Bill Kenwright, famous for his career as a theatre producer and former actor, has passed away at the age of 78. Sir Ian McKellen has led the tributes to the “unique” impresario who had an extensive career that encompassed over 500 shows in the UK, USA and further afield. Kenwright found himself in the public eye during the 1960s as Gordon Clegg in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, before carving out a career as a theatre producer with a collection of successful shows including Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Willy Russell and Tim Rice respectively.
Kenwright’s dedication to theatre was widely recognised and admired in the industry, highlighted by his tireless encouragement of smaller productions in London and other regions. The prolific impresario was also a vocal supporter of Everton FC. Tributes from actors, writers, and performers have flooded in from all corners of the theatre world, including Michael Crawford, Sir Ian McKellen and Jenny Seagrove, Kenwright’s partner for almost three decades.
Kenwright’s daughter, Lucy, joined his partner and his theatre company in releasing a statement of their devastation at the loss of “a beloved partner, father, grandfather and friend”. They praised Kenwright’s “towering legacy” that spanned across theatre, film, music, and his admiration for Everton football club. Kenwright leaves behind a thriving legacy that will be remembered for many years to come
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