Bill Kenwright has passed away aged 78.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, an acclaimed West Endtheatre and film producer, has died at the age of 78.
Kenwright had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver eight weeks ago. Today the club released the following statement: ‘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.
‘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.’
He had been on the board at Everton since 1989, taking over as chairman at Goodison Park in 2004 and oversaw 19 seasons as Chairman with the club securing 12 top eight finishes, a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions during that time.
Tributes have since poured in on social media, with countless clubs from across the football pyramid paying their respects to the news.
Sir Ian McKellen, the renowned actor, posted a heartfelt tribute claiming he was ‘in debt’ to Kenwright for helping him early on in his acting career and wrote that ‘Whether the West End lights will be turned off in his memory, certainly our business will be dimmer now he has gone.’
Comedian and stage actor Jason Manford also posted a heartfelt tribute: ‘Saddened to hear Bill Kenwright has died. Met up with him several times over the years as we attempted to work together so very sad that will now never happen. Was always funny and honest and with a deep love for theatre and football. Will be sadly missed.’
Here are some of the tributes from fans and others around football that have been posted on social media:
‘A sombre moment for Everton Football Club and its fans. Bill Kenwright’s contributions will be remembered.’
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‘Don’t let the last few years take away from what Bill Kenwright has done during his time at Everton. A true Blue.’
‘Rest in peace Bill. A very talented actor, theatre producer and an Evertonian who dedicated his life to the club.’
‘He was a key figure at Everton for so long, but he was also an ambassador for Liverpool and for many causes important to the city.’
The home fans will get the chance to pay their regards on November 1, as they welcome Burnley in the fifth-round of the EFL Cup where he will receive a fitting tribute from the Goodison faithful.
Rest in peace, Bill.
