Esther Rantzen, British Broadcaster and Advocate, Dies at 86
The campaigner, known for programs like 'That's Life!' and founding Childline, had recently advocated for legalizing assisted dying.
Esther Rantzen, a prominent British broadcaster and campaigner, has died at the age of 86. Her children announced her death on Wednesday, remembering her as a woman with an "endless capacity for joy" and a "beautiful way with words."
Rantzen became a household name in Britain during her 21-year tenure hosting the BBC consumer affairs program "That's Life!" from 1973 to 1994. The show tackled a range of issues, from consumer concerns to more profound life-and-death matters, including investigations into child abuse and organ donation.
Charitable Work and Advocacy
The impact of "That's Life!" extended beyond the television screen, inspiring Rantzen to establish the 24-hour helpline Childline in 1986, which provides support for children in distress. Later, in 2012, she founded The Silver Line, an initiative aimed at combating loneliness among older people.
Her dedication to these causes earned her an appointment as a dame from Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 for services to children and older people.
In her later years, Rantzen became a vocal advocate for the legalization of assisted dying. After being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023, she spoke openly about her personal plans to seek assisted dying in Switzerland, where it is legal, and criticized the laws in England and Wales for being "messy and cruel."
Earlier this month, Rantzen stated that it was too late for her to travel for assisted dying due to her deteriorating physical condition, shortly before a parliamentary vote on legalizing the practice was defeated.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham paid tribute to Rantzen, highlighting her significant contributions through campaigning and her charitable work. "She changed countless lives and gave a voice to people who often went unheard," Burnham said. He also praised her "characteristic courage and openness" in discussing her illness and the difficult end-of-life questions it raised.
Rantzen was married to television producer Desmond Wilcox, who died in 2000. Her children noted that they are grateful she is now reunited with her husband, but will "miss her immeasurably."