UWL mourns the passing of our Honorary Doctorate recipient Bill Kenwright, CBE (4 September 1945 – 23 October 2023)
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UWL is extremely saddened to hear that West End theatre producer, actor, film producer and chairman of Everton Football Club, Bill Kenwright, CBE, has passed away after a long illness. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UWL in 2013. He was a huge champion for performing arts, an industry friend, and an advocate for the University and London College of Music.
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Bill had a brilliant sense of humour and at his honorary acceptance speech in 2013 he said,
It’s always an important moment for me to receive any kind of recognition for my work, so to receive an honorary doctorate from UWL (whose signage I pass on my way home from football across the country each week!) and to receive it at our beloved Wembley stadium is a double whammy! Hopefully, I will be able to repay the honour the University has bestowed upon me. (Please, though, not from another Everton defeat via Brentford in a cup competition! West London was far too painful on that night)."
Bill was a remarkable man whose career spanned six decades. As an acclaimed UK theatre producer, he was responsible for West End hit ‘Blood Brothers’ and the record-breaking UK tour of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.’ His company Bill Kenwright Ltd is one of the most prolific theatre production companies in the world.
Bill started his career as an actor. At the age of 18, he landed a part in Granada TV's 'The Villains'. He also appeared in ITV drama ‘Coronation Street’ in 1968. He would make occasional guest appearances in the world’s longest running soap opera until 2012.
As a film producer, his credits include the recently completed ‘Cheri’, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Michelle Pfeiffer. He also co-produced the phenomenally successful national arena tour of ‘Elvis - The Concert’ with Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Many people will associate Bill with another of his life-long passions – Everton FC. He became a member of the club’s board in October 1989. He was appointed chairman in the summer of 2004 and remained so until he passed away. Just a year after taking that role, the Blues secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers, ending a near-10 year wait for a return to European football.
Vice-Chancellor and President of UWL, Professor Peter John CBE, said:
Everyone at UWL is upset to hear that Bill Kenwright recently died. He has touched so many lives and leaves an unmatchable legacy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very tough time."
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