Who was Bill Kenwright’s ex-wife and how many children did they have together?
Everton FC chairman and legendary theater producer Bill Kenwright has died at the age of 78, his family announced on Tuesday.
Bill had 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, helping to direct Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar.
However, the famous 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.
But who were Bill Kenwright’s wife and family?
Scouse legend: Everton FC chairman and legendary theater producer Bill Kenwright has died aged 78, his family announced on Tuesday
Power couple: Jenny Seagrove (left) and Bill (right) began a romance in 1994 and it lasted until the end of his life, which was tragically struck by cancer (pictured together in 2012)
Kiwi woman: Bill first married Kiwi interior designer Anouska Hempel in 1978, but their marriage lasted only two years (pictured in 1978)
Blonde bombshell: the Everton chairman was briefly linked to singer Lynsey de Paul, who was associated with big stars such as Dudley Moore and Sean Connery
Bill first married Kiwi interior designer Anouska Hempel in 1978, but their marriage only lasted two years.
The former Bond girl appeared alongside Joanna Lumley in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service as one of the ‘angels of death’, but later decided to pursue a career in home decorating.
Anouska was ranked at Architectural summary as one of the top 100 interior designers and architects in the world in 2002.
The couple has no children, but a few years after his marriage to the actress and interior designer ended, he pursued a long-term relationship. with the actress Jenny Zeegrove.
The pair began their romance in 1994 and it lasted until the end of Bill’s life, which was tragically struck by cancer.
They appeared together as contestants on a charity edition of ITV1’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and won £1,000. The couple later appeared on the celebrity Pointless in January 2014.
He once had a fruitful relationship with actress Virginia Stride, with whom he had a daughter, Lucy, and was briefly linked in the 1980s with singer Lynsey de Paul, who was once linked to major stars such as Dudley Moore and Sean Connery. .
Past love: He also had a fruitful relationship with actress Virginia Stride, with whom he had a daughter, Lucy, (pictured in 1971)
The loves of his life: daughter Lucy Kenwright (left) pictured with her stepmother and father’s life partner Jenny Seagrove
A statement released through Bill’s company yesterday 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 has been profound.”