Esther Rantzen is a beloved British television presenter and journalist who became a household name in the UK. She became famous for hosting the BBC show “That’s Life!” from 1973 to 1994. The show mixed consumer affairs with funny clips and helped many people. Dame Esther Rantzen also founded the charity ChildLine in 1986, which helps children in distress.
Esther was born on June 22, 1940, in Berkhamsted, England. She married documentary maker Desmond Wilcox in 1977 and they had three children together. Sadly, Desmond passed away in 2000. In 2023, Esther revealed she has stage 4 lung cancer and has been open about her treatment journey. Many people ask “is Esther Rantzen still alive in 2025” and the answer is yes, she continues to fight bravely.
Profile Bio : Esther Rantzen
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Esther Louise Rantzen |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1940 |
| Age | 84 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Television Presenter, Journalist, Broadcaster |
| Famous For | Hosting “That’s Life!” (1973-1994) |
| Education | Somerville College, Oxford |
| Spouse | Desmond Wilcox (m. 1977 – d. 2000) |
| Children | 3 (Emily, Joshua, Rebecca) |
| Notable Work | Founder of ChildLine (1986), The Silver Line (2013) |
| Awards | DBE (Dame Commander), BAFTA Fellowship |
| Health Status | Diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer (2023) |
| Estimated Net Worth | £5-10 million (approximate) |
| Residence | New Forest, Hampshire, England |
| Years Active | 1963 – present |
Career and Early Life
The Esther Rantzen biography begins on June 22, 1940, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, where she was born to a Jewish family during World War II. She attended North London Collegiate School and later studied English at Somerville College, Oxford University. After graduating, she joined the BBC in 1963 as a researcher and production assistant. This marked the beginning of her remarkable Esther Rantzen TV career in British television.
Esther became a household name when she created and hosted “That’s Life!” in 1973, which ran for 21 years on BBC. The popular Esther Rantzen BBC show mixed consumer issues with funny stories and helped millions of viewers by exposing scams and problems. Beyond television, she founded ChildLine in 1986 to help children in distress and The Silver Line charity in 2013 for lonely elderly people. Her outstanding contributions earned her a BAFTA Fellowship and Esther Rantzen damehood in 2015.
TV Shows with Esther Rantzen
- That’s Life! (1973-1994) – Her most famous show mixing consumer affairs with entertainment and humor.
- Hearts of Gold (1988-2001) – A program celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary charitable work.
- Esther (1994-2003) – A talk show where she interviewed celebrities and discussed social issues.
- Old Dogs, New Tricks (2010) – A show helping senior citizens learn new skills and hobbies.
- The Big Time (1976-1980) – A series giving ordinary people a chance to fulfill their dreams.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Esther Rantzen started her television career at the BBC in 1963 as a researcher and production assistant. She worked on programs like “Man Alive” and “Braden’s Week” learning the skills of broadcasting. Her talent and dedication quickly helped her move up through the ranks at the BBC. The Esther Rantzen career timeline shows consistent growth and achievement.
In 1973, Esther launched “That’s Life!” which became her biggest achievement and ran for 21 years. She founded ChildLine in 1986, a groundbreaking helpline that has helped millions of children across Britain. In 2015, she was awarded Dame Commander of the British Empire for her outstanding Esther Rantzen philanthropy and broadcasting career.
Career Highlights
• That’s Life! Success – Hosted the iconic BBC show for 21 years, reaching millions of viewers weekly
• ChildLine Foundation – Founded the groundbreaking children’s helpline in 1986, which has counseled over 4 million children
• The Silver Line – Launched this charity in 2013 to combat loneliness among elderly people across Britain.
• BAFTA Fellowship – Received this prestigious lifetime achievement award for her contributions to television.
• Dame Commander (DBE) – Honored by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 for her charity work and broadcasting career.
• Multiple Awards – Won numerous accolades including Emmys, Royal Television Society awards, and humanitarian honors throughout her career.
Achievements and Honors
Esther Rantzen was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) in 2015 for her services to charity and broadcasting. She received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding contribution to television. The Esther Rantzen awards collection also includes multiple Emmy Awards and Royal Television Society honors throughout her career.
Her greatest achievement was founding ChildLine in 1986, which has helped over 4 million children in need. She was awarded the Freedom of the City of London and received honorary doctorates from several universities. In 2013, she launched The Silver Line helpline, earning her further recognition for tackling elderly loneliness across Britain. Her Esther Rantzen legacy continues to inspire millions.
Personal Life and Family
Esther married documentary filmmaker Desmond Wilcox in 1977 after working together at the BBC. The couple had three children together: daughters Emily and Rebecca, and son Joshua. They enjoyed a happy marriage for 23 years until Desmond sadly passed away from heart disease in 2000. Many people search for information about the Esther Rantzen husband and Esther Rantzen family life.
After her husband’s death, Esther focused on raising her Esther Rantzen children and continuing her charity work. She currently lives in the New Forest area of Hampshire, England. Esther has been open about her Esther Rantzen personal life and the challenges of widowhood in various interviews over the years.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
Esther Rantzen announced in January 2024 that she has stage 4 lung cancer and has been undergoing treatment. She has been vocal about her illness and joined the Dignity in Dying campaign to support assisted dying laws. Her brave public discussion about her condition has sparked important conversations across the UK about end-of-life care. The Esther Rantzen latest news continues to update her supporters.
Despite her health challenges, Esther remains active in public life and continues advocating for her charities. She has shared Esther Rantzen health update information about her cancer treatment and expressed gratitude for medical advances keeping her alive. In 2024, she campaigned for changes to UK assisted dying laws and continues to inspire people with her courage and honesty. You can find more information on Esther Rantzen Wikipedia and Esther Rantzen today news sources.
Esther Rantzen Daughter Illness
One of the Esther Rantzen children, her daughter Rebecca Wilcox, has also faced health challenges. Rebecca Wilcox illness includes chronic fatigue syndrome, which she has spoken about publicly. The condition has affected her life significantly, and both mother and daughter have been open about their respective health struggles. Many people search “what illness did Esther Rantzen daughter have” to understand Rebecca’s condition better.
Health and Updates
In January 2023, Esther Rantzen publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She has been open and honest about her treatment journey, sharing updates with the public. Esther began chemotherapy and has spoken bravely about the challenges of living with terminal cancer. The Esther Rantzen health condition has been closely followed by her supporters.
Esther has become an advocate for Esther Rantzen assisted dying views in the UK following her diagnosis. She joined the assisted dying organization Dignitas in Switzerland as she wants the option to choose when to end her life. Despite her illness, she continues to campaign for better end-of-life care and remains active on social media sharing her experiences. People often ask “what happened to Esther Rantzen” and the answer is she’s bravely fighting Esther Rantzen lung cancer stage four.
Esther Rantzen Illness
The Esther Rantzen cancer diagnosis came as stage 4 lung cancer announced in January 2023, which shocked her fans and supporters. She has been receiving ongoing chemotherapy treatment and regularly shares updates about her condition with the public. In recent updates, she has spoken about the challenges of treatment and her fluctuating health status. Despite the serious diagnosis, Esther remains hopeful and continues to advocate for assisted dying legislation while fighting her illness with courage and determination.
Is Esther Rantzen Still Alive?
Yes, Esther Rantzen is still alive as of January 2025. She continues to battle stage 4 lung cancer while remaining active in campaigning for assisted dying laws and other charitable causes. Many people wonder “is Esther Rantzen still alive” and the answer is definitely yes.
Has Esther Rantzen Passed Away?
No, Esther Rantzen has not passed away and is still alive as of January 2025. Despite her stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in 2023, she continues to receive treatment and fight the disease. She remains active on social media and in public discussions about health and assisted dying laws. For those asking “did Esther Rantzen pass away” or “has Esther Rantzen died,” the answer is no.
Esther has been very open about her health journey and keeps her supporters updated regularly. She continues to advocate for important causes including assisted dying legislation in the UK. Her positive spirit and determination inspire many people who follow her story and support her Esther Rantzen charities work.
Financial Life
Esther Rantzen built her wealth through her long and successful career in British television. She earned substantial income from hosting “That’s Life!” for over two decades and other TV shows. Her estimated Esther Rantzen net worth is between £5 million and £10 million, accumulated from broadcasting work, book deals, and speaking engagements. Many ask “how much is Esther Rantzen worth” and “is Esther Rantzen a millionaire,” and the answer is yes.
Despite her personal wealth, Esther has dedicated much of her time and resources to charitable causes. She founded the Esther Rantzen ChildLine and The Silver Line, investing her energy into helping vulnerable people rather than focusing on personal profit. Esther lives modestly in the New Forest, Hampshire, and continues to use her platform and resources to support important social causes.
How Much is Esther Rantzen Worth
The Esther Rantzen net worth 2025 is estimated between £5 million and £10 million. She accumulated this wealth through her decades-long television career, book deals, and various broadcasting projects. When people ask “how much is Esther Rantzen worth,” this figure represents her lifetime achievements.
Legacy and Current Status
Esther Rantzen’s legacy in British television and charity work remains unmatched and deeply respected. Her creation of the ChildLine charity has saved countless young lives and transformed child protection services in the UK. The charity continues to operate successfully, helping thousands of children every year who need support and guidance. Her impact on broadcasting through the Esther Rantzen That’s Life show set new standards for consumer journalism mixed with entertainment.
Currently, Dame Esther Rantzen is battling stage 4 lung cancer while continuing her advocacy work with remarkable courage. She remains a vocal campaigner for assisted dying legislation and speaks openly about her health journey. Despite her illness, she stays engaged with public life and continues to inspire people with her determination. For those asking “who is Esther Rantzen” or “what is Esther Rantzen famous for,” she is the ChildLine founder and beloved TV presenter. Esther’s strength and dedication to helping others, even during her own struggles, solidifies her status as a British national treasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Esther Rantzen?
Esther Rantzen is a famous British television presenter and journalist who hosted “That’s Life!” for 21 years. She also founded the children’s charity ChildLine in 1986.
2. How old is Esther Rantzen?
The Esther Rantzen age is 84 years old, born on June 22, 1940, in Berkhamsted, England.
3. What illness does Esther Rantzen have?
Esther Rantzen was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in January 2023 and is currently undergoing treatment. The Esther Rantzen illness has been well-documented in her public statements.
4. Is Esther Rantzen still alive?
Yes, Esther Rantzen is still alive as of January 2025 and continues to campaign for important causes despite her health challenges.
5. Who was Esther Rantzen married to?
Esther Rantzen was married to documentary filmmaker Desmond Wilcox from 1977 until his death in 2000. The couple worked together at the BBC before their marriage.
6. How many children does Esther Rantzen have?
Esther Rantzen has three children: Emily, Joshua, and Rebecca Wilcox. Her Esther Rantzen daughter Rebecca has also faced health challenges including chronic fatigue syndrome.
7. What is Esther Rantzen’s net worth?
Esther Rantzen’s estimated net worth is between £5-10 million from her television career and various projects accumulated over decades of broadcasting.
8. What charity did Esther Rantzen create?
Esther Rantzen founded ChildLine in 1986, a helpline for children in distress, and The Silver Line in 2013 for elderly people experiencing loneliness.
9. What was Esther Rantzen famous for?
Esther Rantzen was famous for hosting the BBC show “That’s Life!” from 1973 to 1994, which helped millions of viewers. She’s also known as the Esther Rantzen That’s Life presenter.
10. Why is Esther Rantzen a Dame?
Esther Rantzen was made a Dame Commander (DBE) in 2015 for her services to broadcasting and charity work, recognizing her lifetime of public service and philanthropy.
Conclusion
Esther Rantzen remains one of Britain’s most beloved and respected television personalities and humanitarian figures. Her groundbreaking work on “That’s Life!” entertained and helped millions of viewers for over two decades. More importantly, her creation of ChildLine and The Silver Line has transformed countless lives, providing vital support to vulnerable children and lonely elderly people. Her contributions to broadcasting and charity work earned her a Dame Commander honor, cementing her Esther Rantzen legacy as a true national treasure.
Despite facing stage 4 lung cancer since 2023, Dame Esther Rantzen continues to inspire people with her courage and determination. She remains active in campaigning for assisted dying legislation while openly sharing her health journey with the public. Her estimated Esther Rantzen net worth of £5-10 million reflects her successful career, but her true wealth lies in the millions of lives she has touched. For those searching “who is Esther Rantzen” or reading her Esther Rantzen biography, her remarkable life story demonstrates how one person’s compassion and dedication can create lasting positive change in society.
Hammad is a celebrity blogger who writes engaging, well researched content about famous personalities, sharing biographies, life stories, and trending updates for readers worldwide.
