Prominent British Theatre Producer and Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright Dies at 78

Beloved producer behind Blood Brothers succumbs to cancer after undergoing liver surgery; remembered for his award-wining six-decade career in the theatrical industry and his pivotal role in securing Everton FC's future.

Bill Kenwright, prominent British theatre producer behind acclaimed musicals such as Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, has died at 78 after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous liver tumor.
Beyond theatre, Kenwright is also remembered for his long-standing association with Everton Football Club, which he supported since childhood, joined the board in 1989, bought a majority stake in 1999, and served as its chairman from 2004 until his death.
Kenwright's theatrical legacy comprises over six decades and more than 500 productions across the West End, Broadway, and international tours, earning him multiple awards including two Tony Awards and a lifetime achievement award from the U.K.’s Theatrical Management Association.
Also known for his work in film, Kenwright produced a variety of movies including “Cheri,” “Broken,” and “The Fanatic,” and was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 for his contributions to theatre and film.
As Everton's chairman, Kenwright navigated the club through numerous challenges and changes, including the sale of half of his stake to British-Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri in 2016 and enduring recent fan protests over club stewardship, nevertheless remaining in his role until his death.