Everton FC’s late chairman Bill Kenwright left a whopping £36million to his loved ones and to charity, according to probate documents.
The legendary theatre producer, who had been in a relationship with actress Jenny Seagrove since 1994, died at the age of 78 in October 2023.
His estate was placed into a trust for his surviving family, which included his daughter Lucy and two grandchildren.
Mr Kenwright’s will stated that some money should be donated to Everton In The Community – a charity that supports people living in the area.
Some cash will also go to Mane Chance Sanctuary, an organisation which rescues abandoned horses, The Sun has reported.
Mr Kenwright’s will was drawn up two months before his death. He left his £4.5million home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire to Ms Seagrove, 68.
Two months before he died, the Scouser underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver.
But complications during the operation led to him spending a prolonged period in intensive care.
He was one of the country’s leading theatre producers and helped direct Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Everton FC’s late chairman Bill Kenwright left a whopping £36million to his loved ones and to charity, according to probate documents
Bill Kenwright and Jenny Seagrove are pictured together in central London in 2006
The producer with stage and screen star Virginia Stride in 1971. He had one daughter with her her and two grandchildren
Mr Kenwright forged a love affair with Everton from an early age, inspired by his idol, the centre forward Dave Hickson.
He had been on the board at Goodison Park since 1989 and was made deputy chairman after buying a 68 per cent majority share of the club from Peter Johnson in 1999.
A statement announcing his death read: ‘Following a long battle with illness Bill passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
‘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.
‘He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.
‘In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been 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 huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue.
The football executive sitting next to England coach Gareth Southgate at Goodison Park in May 2022
The director with Andrew Lloyd Webber at a party following the press night for Whistle Down The Wind at the Hilton Green Park in 2006
‘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 – Mr Kenwright enjoyed a breakthrough in acting 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 in 1968 as Gordon Clegg, but decided to leave the soap at the conclusion of his 12-month contract.
Instead, the up-and-coming star transitioned into theatre production with his company, Bill Kenwright Ltd, which became one of the most successful in the world.
As a director, Bill has been 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 Theatre Critics’ Award for West Side Story at the Shaftesbury Theatre, and a Tony Award for Blood Brothers on Broadway.
Films produced by Mr Kenwright’s company include Cheri, starring Michelle Pfeiffer; The Day After The Fair; Stepping Out; Don’t Go Breaking My Heart; Off The Rails; and Sundance Festival award winner Die, Mommie, Die!; and The Purifiers.
Mr Kenwright was awarded the CBE for his services to film and theatre in the 2001 New Year’s Honours List.
Mr Kenwright in 1978 with his ex wife, the New Zealand actress Anouska Hempel
After making a name for himself in the theatre world, Mr Kenwright was invited to join Everton’s board of directors in 1989.
He succeeded Sir Phillip Carter as Everton chairman in 2004.
A year later the Toffees secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers under the guidance of manager David Moyes.
He was persuaded to stay on in the role earlier this year by Farhad Moshiri, who had bought much of Mr Kenwright’s stake in 2016.
His stake eventually fell to 1.3 per cent back in 2018.
Mr 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 in 2023 denying claims his health issues had impacted the running of the club.
‘Sometimes it’s not easy but there are many worse off than me,’ he said.
‘You may well know that in April 2015, I was advised I had a chronic illness that would probably be with me for the duration.
‘This is, pretty inevitably, only the start of a journey where the issues usually increase. And they have. What you may also know is that most people find a spirit that will not give in and hopefully not be beaten.’
Everton confirmed that up until his surgery in August 2023, Mr Kenwright continued to carry out club duties.
