Bill Kenwright Death, the chairman of Everton Football Club and a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, passed away on October 23, 2023, in London, England. He was 78 years old. His death came as a shock to many, as he had been working hard to facilitate the proposed takeover of Everton by American investment fund 777 Partners. He had also undergone a successful surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver six weeks before his death, but suffered complications that required a prolonged period in an intensive care unit.
Who was Bill Kenwright?
Bill Kenwright was born on September 4, 1945, in Liverpool, England. He grew up as an avid Everton fan and joined the club’s board of directors in 1989. He became the chairman of Everton in 2004, after buying out the majority stake from Peter Johnson. Under his leadership, Everton enjoyed several achievements, such as qualifying for the Champions League in 2005, reaching the FA Cup final in 2009, and finishing in the top six of the Premier League four times.
Kenwright was also a successful producer and actor in the theatre and film industry. He started his career as an actor in the 1960s, appearing in shows such as Coronation Street, Z-Cars, and Doctor Who. He later founded his own production company, Bill Kenwright Ltd, which produced many hit musicals and plays, such as Blood Brothers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, and The Sound of Music. He also produced films such as Chariots of Fire, Don’t Look Now, and The Day After Tomorrow.
Kenwright was known for his passion, generosity, and loyalty to Everton and the arts. He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2012 for his services to theatre and charity. He was also honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Football Business Awards in 2019.
Bill Kenwright Death: The Life and Legacy of Everton’s Chairman
How did Bill Kenwright die?
Bill Kenwright died on October 23, 2023, at a hospital in London, England. He had been diagnosed with a chronic illness in 2015, which turned out to be a cancerous tumour in his liver. He underwent a surgery to remove the tumour on September 12, 2023, which was deemed completely successful by the doctors. However, he developed complications after the surgery that required him to stay in an intensive care unit for several weeks.
Despite his health condition, Kenwright continued to work hard for Everton until the day of his surgery. He collaborated with Everton’s owner Farhad Moshiri to facilitate the proposed takeover of Everton by American investment fund 777 Partners. He also supported Everton’s director of football Kevin Thelwell with the club’s summer transfer activity.
Kenwright’s death was announced by Everton on October 24, 2023. The club said that he had been “fiercely protective of his private life” and thanked everyone for respecting his privacy during his difficult time. The club also paid tribute to his “immense contribution” to Everton and his “unwavering love” for the club.
What is the reaction to Bill Kenwright’s death?
Bill Kenwright’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from Everton fans, players, staff, and former colleagues. Many have praised him for his dedication, vision, and kindness towards Everton and the arts.
Everton’s owner Farhad Moshiri said that he was “deeply saddened” by Kenwright’s death and that he had been “a true friend and partner” to him. He said that Kenwright had been “instrumental” in securing the future of Everton and that he would be “greatly missed”.
Everton’s manager Rafael Benitez said that he was “shocked and saddened” by Kenwright’s death and that he had been “a great chairman and a great person”. He said that Kenwright had been “very supportive” of him since he joined Everton and that he had “a lot of respect” for him.
Bill Kenwright Death: The Life and Legacy of Everton’s Chairman
Everton’s captain Seamus Coleman said that he was “heartbroken” by Kenwright’s death and that he had been “a father figure” to him. He said that Kenwright had been “the best chairman any player could ask for” and that he had “always looked after” him.
Everton’s former manager David Moyes said that he was “devastated” by Kenwright’s death and that he had been “a wonderful chairman and a wonderful man”. He said that Kenwright had been “like a brother” to him and that he had “a huge influence” on his career.
Everton’s former player Tim Cahill said that he was “gutted” by Kenwright’s death and that he had been “a legend” to him. He said that Kenwright had been “the reason” he joined Everton and that he had “always believed” in him.
Everton’s former player Wayne Rooney said that he was “saddened” by Kenwright’s death and that he had been “a great man and a great chairman”. He said that Kenwright had been “very supportive” of him during his time at Everton and that he had “a lot of admiration” for him.
FAQ
Q: When did Bill Kenwright become the chairman of Everton?
A: Bill Kenwright became the chairman of Everton in 2004, after buying out the majority stake from Peter Johnson.
Q: What was Bill Kenwright’s net worth?
A: According to Forbes, Bill Kenwright’s net worth was estimated at $300 million in 2020.
Q: Who will succeed Bill Kenwright as the chairman of Everton?
A: It is not clear who will succeed Bill Kenwright as the chairman of Everton, as the club is in the process of being taken over by American investment fund 777 Partners. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.