Dame Esther Rantzen is one of Britain’s most influential broadcasters and social campaigners, known for her long-running BBC series That’s Life! and for founding two major charities, Childline and The Silver Line.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, she has shaped public conversations, championed vulnerable communities, and become a respected national figure. In this article, I will explore her early life, family, career achievements, honours, and personal journey clearly and simply.
Esther Rantzen Marks Christmas Early
Dame Esther Rantzen has shared that she is celebrating Christmas early with her family this year, saying she wants to make sure they have the time together “in case I don’t make it to the actual day.”
The beloved journalist and campaigner, who revealed a terminal lung cancer diagnosis almost three years ago, said she is still surprised to be reaching big moments like this. Despite her condition, Esther remains positive, grateful, and focused on creating special memories with the people she loves.
Early Life, Education & Family
Dame Esther Rantzen was born on 22 June 1940 in Berkhamsted, England, to Katherine Flora and Henry Barnato Rantzen, an electrical engineer. Raised in a Jewish family, she grew up with her younger sister, Priscilla. Esther spent part of her childhood in the United States, attending Buckley Country Day School before returning to London to study at North London Collegiate School.
She later read English at Somerville College, Oxford, where she became deeply involved in student theatre through OUDS, the Experimental Theatre Club, and the Oxford Theatre Group.
Her family history, explored on Who Do You Think You Are?, traces rich Jewish roots in Warsaw and connections to notable figures such as diamond magnate Barney Barnato and writer Ada Leverson. Esther is also a grandmother to Benjamin Beowulf Desmond Moss.
| Full Name | Dame Esther Louise Rantzen |
| Date of Birth | 22 June 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Berkhamsted, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | English |
| Parents | Father: Henry Barnato Rantzen
Mother: Katherine Flora |
| Husband | Desmond Wilcox |
| Children | Rebecca Wilcox, Miriam Wilcox, Joshua Wilcox |
| Siblings | Priscilla N. Taylor |
| Grandchild | Benjamin Beowulf Desmond Moss |
| Net Worth | $2–3 million |
| Social Media | Instagram – XTwitter |
Net Worth, Religion & Ethnicity
As of 2025, Dame Esther Rantzen is estimated to have a net worth of around $2–3 million, earned through her long broadcasting career, books, and public work.
She comes from a Jewish family, a heritage she has spoken about openly and explored in depth on Who Do You Think You Are?. Ethnically, she is of Jewish–European descent, with ancestral roots tracing back to Jewish communities in Warsaw as well as a well-established Jewish lineage in London.
Personal life, Husband & Children
Esther Rantzen’s personal life has included both challenges and a deep, long-term commitment. Before settling down, she experienced two complicated relationships in the 1960s, first with Scottish politician Nicholas Fairbairn and later with BBC executive Desmond Wilcox, who would eventually become her husband.
Esther and Desmond married in 1977 and remained together until he died in 2000, sharing a strong partnership both at home and in their broadcasting careers.
Together they welcomed three children, Miriam, Rebecca and Joshu, who have each spoken warmly about their parents’ bond. In later life, Esther has been open about her health, including her diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer, while continuing to live quietly in the New Forest.
Career Details
Esther Rantzen’s career has been one of the most influential in British broadcasting. She began at the BBC in the 1960s, first behind the scenes as a sound-effects assistant and researcher, before moving in front of the camera on Braden’s Week.
In 1973, she became the face of That’s Life!, a groundbreaking programme that mixed consumer investigations with humour and ran for 21 years, reaching audiences of over 18 million. Through the show, she helped expose major social issues and launched campaigns that changed public policy.
Esther later created the hit documentary series The Big Time, and after That’s Life! ended, she hosted her own talk show, Esther, and appeared on popular programmes like Strictly Come Dancing, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, and Celebrity First Dates.
Beyond television, she founded two major charities, Childline in 1986 and The Silver Line in 2013, both of which have supported millions of vulnerable people. Throughout her career, she has continued to champion children, older people, and disability rights, while also serving as patron or vice-president for dozens of charities.
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