Bill Kenwright: Everton Chairman and theatre producer dies. Everything you should know about him
Everton Chairman, an acclaimed theatre personality and a well-known film producer Bill Kenwright, has died at the age of 78. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. Kenwright underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver eight weeks ago. He was in intensive care after complications during surgery. Earlier this month, he hoped to return home. He was expected to make a “lengthy but complete” recovery.
Everton mourns
Expressing grief at his death, Everton said in a statement on Tuesday that they had lost «a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration.» The statement 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.»
Kenwright's family confirmed the death and said in a statement that he «passed away peacefully» on Monday night «surrounded by his family and loved ones». The 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.»
On Everton's board since 1989
Kenwright has been on the board at Everton since 1989, taking over as Chairman at Goodison Park in 2004. He led the consortium that bought out the former owner Peter Johnson 10 years later. The club endured the longest trophy drought in its history and many stadium projects collapsed on his watch. In 2016, Kenwright sold the majority of his stakes to Farhad Moshiri, who allowed him to remain as chairman.
Successful theatre producer
He was one of the most successful theatre producers in the UK. Kenwright also played Gordon Clegg in 'Coronation Street' between 1968 and 2012. He was awarded a CBE
