What Was Keith Chegwin Net Worth When He Died?
Keith Chegwin was a well-known English television presenter, actor, and entertainer who had an estimated net worth of $6 million at the time of his death in 2017. Best remembered for his energetic and cheerful presence on British television, Chegwin built his wealth over more than four decades in entertainment, spanning children’s TV, radio, reality shows, acting, and business ventures.
Chegwin became a household name in the 1970s and 1980s after hosting some of the UK’s most popular children’s programmes, including “Multi-Coloured Swap Shop,” “Cheggers Plays Pop,” and “Saturday Superstore.” His lively, unscripted style made him one of the most recognisable faces on Saturday morning television, helping him secure long-term success and financial stability.
| Keith Chegwin Net Worth | $6 Million |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Walton, Liverpool |
Early Life
Keith Chegwin was born on January 17, 1957, in Walton, Liverpool. He grew up in a creative family, alongside his twin brother Jeff and sister Janice Long, who later became a respected radio presenter. Keith showed an interest in acting from a young age and began his career as a child actor.
He appeared in several Children’s Film Foundation productions and gained early recognition for playing Fleance in Roman Polanski’s 1971 film “Macbeth.” He also performed in West End theatre productions and appeared in popular television shows such as “Open All Hours” and “The Liver Birds.” These early roles laid the foundation for his future success in television.
Rise to Fame
Keith Chegwin’s major breakthrough came in 1976 when he joined “Multi-Coloured Swap Shop,” a live BBC children’s programme that revolutionised British TV with phone-ins and audience participation. His natural charm and ability to improvise quickly made him an instant favourite with viewers.
In 1978, he was given his own show, “Cheggers Plays Pop,” which ran until 1986 and combined pop music performances with games for schoolchildren. The show was a major ratings success and played a significant role in boosting Chegwin’s earnings and net worth. He also became a regular presenter on “Saturday Superstore,” further cementing his place as a children’s TV icon.
During this period, Chegwin also earned income from music. In 1982, he recorded the novelty song “I Wanna Be a Winner” as part of the group Brown Sauce, which reached number 15 on the UK music charts.
Career Challenges and Reinvention
Despite his early success, Chegwin faced personal challenges in the late 1980s, including a public struggle with alcoholism. In 1992, he openly discussed his addiction on the ITV programme “This Morning,” a moment that marked a turning point in his life and career. He later documented his journey in his autobiography, “Shaken But Not Stirred.”
After overcoming addiction, Chegwin reinvented himself, working across different areas of entertainment. He hosted radio shows, fronted programmes like “The Big Breakfast,” revived classic game shows such as “It’s a Knockout,” and even launched an online bingo business, adding new income streams to his portfolio.
One of the most controversial moments of his career came in 2000, when he hosted Channel 5’s naturist game show “Naked Jungle.” Although it attracted heavy criticism, Chegwin later admitted it was a mistake and remained open about the impact it had on his career.
Acting, Reality TV, and Later Years
Keith Chegwin continued to appear in acting roles and comedy cameos, including appearances in Ricky Gervais’s “Extras” and the 2011 film “Kill Keith.” In the 2010s, he experienced a career resurgence through reality television.
He competed on “Dancing on Ice” in 2013, “Celebrity MasterChef” in 2015, and gained renewed public affection after finishing fourth on “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2015. These appearances introduced him to a new generation of viewers and contributed to his continued earnings.
Personal Life, Illness, and Death
Keith Chegwin married TV presenter Maggie Philbin in 1982, and the couple had a daughter before divorcing in 1993. He later married Maria Fielden in 2000, with whom he had a son. The family lived in Shropshire, where Chegwin remained active in charity work and public appearances.
In his later years, Chegwin was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease. He died on December 11, 2017, at the age of 60, surrounded by his family.
Keith Chegwin Net Worth
At the time of his death, Keith Chegwin’s net worth was estimated at $6 million.