Ian McKellen has led the tributes to theatre and film producer Bill Kenwright, saying that showbusiness "will be dimmer now he has gone."
The Everton FC chairman died at the age of 78 "surrounded by his family and loved ones", according to an official statement posted on the club's website.
Theatre and film production company Bill Kenwright Limited said in a statement published on Tuesday that he had died following a "long battle with illness" and "passed away peacefully last night".
McKellen, 84, who starred in 2023 film The Critic which was co-produced by Kenwright, penned a tribute to the football chair on X, formerly Twitter.
Bill Kenwright (1945-2023)
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) October 24, 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 …. pic.twitter.com/w9qlOwzi26
He said: "Bill Kenwright (1945-2023) Like many grateful actors I am in debt to Bill Kenwright for employment."
He added: "We were young together, when he was in Coronation Street (as Gordon Clegg) 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 veer round to his equal passion – Everton football.
"The city that gave us The Beatles and two major football teams, also bred a unique impresario.
"Whether the West End lights will be turned off in his memory, certainly our business will be dimmer now he has gone."
Also paying tribute to the theatre giant was comedian and actor Julian Clary, who said he would be "forever grateful" to Kenwright.
He said: "RIP Bill Kenwright. I’m forever grateful to him for giving me the chance to play the Emcee in Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue in 2007.
"After the first night he said to me ‘You’re so brave…so brave!'"
RIP Bill Kenwright. I'm forever grateful to him for giving me the chance to play the Emcee in Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue in 2007. After the first night he said to me 'You're so brave...so brave!'
— Julian Clary (@JulianClary) October 24, 2023
Meanwhile singer Antony Costa, known for being a member of boyband Blue, also posted to X and said: "Just heard the news my friend, and mentor and the person who gave me the chance to perform on stage Mr Bill Kenwright has passed away.
"You were one in a million Sir… we loved talking football R.I.P Bill xx"
Just heard the news my friend, and mentor and the person who gave me the chance to perform on stage Mr Bill Kenwright has passed away. You were one in a million Sir…we loved talking football R.I.P Bill xx
— Antony Costa (@AntonyCosta) October 24, 2023
Comedian Jason Manford spoke of the producer’s "love" for theatre and football in another post to X.
He said: "Saddened to hear Bill Kenwright has died.
"Met up with him several times over the years as we attempted to work together so very sad that will now never happen.
"Was always funny and honest and with a deep love for theatre and football. Will be sadly missed."
Saddened to hear Bill Kenwright has died. Met up with him several times over the years as we attempted to work together so very sad that will now never happen. Was always funny and honest and with a deep love for theatre and football. Will be sadly missed. pic.twitter.com/m9ewD5UdV0
— Jason Manford (@JasonManford) October 24, 2023
Source: Press Association
