How did Bill Kenwright die? Coronation Street star passes away at 78 after cancer surgery

Bill Kenwright
Bill Kenwright (image via IMDb)

Re­nowned actor Bill Kenwright, famous for his role in Coronation Street, passed away at the age­ of 78 on October 23, 2023. Prior to his death, Kenwright was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery to re­move a malignant liver tumor just a few months earlier.

Kenwright's surgery was reportedly fraught with complications, and despite medical intervention and inte­nsive care, Kenwright eventually succumbed to the condition. As the news of his death broke online, Kenwright's fans reminisced about the late actor, discussing how his appearance on the Coronation Street show brought out his versatile side as an artist.


Coronation Street star Bill Kenwright passed away after his health deteriorated post-surgery

Bill Kenwright, known for playing Gordon Clegg in Coronation Street, had been facing serious health problems after being diagnosed with cancer in August. After receiving the diagnosis, he underwent a significant surgical procedure to remove a cance­rous tumor from his liver.

Kenwright's operation was conducted six weeks ago, and although it went well initially, the surgery brought forth complications that necessitated an extended stay at a highly monitored care unit. The Times reported that post-surgery complications were quite severe and demanded a long inpatient healing season that involved a variety of treatments.

After his extended in the ICU, the actor finally responded well enough to continue recovery at home. His football club, Everton, notified the public when he returned home, and informed fans how his recovery would be a lengthy yet successful process. Everton shared another update on the health status of their Chairman, Bill Kenwright, including an announcement, on October 12, 2023:

"The procedure was completely successful, but complications during surgery necessitated a prolonged period in an intensive care unit."

The football club further added:

"Mr. Kenwright is now out of intensive care and has left hospital. He has returned home to continue his recovery which is expected to be lengthy, but complete."

However, despite undergoing surge­ry and a subsequent recove­ry period, the Coronation Street star's health de­clined, ultimately leading to his passing at the age of 78. The precise­ circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been made public. However, it is evident that both the cance­r and the surgical intervention had a significant impact on his overall well-being.

Kenwright's family broke the news of his death, sharing that he had “passed away peacefully.” The announcement also mentioned that it took place just a few months after he underwent surgery.

Despite his health struggles, Kenwright is being remembered for demonstrating his commitment to his team by not only attending to his duties as the Chairman of Everton Football Club but also maintaining a high level of professionalism in the field.


More about the British drama Coronation Street

Considered the oldest and longest-running drama series, Coronation Street is a British television soap opera that has been streaming since the late 1960s. The plot of the show revolves around the mundane life of working class people in the imaginary town of Weatherfield, which is based in inner-city Salford, England. The show has crossed 10,000 episodes so far.

Kenwright portrayed the role of Gordon Clegg in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street, between 1968 and 2012. After playing the role for a year, Kenwright decided to pursue his career as a producer. Thus, he bid adieu to his character in 2012, when his character Gordon returned to Weatherfield to announce Betty's death.

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Edited by Susrita Das
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