Channing Tatum delivered an emotional speech at the Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony in Los Angeles, honoring his late friend and Magic Mike XXL co-star, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, three years after his passing. With his heartfelt remarks, Tatum reaffirmed the strong impression Boss left on his life and the dance community, using his Channing Tatum tribute tWitch Boss to acknowledge their connection and Boss’ inspiring legacy.
Reflections on Friendship and Influence
Tatum began his tribute by becoming visibly emotional, reminding the crowd of the promise he made to himself to hold back tears during the ceremony. He shared memories and stories that highlighted Boss’ influential presence on set and in the lives of those around him. According to Tatum,
“I do this because tWitch made me laugh all the time,”
—Channing Tatum, Actor. He emphasized that celebrating Boss in this way was truly an honor, stating,
“But to say that it is an honor to sit up here and talk about that man is an understatement to say the least.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor.
The actor took a moment to recognize that others may have known Stephen Boss longer or more intimately, yet he cherished the significant time he had working with him. Tatum recounted,
“I got to work with him, and I got to work with him for a good amount of time,”
—Channing Tatum, Actor.
Celebrating Boss’ Energy and Kindness
As a video montage played during the event, Tatum described its emotional impact:
“As I was just sitting here watching that video, and you just see his face and it all, you really need to see,”
—Channing Tatum, Actor. He praised Boss as
“one of the most brilliant, [bright] people,”
—Channing Tatum, Actor, and continued,
“He just loved so big. He just loves so big and that’s why he just shines so much.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor.
Tatum also talked about Boss’ welcoming nature and supportive spirit, explaining how he made everyone around him feel valued and inspired to improve.
“He accepted you for who you were, who you wanted to be or wherever you were going,”
—Channing Tatum, Actor. He emphasized Boss’ constant willingness to help others, saying,
“He wanted to help, and he wanted to be there.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor.
Lasting Bonds and Shared Roots
In a lighthearted moment, Tatum admitted to having a “man crush” on Boss, which he humorously attributed to their shared Alabama roots.
“Maybe it was because we’re both from Alabama, and I just felt some sort of kinship to him,”
—Channing Tatum, Actor. He fondly added,
“Roll Tide, by the way. I’m sure he yelled it back and is laughing at me right now. It was an honor to know him. It was an honor to call him a friend, and I will see him again.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor.
Boss’ Enduring Legacy in the Dance World
Stephen tWitch Boss, known for his roles in hip hop dance and as a vibrant figure both onscreen and off, passed away on December 13, 2022, at age 40. Channing Tatum’s tribute at the renowned Los Angeles event highlighted the outpouring of love and respect Boss inspired in his peers, such as those who attended the Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony. The poignant speech reinforced Boss’s role as a beacon in the dance community, and Tatum’s words are likely to resonate with audiences for years to come. Boss’s legacy lives on in those he touched, through his artistry, kindness, and the memories recalled by friends like Tatum.
