Get to know “What Was Bill Kenwright Illness Before Death?” According to report ‘Bill Kenwright: Everton chairman and theatre producer dies aged 78’ Bill Kenwright, a prominent figure in both the West End theater world and his long-standing role as chairman of Everton Football Club, has passed away at the age of 78.
A statement from Everton Football Club, posted on their official social media account, announced the sad news: “Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the loss of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who peacefully passed away last night at the age of 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
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Bill Kenwright Wiki And Bio
Born in Liverpool, Bill Kenwright initially gained recognition in the entertainment industry as an actor, with a breakthrough role portraying the entrepreneurial Gordon Clegg in Coronation Street. However, he later transitioned to a successful career as a theater and film producer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kenwright contributed to numerous hits, including Willy Russell’s musical “Blood Brothers” and the iconic “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Yet, in the city of his birth, he was perhaps best known as the steadfast chairman of Everton, the club he had supported since his youth.
Hailing from the Wavertree district in Liverpool, just a stone’s throw from the club’s stadium, Kenwright’s passion for Everton was ignited by his childhood hero, Dave Hickson, an Everton forward.
In 1989, he was invited to join the board of directors at Goodison Park and eventually ascended to the role of deputy chairman before orchestrating a significant £20 million takeover in 1999.
By 2004, Kenwright had assumed the position of chairman, and under his stewardship, the club achieved a long-awaited return to European competition by qualifying for the Champions League in 2005 under the management of David Moyes.
In 2016, Kenwright divested half of his stake in Everton to British-Iranian entrepreneur Farhad Moshiri, though he remained in his role as chairman. Over the following six years, Moshiri continued to increase his ownership share in the club.
However, in September, Kenwright reached an agreement to sell his 94% stake to American investment fund 777 Partners, pending regulatory approval.
What Was Bill Kenwright Illness Before Death?
Bill Kenwright passed away on October 10, 2023 at the age of 78. His cause of death was not disclosed to the public, but he had been in declining health for several months.
Kenwright was a British theater producer and manager. He was the founder of Bill Kenwright Ltd., one of the largest independent theater production companies in the UK. He produced over 200 West End shows, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, and Blood Brothers.
Kenwright was also a successful businessman. He owned several theaters in London and the provinces, and he also had a successful career in television and radio. He was a regular panelist on the BBC Radio 4 show Desert Island Discs.
Kenwright was a passionate advocate for the British theater industry. He was a vocal supporter of the arts and was a strong critic of government cuts to arts funding. He was also a generous philanthropist and supported many charities, including the Royal Theatrical Fund and the Stage Benevolent Fund.
Kenwright was a charismatic and larger-than-life figure. He was a beloved member of the British theater industry and will be deeply missed.
Rooney leads tributes to a ‘big inspiration’
Wayne Rooney, former Everton and England forward: “Devastated to hear the sad news about Bill Kenwright. Known Bill since I was young and he’s had a huge impact on me as a person and my career. Great man and a big inspiration. Thoughts are with all Bill’s family and friends.”
Jamie Carragher, ex-Liverpool and England defender: “Really sad news this. A huge Evertonian who served and loved his club to bits. I’ll never forget his and Everton’s support every year around the Hillsborough memorial. RIP Bill.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Everton fan: “It does feel like the end of an era, Bill was a big-hearted person. Such generosity and backed so many people that needed help, perhaps people did not see that in the media.
“He had a deep love for his club and the city he was from, it is an emotional night.”
Actor Sir Ian McKellen: “Like many grateful actors I am in debt to Bill Kenwright for employment. He seemed to have known everyone in the business and to care about them. Yet every chat would veer round to his equal passion – Everton.”
Facts To Know About Bill Kenwright
Here are some facts to know about Bill Kenwright:
- He was a successful actor before becoming a theatre producer and film producer.
- He has produced over 200 West End shows, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita.
- He has also produced several films, including Cheri, The Day After the Fair, and Stepping Out.
- He has been the chairman of Everton Football Club since 2004.
- He was awarded a CBE in 2010 for his services to the arts.
Here are some additional facts about Bill Kenwright:
- He was born in Liverpool, England, on 4 September 1945.
- He studied at Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, where he appeared in school productions.
- He began his acting career in the late 1960s, appearing in television shows such as The Villains and Z-Cars.
- He made his West End debut in 1973 in the musical Hair.
- He produced his first West End show, Evita, in 1978.
- He has been a judge on several talent shows, including Any Dream Will Do and Superstar.
- He is a patron of several charities, including Everton in the Community and the NSPCC.
