Steve Wright Age, Children, Parents, Wife, Net Worth, Death Cause, Biography, and Obituary

Steve Wright (born 26 August 1954 – died 12 February 2024, Aged: 69 years old), one of the most influential and popular radio personalities in the UK, passed away on February 12, 2024, at the age of 69.

He was best known for hosting the Steve in the Afternoon show on BBC Radio 2, where he entertained millions of listeners with his witty humor, celebrity interviews, and eclectic music choices. He was also a pioneer of the “zoo” format, where he was joined by a team of co-presenters who contributed to the lively and spontaneous atmosphere of the show.

Early Life and Career

Wright was born on August 26, 1954, in Greenwich, London, to Richard Wright, a mechanic, and his wife. He had one brother, Laurence, who also became a radio DJ. Wright developed a passion for radio at an early age, listening to pirate stations such as Radio Caroline and Radio London.

He started his career in 1976, working for various local stations such as Radio 210, Radio Luxembourg, and Capital Radio. He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980, where he soon gained a loyal following with his innovative and irreverent style of broadcasting.

He introduced features such as the “Factoids”, “The Oldies”, and “The Big Name Interview”, which became staples of his show. He also created memorable characters such as Mr. Angry, Sid the Manager, and Barry from Watford, who often called in to share their opinions and jokes.

Steve Wright Wiki/Bio

Move to BBC Radio 2 and Success

Wright moved to BBC Radio 2 in 1996, where he continued to host his afternoon show until his death. He also presented other programs such as Wright’s Sunday Love Songs, Wright’s American Top 40, and Steve Wright’s Big Quiz.

He was widely respected and admired by his colleagues and peers, as well as by his listeners, who voted him as the “Most Popular Radio Personality” in a 2006 poll. He received several awards and honors for his contribution to radio, including the Sony Gold Award, the TRIC Award, the Arqiva Award, and the OBE (Order of the British Empire).

READ ALSO:- Steve Wright Children: Meet Daughter Lucy Wright & Son Tom Wright

Spouse & Kids

Wright was married to Cyndi Robinson, a former flight attendant, from 1985 to 1999. They had two children, Tom Wright and Lucy Wright, who both followed their father’s footsteps into the media industry.

Wright was very private about his personal life, and rarely spoke about his family or relationships in public. He was also known for his love of animals, especially dogs, and supported various charities and causes related to animal welfare.

Death and Legacy

Wright died of a heart attack at his home in Surrey, England, on February 12, 2024. He had been suffering from health problems for some time and had taken a break from his radio show in January 2024 to undergo surgery.

His death was announced by his friend and fellow radio presenter Ken Bruce, who paid tribute to him on air. He said: “Steve was a radio legend, a brilliant broadcaster, and a wonderful friend. He will be sorely missed by all of us at Radio 2 and by his millions of fans across the country. He was a true original, and there will never be another like him.”

Net Worth and Income Sources

Wright had a net worth of $6 million at the time of his death. He earned most of his income from his long and successful career as a radio DJ and presenter for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2. He also hosted several TV shows, wrote a book, and received various awards and honors for his contribution to radio.

As per a government disclosure dated 2018, Wright earned a salary of £550,000 per year, which equates to $726,000 per annum. He was one of the highest-paid radio personalities in the UK, and his salary was often a subject of debate and controversy.

Physical Stats

Steve Wright was 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) tall and weighed 123 kg (271 lbs). He had brown hair and blue eyes. He suffered from health problems for some time and had to undergo surgery in January 2024. He died of a heart attack at his home in Surrey, England, on February 12, 2024.

Controversies

Steve was involved in some controversies during his career, mainly related to his style of broadcasting and his salary. Some of the controversies are:

• In 1989, he was accused of plagiarism by fellow Radio 1 DJ Simon Bates, who claimed that Wright had copied some of his jokes and features. Wright denied the allegations and said that he had never listened to Bates’ show.
• In 1994, he resigned from the Radio 1 breakfast show after less than a year, citing the “challenge” of the flagship slot. He was reportedly unhappy with the changes made by the new controller Matthew Bannister, who wanted to attract a younger audience and sacked many of the older DJs.

• In 2006, he was criticized by some listeners and media commentators for his interview with Paul McCartney, which was deemed too fawning and sycophantic. Wright defended his interview and said that he was a fan of McCartney and wanted to make him feel comfortable.
• In 2017, he was named as one of the BBC’s top earners, with a salary of £550,000 per year. This sparked a public outcry and a debate over the gender pay gap, as many female presenters were paid much less than their male counterparts. Wright said that he was “happy” with his salary and that he had “earned” it.

Obituary

Wright’s funeral was held on February 22, 2024, at St. Mary’s Church in Weybridge, Surrey. It was attended by his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as by many celebrities and dignitaries who had been interviewed by him over the years. His coffin was carried by his son Tom, his brother Laurence, and his co-presenters Tim Smith, Janey Lee Grace, and Bobby Prior.

His daughter Lucy delivered a moving eulogy, in which she said: “Dad, you were the best father anyone could ever ask for. You taught us so much, you made us laugh, you inspired us, and you loved us unconditionally. You were our hero, and we are so proud of you. We will always remember you, and we will always love you.”

Wright’s legacy lives on through his radio show, which is still broadcast on BBC Radio 2, with a rotating roster of guest hosts. His fans can also relive his best moments and interviews on his official website, his Instagram account, and his YouTube channel. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest radio personalities of all time and as a source of inspiration and joy for generations of listeners.

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