Bill Kenwright dies aged 78: Everton chairman and legendary West End theatre impresario behind Blood Brothers, Joseph and Fame passes away days after returning home from surgery on cancerous liver tumour

Everton FC chairman and legendary theater producer Bill Kenwright has died aged 78, his family announced today.

Kenwright had undergone surgery in August to remove a cancerous tumor from his liver. Complications during the operation saw him spend an extended period in intensive care before returning home two weeks ago.

He was one of the country’s leading theater producers and helped direct it Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar.

But the Scouser was perhaps the most famous 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 had a love affair with Everton from an early age, inspired by his idol, striker Dave Hickson. He had been on the Goodison Park board since 1989 and was made vice-chairman after buying a 68 percent majority share in the club from Peter Johnson in 1999.

He had been in a relationship with actress Jenny Seagrove since 1994, after a two-year marriage to actress and interior designer Anouska Hempel. He is survived by a daughter from a previous relationship with stage and film star Virginia Stride, as well as two grandchildren.

A statement released through his company today said: ‘After a long battle with the disease, Bill passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his family and loved ones.

“Bill was driven by his passions and dedicated his life to them; his deep love for theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created. He touched the lives of thousands of people, whether through launching careers or through his undying loyalty, generosity and unwavering friendship and support.

‘In a multi-award winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced more than 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theater productions, films and music albums. His impact on the art industry was 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 great love and admiration – the shows will of course go on as he would have wanted, 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.”

Born in Wavertree on September 4, 1945 – four months after VE Day – Kenwright enjoyed an acting breakthrough 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 as Gordon Clegg in 1968, but decided to leave the soap at the end of his twelve-month contract.

Instead, the rising star turned to theater production with his company, Bill Kenwright Ltd, which became one of the most successful in the world.

As a director, Bill was 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 Theater 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 break my heart; Off the rails; and winner of the Sundance Festival award Die, Mommie, Die!; and the purifiers.

Kenwright was awarded the CBE for services to film and theater in the 2001 New Year’s Honors List.

After making a name for himself in the theater world, Kenwright was invited to join Everton’s board of directors in 1989.

He succeeded Sir Phillip Carter as chairman of Everton in 2004.

A year later, the Toffees secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers under manager David Moyes.

He was persuaded to stay in the role earlier this year by Farhad Moshiri, who had bought a large chunk of Kenwright’s shares in 2016.

His stake eventually fell to 1.3 percent in 2018.

Kenwright had become an unpopular figure with large sections of the club’s supporters amid Everton’s struggles on the pitch.

He published an open letter to fan groups earlier this year, denying claims that his health problems had affected the club’s running.

“Sometimes it’s not easy, but there are many worse off than me,” he said.

‘You may know that in April 2015 I was told that I had a chronic illness that would probably stay with me for the rest of my life.

‘This is almost inevitably just the beginning of a journey in which the problems usually increase. And they did. What you may also know is that most people find a spirit that will not give in and hopefully will not be defeated.’

Everton had confirmed that Kenwright had continued with his club duties until his operation in August.

This included working with Moshiri to facilitate the proposed takeover by investment group 777 Partners and supporting the club’s football director Kevin Thelwell with his summer transfer activities.

Tributes have poured in for the star, including from Everton rivals Liverpool FC, who tweeted: ‘Rest in peace, Bill Kenwright. “The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Bill’s family, friends and everyone at Everton.”

Stars from the acting world also shared their grief. Sir Ian McKellen said: “Like many grateful actors, I am indebted to Bill Kenwright for work. Frank & Percy in The Other Place will be his last theater production. And The Critic will be his last film.

‘We were young together, when he was in Coronation Street and I dipped a toe into Shaftesbury Avenue.

‘Since then I have admired the resilient way in which he encouraged theater in London and across the regions to flourish, whether it was yet another tour of that wonderful musical Blood Brothers or sponsoring the Peter Hall Company in the classics.

‘In private, Bill enjoyed gossiping and reminiscing. He seemed to know and care about everyone in the company.

‘Yet every conversation was about his equally great passion: Everton football. The city that gave us The Beatles and two great football teams has also produced a unique impresario.

“Whether or not the lights on the West End will be turned off in his memory, our business will certainly be weaker now that he is gone.”

Comedian and actor Julian Clary added: “RIP Bill Kenwright. I am forever grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to play the Emcee in Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue in 2007. After the first night he said to me, “You are so brave… so brave! “

TV presenter Jason Manford also paid tribute, writing: ‘Saddened to hear that Bill Kenwright has passed away. I’ve met him several times over the years when we tried to work together, so sad that will never happen now. Was always funny and honest and with a deep love for theater and football. Will be sadly missed.”

And singer Antony Costa paid tribute, writing in a message on is deceased.

‘You were one in a million sir…we loved talking about football RIP Bill xx’