Millions of people worldwide, especially in the United Kingdom, know Dame Esther Rantzen’s name well. She is a highly regarded public figure, a passionate campaigner, and a pioneering TV host. She has affected lives for over five decades by means of her charitable活动 and broadcasting. From establishing life-changing charities like ChildLine to hosting unforgettable television shows with Esther Rantzen like That’s Life! Her path is one of bravery, compassion, and success.
Her personal difficulties have also drawn interest lately, including the reality of Esther Rantzen’s sickness, the tenacity of her family, and her Honesty regarding the toughest issues of life. Many wonder if Esther Rantzen is still living or if she has died, which reflects the great worry the public has about her. Written in the most basic language so that every reader may understand, this essay examines her inspiring life—including her job, family, health, and even little things like how much is Esther Rantzen worth.
Career and Early Life
Esther Louise Rantzen was born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, on June 22, 1940. She came from a family who gave importance to community service and education. Her desire in broadcasting was influenced by her father’s employment at the BBC.
How old is Esther Rantzen now? She is 85 years old and remains regarded as among the most well-liked TV stars in Britain.
At Somerville College, Oxford, she acquired knowledge that would be useful for her future job. She started the BBC as a researcher after finishing her degree. This marked the beginning of her fruitful and lengthy career.
TV Shows with Esther Rantzen
The most well-known show linked to her is the BBC’s That’s Life!, which aired between 1973 and 1994. This show included serious subjects, satire, and consumer concerns. Dame Esther Rantzen rose to British household renown from it.
She then hosted Esther, a BBC Two chat program from 1994 to 2002. She also contributed to Hearts of Gold, a show honoring everyday people’s deeds of compassion. She has been on British television for many years, and she has been in many other shows. This shows how much she loves British television.
Achievements and Honors
Her work encompassed more than simply entertainment. She advocated social causes with her voice.
She started ChildLine in 1986, a free helpline for kids who were in danger or worried. Many young people’s lives were changed by this program. Later on, she also contributed to developing The Silver Line, a hotline for elderly people dealing with loneliness.
These initiatives earned her dame Esther Rantzen in 2015. This awareness highlighted her influence on social reform and charity as well as on television.
Personal Life and Family
In 1977, Esther Rantzen wed producer Desmond Wilcox. They produced three youngsters. Though she juggled a demanding job, her family has always been significant in her life.

Esther Rantzen Daughter Illness
Rebecca Wilcox, her daughter, was quite sick as a child. She got chronic fatigue syndrome following a bout of glandular fever at 14. She stayed bed-bound for a long time as a result of this. Esther Rantzen has talked frankly about this experience, which shows that she is not just a TV host but also a mother going through real challenges.
Rebecca Wilcox is a popular television host herself today. She additionally frequently discusses the need for family support and her mother’s health.
Health and Updates
Esther Rantzen Illness
Dame Esther Rantzen disclosed in 2023 that she had received a stage four lung cancer diagnosis. She was transparent about her condition because she wanted the public to know her path. Doctors first gave her fresh medicine treatments meant to give her more time than what they thought she would have.
Her daughter, though, said early in 2025 that these treatments had lost their efficacy. Though Esther bravely faces the severe and deadly disease, she has it.
Is Esther Rantzen Still Alive?
Many wonder, is Esther Rantzen still alive? Yes is the response. Though her state is difficult, she is still alive.
Has Esther Rantzen Passed Away?
Another frequently asked question is, has Esther Rantzen died? No, she is still alive. She has openly discussed getting ready for the future but stayed with her family.
Esther is also in favor of assisted dying. She thinks those battling terminal disease should have the freedom to pick their last times. She has become a powerful voice in national discussions because of this issue.
Financial Life
How Much is Esther Rantzen Worth
She made money from public speaking, writing, and television during her long career. While her humanitarian efforts enhanced her public profile, her job in broadcasting made her a well-regarded professional.
How much is Esther Rantzen worth? Recent calculations indicate she has a net worth of about £15 million. Her careful financial management and years of work in media and television help to generate this statistic.
Legacy and Current Status
Esther Rantzen is not only a broadcaster. She serves as a mother, role model, and activist. Her charities helped the most disadvantaged populations in society while her television series amused millions.
Her battle with cancer reveals both her honesty and fortitude. She has been open about her condition. Rather, she has used her voice to discuss subjects including assisted dying and the emotional toll of terminal illness.
Her daughter Rebecca in particular and the rest of her family keep encouraging her. By discussing her ailment openly, they enable others to appreciate the human aspect of sickness.
Conclusion
Dame Esther Rantzen has lived an extraordinary life. Born in 1940, she rose to be among the most well-known TV personalities in Britain and founded organizations assisting millions.
Her daughter’s sickness revealed to her how much she loved her as a mother. Her own sickness today brings to light her boldness as a public figure. Though bravely battling cancer, she is still living; she has not passed away.
Though her real riches are the lives she touched with her work, her net worth represents her long and fruitful career.
People will always remember Esther Rantzen not only as a broadcaster but also as a strong woman who gave her voice to families everywhere, elderly folks, and youngsters.