Bill Kenwright death updates — Seamus Coleman & Sean Dyche pay tribute at Goodison Park as Everton chairman dies aged 78
EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright has died aged 78, the club has confirmed, as Everton's defender Seamus Coleman leads tributes.
chairman and West End theatre producer Bill passed away "peacefully" on Monday night.
It comes after the Merseyside club recently revealed he was forced to undergo emergency surgery in August to remove a from his liver.
Kenwright has been at the helm of the ship since 2004 - but was the target of protests against the board earlier this year alongside owner Farhad Moshiri and chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale. Outside of football, Kenwright spent time acting and was best known for his role as Gordon Clegg in Coronation Street.
Everton's Seamus Coleman led tributes outside of Goodison Park today alongside the gaffer, Sean Dyche as the pair laid a flower wreath.
Read our Bill Kenwright blog below for the latest updates...
Who is Jenny Seagrove?
Jenny Seagrove, born July 4 1957, is an English actress.
Prior to finding her feet in the world of acting, Seagrove was accepted into one of Britain’s most prestigious theatre schools – the Bristol Old Vic.
She then first came to the public’s attention playing the lead in a television dramatisation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s A Woman of Substance and the 1983 film Local Hero.
Seagrove is also well-known for her role as the character of Jo Mills in the long-running BBC drama series Judge John Deed.
Away from the world of television, she has also been a regular on the West End stage.
Aside from her acting success, Seagrove is an animal rights activist and promotes a vegetarian diet.
Dele pays tribute
Everton and England footballer Dele has paid tribute to the late Bill Kenwright.
Dele joined the Merseyside club in January 2022.
Taking to Instagram he shared the team’s tribute, adding a prayer emoji.
Bill Kenwright's legendary theatre career
A close collaborator of West End kings Sir Tim Rice and , Bill directed their hits Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar.
He was nominated for a London Theatre Critics’ Award for his work on West Side Story and a Tony Award for a Broadway run of Blood Brothers.
He also produced numerous films.
These included 2009 romcom Cheri, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, 2021 hit Heathers: The Musical, and this year’s comedy thriller The Kill Room, starring and , plus crime drama The Critic.
In 2001 he won a CBE for services to film and theatre.
Inside Bill Kenwright's childhood
Bill Kenwright previously spoke of the difficulties his family faced during his youth and the importance of the city of Liverpool to him.
He said: “I don’t think I had an easy childhood. I was very shy, nervous and timid and we weren’t rich.
"In Everton player Dave Hickson I found a sort of guide — he taught me how to dare.
“From my family I had protection and comfort and, in Mum, a spirit that said I could do anything I wanted.
"I wanted to be Errol Flynn and I loved Alan Ladd in (1953 Western) Shane. I didn’t just want to be an actor, I wanted to be a film star.”
When did Bill Kenwright die?
On October 24, 2023, it was announced that Bill had passed away at the age of 78.
He died on Monday, October 23, 2023.
His long-term partner Jenny Seagrove simply wrote on Twitter/X: "I lost my darling Bill last night."
He was one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers.
His production of Blood Brothers ran in the West End for over 24 years.
He first joined the Everton board in 1989 and was the chairman for nearly 20 years.
On October 12, 2023, it was revealed that he had a cancerous tumour removed from his liver.
Who is Lucy Kenwright?
Lucy Kenwright is the only daughter of Bill Kenwright and his former partner Virginia Stride.
Like her parents, Lucy ventured into the world of entertainment, carving her own path in the industry.
As a producer and director, she has created TV content for a wide spectrum of genres.
Her projects include live chat shows, archive documentaries, presenter-history series, and charity appeal films.
When did Bill take over Everton?
A director at Everton from 1989, he became club chairman in 2004 and remained so until his death.
The club played a central role in Bill’s upbringing.
He said: “I was more timid than shy but I could go on my own to Goodison as a kid because I felt safe there.
“When Dave Hickson and that team ran out on to the pitch I was in heaven with my gods. It gave me a feeling of absolute safety.”
Bill Kenwright oversaw many stars
During Bill Kenwright’s time as Everton chairman, many football stars played on the Goodison Park pitch.
Below are some of Everton’s stars during Kenwright’s reign.
- Tim Cahill
- Romelu Lukaku
- Wayne Rooney
- Landon Donovan
- Brian McBride
- Duncan Ferguson
Who is Lucy Kenwright?
Lucy Kenwright is the only daughter of Bill Kenwright and his former partner Virginia Stride.
Like her parents, Lucy ventured into the world of entertainment, carving her own path in the industry.
As a producer and director, she has created TV content for a wide spectrum of genres.
Her projects include live chat shows, archive documentaries, presenter-history series, and charity appeal films.
In 2022, she worked as a producer on TV special Strictly Come Dancing's Greatest Moments, having previously had a hand in 2019's Keep Dancing: 15 Years Of Strictly Magic.
Her other credits include producing the TV movies Strictly Len Goodman, and The Strictly Story: Fake Tan, Tangos & A 10 From Len.
In 2018, she was a series producer on Top Gear, and she worked as an edit producer on TV movie The Paul O'Grady Story in 2017, and series When Ruby Wax Meets in 2021.
In 2020 she was a producer on TV series EastEnders: Secrets From The Square.
Bill Kenwright spent 19 years as chairman
Kenwright was chairman of the Toffees since 2004 after first joining the board in 1989.
Everton previously told how Kenwright had been carrying out his club duties even while recuperating from his op.
chairman and West End theatre producer passed away “peacefully” on Monday night.
Ian Mckellen posts a touching tribute
Actor Ian McKellen has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter to pay tribute to Bill Kenwright.
He wrote: “Bill Kenwright (1945-2023) Like many grateful actors I am in debt to Bill Kenwright for employment. “Frank & Percy” at his @TheOtherPalace 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 ….”
‘Huge impact on me as a person and my career’
Star football player Wayne Rooney paid tribute to Bill Kenwright on X (formerly Twitter).
Rooney started his career at Everton playing from 2002-2004 and returning for a stint from 2017-2018.
Rooney : “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 [blue heart emoji]”
Liverpool FC pays tribute
Everton rivals Liverpool have taken to their X account (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to Bill Kenwright.
The club : “Rest in peace, Bill Kenwright. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Bill’s family, friends, and everyone at @Everton.”
Below the kind words is a black and white picture of Everton chairman speaking.
When did Bill Kenwright marry Anouska Hempel?
The late Bill Kenwright was Anouska’s second husband.
The pair wed in 1978, before divorcing two years later.
Before Bill, Anouska married Constantine Hempel in 1964, and together they had a son and daughter.
He was a journalist and property developer who was killed in 1973, after his car crashed into a basement in Pimlico.
After Bill, Anouska married her third husband. financier Mark Weinberg.
The couple were wed in 1980 and have a son called Jonathan.
Everton’s achievements during Bill Kenwright’s time as chairman
Everton achieved a lot of success with Bill Kenwright as the chairman, below are some of the accomplishments of the team.
- 12 top eight finishes
- Top four finish in 2005
- 2009 FA Cup final appearance
- European qualification on 6 separate occasions
Bill was surrounded by loved ones
Kenwright's heartbroken family said he died surrounded by those he loved after a "long battle with illness".
Just weeks ago the grandfather went under the knife after a growth was found on his liver.
The former actor, who played Gordon Clegg in Coronation Street, was then forced to stay in intensive care due to complications with the surgery.
Kenwright was not released from hospital until earlier this month, but it was then he was told he could continue his treatment at home.
When did Bill take over Everton?
A director at Everton from 1989, he became club chairman in 2004 and remained so until his death.
The club played a central role in Bill's upbringing.
He said: “I was more timid than shy but I could go on my own to Goodison as a kid because I felt safe there.
"When Dave Hickson and that team ran out on to the pitch I was in heaven with my gods. It gave me a feeling of absolute safety.”
Bill Kenwright valued privacy
Despite his fame, Bill Kenwright was an intensely private man and hated being interviewed.
He said: “People don’t understand this about me because I shout my productions to the rooftops and love talking about Everton.”
He added: “I am very private, but can only talk in one way — though I don’t want to come across as a passionate buffoon.”
What have Bill's family said?
His family said: “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.
Dele pays tribute
Everton and England footballer Dele has paid tribute to the late Bill Kenwright.
Dele joined the Merseyside club in January 2022.
Taking to Instagram he shared the team's tribute, adding a prayer emoji.
Who is Jenny Seagrove?
Jenny Seagrove, born July 4 1957, is an English actress.
Prior to finding her feet in the world of acting, Seagrove was accepted into one of Britain's most prestigious theatre schools - the Bristol Old Vic.
She then first came to the public's attention playing the lead in a television dramatisation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance and the 1983 film Local Hero.
Seagrove is also well-known for her role as the character of Jo Mills in the long-running BBC drama series Judge John Deed.
Away from the world of television, she has also been a regular on the West End stage.
Aside from her acting success, Seagrove is an animal rights activist and promotes a vegetarian diet.
When did Bill Kenwright marry Anouska Hempel?
The late Bill Kenwright was Anouska's second husband.
The pair wed in 1978, before divorcing two years later.
Before Bill, Anouska married Constantine Hempel in 1964, and together they had a son and daughter.
He was a journalist and property developer who was killed in 1973, after his car crashed into a basement in Pimlico.
After Bill, Anouska married her third husband. financier Mark Weinberg.
The couple were wed in 1980 and have a son called Jonathan.
What has Everton said?
Everton have released a club statement following the tragic news of Bill Kenwright’s passing.
The club said: “Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
“Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
“A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.
“In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.
“The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
Tim Cahill remembers Bill Kenwright
Former Everton star Tim Cahill took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay his respects to the late Bill Kenwright.
The football star played for the club from 2004 up until 2012 when he left to play for the MLS.
Cahill : "Im devastated to hear about the passing of Mr Everton Bill Kenwright [blue heart emoji]"
"I can't thank you enough Chairman for giving me the opportunity to play for our club and the support throughout my career on and off the park. I'll miss our calls and stories about Everton. RIP CHAIRMAN [blue heart emoji]"
Fans share heartfelt stories
Fans have begun to share stories on social media of the kindness Bill Kenwright showed to them in times of need.
One fan : “We kept this quiet at the time, but when Laura was first having treatment in Germany for #BrainCancer Bill Kenwright donated £50k to make it possible.
“No fuss, no publicity, just genuine kindness from a real gentleman & a true blue. Rest in peace Bill & thank you. [three blue heart emojis]”