Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, who appeared in Magic Mike XXL alongside Channing Tatum and Jada Pinkett Smitt, landed the iconic role after Jenna Dewan approached him.
tWitch’s wife Allison Holker confirmed the heartbreaking news to People and remembered the “backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans” in a poignant tribute.
“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” Allison told the outlet. “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.”
The actor, dancer and choreographer had numerous roles on the big screen and many fans are recalling his role in Magic Mike XXL.
Who did Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss play in Magic Mike XXL?
Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss played a dancer called Malik in the 2015 sequel Magic Mike XXL, the second part in the Magic Mike franchise.
Malik is a dancer at Rome’s (played by Jada) entertainment club and dancing rival of Channing’s character Mike.
Prior to his role in Magic Mike, Stephen had a lot of performance experience, including in Star Search, Hairspray and Blades of Glory.
The famed performer appeared in the dancing competition So You Think You Can Dance and several movies in the Step Up franchise, including Step Up 3D and Step Up: Miami Heat.
Stephen studied dance performance at Southern Union State Community College in Alabama and later attended Chapman University.
Remembering our talented friend, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, who brought so much joy to our world.
Our deepest condolences to Allison, their children, and the entire Boss family.
— Disney+ (@DisneyPlus) December 15, 2022
tWitch Magic Mike XXL dance scene
Stephen announced his role in Magic Mike XXL in October 2014 after revealing that Channing had invited him to star in the sequel.
In an interview with Screen Rant in June 2015, Stephen said that actress and Channing’s ex-wife Jenna Dewan was the one who told him about the role when she was guest judging on So You Think You Can Dance.
He told the outlet: “She kind of pulled me aside and said, ‘We’re doing a sequel to Magic Mike and they have an idea for a part for you, your name is being tossed around for a part’ and a little bit of time went by and we had a meeting setup with Channing and the director, Gregory Jacobs and they explained the role of Malik, who was a dancer under Jada’s establishment and asked me if I would be interested.”
The dancer detailed his character’s “healthy rivalry” with Channing’s Mike and told Savannah Morning News in another interview: “My character meets the guys when they are on the road trip, I bring out different elements of performance in the guys that they might not have thought about or are used to.”
Ellen DeGeneres viewers got a sneak peak at tWitch’s dance scene in Magic Mike XXL which you can watch down below.
Magic Mike co-stars remember tWitch
Many of Stephen’s co-stars are mourning his death as tributes have poured in for the famed dancer and actor.
Channing wrote in an Instagram tribute: “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.”
“I woke up this morning to the news that tWitch is gone,” Jada wrote in another tribute. “My heart aches for his wife Allison and their children Weslie, Maddox and Zaia. My condolences to all his loved ones that he has left behind. We had a lot of good times on the set of Magic Mike.
She continued: “He was so sweet, kind and generous. So many people suffer in silence. I wish he could have known that he didn’t have to. May his beautiful, shining soul rest in the arms of the Great Supreme and may that same Higher Power heal the shattered hearts of his loved ones.”
