Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, an acclaimed West End theatre and film producer, has died at the age of 78.
Everton announced Kenwright’s death on Tuesday. The club said he died peacefully Monday, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
“The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration,” Everton said in a statement.
Who was Bill Kenwright?
Bill Kenwright was an English West End theatre producer and film producer. He was also the chairman of Everton Football Club for two decades, from 2004 until his death in 2023.
Kenwright was born in Liverpool and attended Booker Avenue County Primary School, and then Liverpool Institute High School for Boys from 1957 to 1964.
He appeared in school productions (including Shylock in The Merchant of Venice) on the stage in the Mount Street building (predecessor to LIPA). He was also treasurer of the Christian Union at school.
Kenwright was a judge in the 2007 BBC One television series Any Dream Will Do.
He was born William Kenwright in Liverpool on 4 September 1945 and attended Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, where he developed his passion for acting and theatre.
He became one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers, best known for the long-running West End hit Blood Brothers and the record-breaking UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
He also produced many other popular shows, such as Cabaret, Scrooge, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita.
He joined the board of Everton Football Club in 1989 and became its chairman in 2004.
He was a lifelong fan of the club and helped secure its financial stability and new stadium project.
However, he also faced criticism for the club’s lack of trophies and managerial changes.
Bill Kenwright was widely respected and admired in the theatre and football worlds.
He was awarded a CBE in 1997 for his services to the arts. He was described by Everton as “a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration.
About Bill Kenwright’s Wife
Kenwright was married twice in his life. His first wife was actress Anouska Hempel, whom he married in 1978 and divorced in 1980.
His second wife was actress Jenny Seagrove, whom he married in 1994 and remained with until his death.
Seagrove is best known for her roles in A Woman of Substance, The Guardian, and Judge John Deed.
She is also an animal rights activist and a singer.
About Bill Kenwright’s Children
Bill Kenwright had one child, a daughter named Lucy Kenwright.
She is the product of his relationship with actress Virginia Stride, whom he dated before marrying Anouska Hempe.
Lucy Kenwright is also involved in the theatre industry as a producer and director.
She worked with her father on several shows, such as The Sound of Music, Cabaret, and Dreamboats and Petticoats.
She also has a son named William, who is Bill Kenwright’s grandson.
About Bill Kenwright’s Parents
Bill Kenwright’s parents were Albert and Hope Kenwright. They were both from Liverpool, England.
Albert Kenwright was a builder and a musician, who played the piano and the accordion. He died in 1995 at the age of 82.
Hope Kenwright was a homemaker and a devout Christian, who encouraged Bill to join the Christian Union at school.
She died in 2012 at the age of 96. Bill Kenwright often credited his parents for his success and said they were his “greatest inspiration”,
About Bill Kenwright’s Siblings
Bill Kenwright had one brother, named Tom Kenwright. He was also from Liverpool and was involved in the theatre industry as a producer and director.
He worked with his brother on some shows, such as The Sound of Music and Cabaret.
He also supported Everton Football Club and was a close friend of former manager David Moyes.
About Bill Kenwright’s Family Members
Here is a list of Bill Kenwright’s family names:
Spouses: Anouska Hempel1 and Jenny Seagrove.
Children: Lucy Kenwright.
Grandchildren: William.
Parents: Albert and Hope Kenwright.
Siblings: Tom Kenwright.
About Bill Kenwright’s Net worth
Bill Kenwright’s net worth was estimated to be between $100,000 and $9 million at the time of his death.
He acquired his wealth from his successful career as a film and theatre producer, as well as the chairman of Everton Football Club.
About Bill Kenwright Death cause
Kenwright died on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the age of 78.
He had been battling cancer for several years and had complications after surgery to remove a tumor from his liver.
He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
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