Nigel Lythgoe is one of the most popular English TV and film producers and directors. He was also a judge in a TV dance competition show, a choreographer, and a former dancer in the Young Generation.
As per the estimated reports, his net worth is around $180 million. He has also produced music shows like American Idol and Pop Idol and is the executive producer and creator of So You Think You Can Dance and was also the judge of the show for the first sixteen seasons.
In 2009, he also created the show competitive dance show, Superstars of Dance.
Early Life of Nigel Lythgoe
He was born on 9th July 1949 in Wallasey, England, and is 73 years old with British nationality. His father’s name is Percival Lythgoe and was a dockworker.
His mother’s name was Gertrude Emily Lythgoe, and there’s information available about her professional life. Details about his siblings are also unknown. He was interested in dancing from a very young age and began dancing at the age of 10.
Nigel Lythgoe’s Education
He completed his education at Hylton Bromley School of Dance and Drama. He was also in the Perry Cowell School of Dance.
Both of the schools are situated in Wallasey, and he learned modern jazz, classic ballet, classic Greek, character classic, and other dance styles of many countries.
Personal life
Nigel Lythgoe married Bonita Shawe in 1947. They both met each other when he was a choreographer for the Young Generation Dance Troupe for BBC.
Bonita is also a judge and was judging the first season of So You Think You Can Dance. She also judged the Australian version of the show for the initial three seasons.
But later in 2010, they filed for a divorce. They had two sons, Kristopher Lythgoe and Simon Lythgoe. They have five grandkids named, Tighe, Kyan, Leonardo, Dominie, and George.
Nigel Lythgoe’s Height, Weight, and Age
Nigel is 74 years old, and his height is 5 feet 9 inches, and he weighs around 75 kg.
Net-worth and Professional Life
Nigel got an opportunity to show his skills as a dancer in the year 1970. He got the opportunity to perform for Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse. He also learned the art of choreography under Ben Veeren.
Later he became the position head of Entertainment. He was seen as a producer for shows like Blind Date, and Gladiators, which were a big success. He also judged the show Popstars.
He was also pitched to be an executive producer and director of the show Survivor, and he produced the show called Pop Idol. It became a big franchise, and it also has American Idol under its belt.
He turned on American Idol in 2009 and judged the show So You Think You Can Dance, which aired on Fox Television Network.
He opened Big Red 2, an entertainment company, in 2008 with his friend Fuller in partnership. As of 2023, his estimated net worth is anywhere around $180 million.
Nigel Lythgoe’s contributions were recognized on a big scale in 2015 when he was appointed by Queen Elizabeth 2 as an Order of The British Empire. His route from dance to royal honors is an inspiration from the entertainment industry.
Recent appearances and productions
In recent years, Nigel produced series like Dance School Diaries in 2014, Easiest Game Show Ever in 2016, and Every Single Step in 2016. He also gave a few documentaries like Eyes of Faith in 2018, Cilla: The Lost Tapes in 2020, and Move in 2020.
Love stories other than marriage
Other than his love marriage, his life also includes relationships with icons like Priscilla Presley and Raquel Welch, adding intriguing chapters to his life.
Triumphs and Trials
Nigel Lythgoe faced certain health issues. He survived a fatal heart attack in the year 2003 and again in the same year a life life-threatening burst appendix. These incidents improved his determination and resilience.