Bill Kenwright dies aged 78 - Everton statement, updates and tributes

Bill Kenwright has died, Everton have confirmed this afternoon.

The 78-year-old chairman of the club had suffered with health issues for some time and recently had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver. Kenwright, a lifelong Everton supporter who was born in Wavertree and found success within the arts world, joined the board of directors at Goodison Park in 1989.

He rose to become the club’s deputy chairman, purchased a majority share in Everton in 1999 and was appointed chairman in 2004, a role that he has held since. He was active in club matters up until the procedure, including in the summer transfer business and talks surrounding the proposed takeover of Everton by US firm 777 Partners.

We will bring you the latest updates as tributes pour in from the across the Everton community and wider football world.

Key Events

• Bill Kenwright passes away

'I am in debt to Bill Kenwright'

Actor Sir Ian McKellen has paid his respects, saying:"Bill Kenwright (1945-2023).

"Like many grateful actors I am in debt to Bill Kenwright for employment. "Frank & Percy" at his @TheOtherPalace will be his last theatre production. And "The Critic," will be his last film ….

"We were young together, when he was in Coronation Street and I was dipping a toe into Shaftesbury Avenue. Since then, I have admired the resilient way in which he encouraged theatre to thrive in London and in the regions …… whether it was yet another tour of that wonderful musical "Blood Brothers" or sponsoring the Peter Hall Company in the classics. In private, Bill relished gossip and loved to reminisce ….

"He seemed to have known everyone in the business and to care about them. Yet every chat would vere round to his equal passion – Everton football.