: people.com