Channing Tatum spoke candidly about his admiration for Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss at the Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony in Los Angeles on December 3, 2025, reflecting on their time together in the film Magic Mike XXL and his feelings of kinship. The emotional tribute highlighted the Channing Tatum man crush tWitch connection, as Tatum remembered his late friend and co-star, who passed away in December 2022.
Recalling the First Impression and Building a Friendship
The 45-year-old actor, known for his vibrant presence and roles in hits like Magic Mike XXL, recalled his fond first memories of watching tWitch perform on So You Think You Can Dance. Tatum revealed that he was captivated by Boss’s remarkable dance abilities and humor, sparking an immediate sense of admiration and camaraderie. Remembering the energy tWitch brought to their film set and daily lives, Tatum emphasized just how significant the late performer was to everyone who encountered him.
Heartfelt Words from Channing Tatum During the Ceremony
During his speech at the Los Angeles ceremony, Tatum spoke openly about his emotional connection with tWitch, fighting back tears as he addressed the audience.
“I do this because tWitch made me laugh all the time. But to say that it’s an honour to sit up here and talk about that man is an understatement to say the least. I sat for a while, and I was like, ‘What am I going to tell them?’ Because lots of people here might’ve known tWitch much longer or more intimate than I did. I got to work with him, and I got to work with him for a good amount of time.”
— Channing Tatum, Actor.
The actor described tWitch’s authenticity and energy that impacted not only their colleagues but also friends and fans.
“He just was one of the most brilliant, bright (people). He just loved so big. He just loves so big and that’s why he just shines so much.”
— Channing Tatum, Actor.
A Unique Kinship on and off the Set
Tatum opened up about how tWitch’s unique approach inspired awe, especially considering their similar backgrounds. Working closely in Magic Mike XXL, Tatum said his first impressions from Boss’s television appearances only grew stronger as they shared the stage in the film.
“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 p***** 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.”
— Channing Tatum, Actor.
According to Tatum, Boss had an undeniable presence that uplifted those around him and encouraged others to aspire for more.
“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.”
— Channing Tatum, Actor.
Personal Reflections, Tribute, and Ongoing Legacy
Channing Tatum reminisced about feeling a sense of kinship with Boss because they both hailed from Alabama. He humorously credited this connection as a reason behind his “man crush” and shared his gratitude for the friendship that developed. In his tribute, Tatum expressed his honor for having had Boss as a friend, underlining the profound impact Boss had on both his friends and colleagues.
“It was an honour to know him. It was an honour to call him a friend, and I will see him again.”
— Channing Tatum, Actor.
The emotional speech at the Dance Hall of Fame Ceremony not only commemorated Boss’s significant contributions to dance and film but also cemented his legacy as someone who brought light and joy to those around him. Channing Tatum’s passionate recollections serve as a testament to enduring friendships within the entertainment world and highlight how the presence of a remarkable individual like Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss continues to inspire long after his passing.
