Bill Kenwright, the chairman of Everton FC and theatre producer has been confirmed dead aged 78. How he died, career, and fortune explored.
Born in the Wavertree area of Liverpool, Bill Kenwright was an English West End theatre producer and film producer.
Inspired by his idol, Everton center forward Dave Hickson, Bill served as the chairman of the football club, Everton FC.
In October 2023, the world learned about his death, and following the tragic news, many want to know more about his career, his cause of death, and his net worth.
What was Bill Kenwright’s cause of death?
Bill Kenwright has died at the age of 78, his family announced today.
Kenwright had undergone surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver in August. Complications during surgery led to him spending a prolonged period in intensive care before he returned home two weeks ago, per MailOnline.
A statement released today through his company said: ‘Following a long battle with illness Bill passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
‘Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created. He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.
‘In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound.
‘During his time as majority shareholder and Chairman of Everton FC, Bill led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football. We will remember him with huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue.
‘A celebration of Bill’s life and career will be announced in due course. At this very difficult time we ask for privacy and respect for Bill’s family and friends.’
Bill Kenwright’s tributes flood social media
Stars from the world of acting also shared their sadness. Sir Ian McKellen said: ‘Like many grateful actors I am in debt to Bill Kenwright for employment. Frank & Percy at his The Other Place will be his last theatre production. And The Critic will be his last film.
‘We were young together, when he was in Coronation Street and I was dipping a toe into Shaftesbury Avenue.
‘Since then, I have admired the resilient way in which he encouraged theatre to thrive in London and in the regions whether it was yet another tour of that wonderful musical Blood Brothers or sponsoring the Peter Hall Company in the classics.
‘In private, Bill relished gossip and loved to reminisce. 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 football. The city that gave us The Beatles and two major football teams, also bred a unique impresario.
‘Whether the West End lights will be turned off in his memory, certainly our business will be dimmer now he has gone.’
Comedian and actor Julian Clary added: ‘RIP Bill Kenwright. I’m forever grateful to him for giving me the chance to play the Emcee in Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue in 2007. After the first night he said to me “You’re so brave…so brave!”‘
TV presenter Jason Manford also paid tribute, writing: ‘Saddened to hear Bill Kenwright has died. Met up with him several times over the years as we attempted to work together so very sad that will now never happen. Was always funny and honest and with a deep love for theatre and football. Will be sadly missed.’
And singer Antony Costa paid tribute, writing in a post on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Just heard the news my friend, and mentor and the person who gave me the chance to perform on stage Mr Bill Kenwright has passed away.
‘You were one in a million Sir… we loved talking football R.I.P Bill xx’
What was Bill Kenwright’s net worth?
Everton chairman and legendary West End theatre impresario behind Blood Brothers, Joseph, and Fame Bill Kenwright died a millionaire.
In a 2015 publication by Mirror on the richest Premier League Club owners, Bill Kenwright was number 18th and he reportedly had an estimated net worth of £33million.
Kenwright made his money as a West End theatre producer and achieved critical acclaim for high-profile shows such as Blood Brothers and Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat.
He is often less acclaimed at Everton where a number of fans regularly query his lack of investment in the club and his perceived reticence in selling up to a richer benefactor.
Bill Kenwright, a reputable figure, had an impressive career
Bill Kenwright was Everton FC chairman and legendary theatre producer.
Born to Hope Kenwright, he enjoyed a breakthrough in acting as a teenager when he was cast in Granada TV’s The Villains, before appearing in several West End musicals.
He joined the cast of Coronation Street in 1968 as Gordon Clegg, but decided to leave the soap at the conclusion of his 12-month contract.
Instead, the up-and-coming star transitioned into theatre production with his company, Bill Kenwright Ltd, which became one of the most successful in the world.
As a director, Bill has been responsible for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita.
He also directed Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman’s Whistle Down The Wind, and was nominated for a London Theatre Critics’ Award for West Side Story at the Shaftesbury Theatre, and a Tony Award for Blood Brothers on Broadway.
Films produced by Kenwright’s company include Cheri, starring Michelle Pfeiffer; The Day After The Fair; Stepping Out; Don’t Go Breaking My Heart; Off The Rails; and Sundance Festival award winner Die, Mommie, Die!; and The Purifiers.
Kenwright was awarded the CBE for his services to film and theatre in the 2001 New Year’s Honours List.
He was one of the country’s leading theatre producers and helped direct Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar.
But the Scouser was perhaps best known for the long-running West End hit Blood Brothers, which ran for 24 years in the West End before playing for three years at Broadway’s Music Box Theatre.
Kenwright forged a love affair with Everton from an early age, inspired by his idol, the center forward Dave Hickson. He had been on the board at Goodison Park since 1989 and was made deputy chairman after buying a 68 percent majority share of the club from Peter Johnson in 1999.
After making a name for himself in the theatre world, Kenwright was invited to join Everton’s board of directors in 1989.
He succeeded Sir Phillip Carter as Everton chairman in 2004.
A year later the Toffees secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers under the guidance of manager David Moyes.
He was persuaded to stay on in the role earlier this year by Farhad Moshiri, who had bought much of Kenwright’s stake in 2016.
His stake eventually fell to 1.3 percent back in 2018.