David Essex – Age, Wife, Children and Tour 2025
David Essex, born David Albert Cook, is one of Britain’s most recognisable entertainers from the 1970s. He rose to fame as a singer-songwriter with the international hit “Rock On” and built a parallel career as an actor in film, television, and musical theatre. Decades after his peak, public curiosity about his age, family, health, and whether he still performs remains strong. This article provides a fact-based overview of his life, career, and current status based on verified sources.
Searches for “David Essex tour 2025,” “David Essex wife,” and “David Essex children” rank among the most common queries about the entertainer. There is also persistent confusion about whether he appeared in the Harry Potter films. The following sections address each of these questions using the available information, with clear attribution where certainty is high and honest acknowledgment where details remain unclear.
How Old Is David Essex and What Is His Full Name?
David Essex was born on 23 July 1947 in Plaistow, Essex, under the name David Albert Cook. As of 2026, he is 79 years old. He adopted the stage surname “Essex” from his birthplace early in his career. The following grid summarises the key biographical facts.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | David Albert Cook |
| Born | 23 July 1947 (age 79 in 2026) |
| Origin | Plaistow, Essex, England |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, actor |
| Spouse | Susan Hallam-Wright (m. 2010; earlier marriages to Maureen Neal and Carlotta Christy) |
| Children | Five (including Billy, Kit, and twin sons) |
| Biggest Hit | “Rock On” (1973) |
| Genres | Pop, rock, glam rock |
| Notable Acting Roles | That’ll Be the Day (1973), Stardust (1974) |
| Awards | OBE (2016) |
David Essex’s real name is David Albert Cook. He was born on 23 July 1947 in Plaistow, Essex. His stage name derives from the county of his birth. He is best known internationally for the 1973 single “Rock On” and for leading roles in the films That’ll Be the Day and Stardust.
Key insights about his background
- His early career began in the 1960s, including work as a drummer before his solo breakthrough.
- “Rock On” remains his most successful international single, released in 1973.
- He has balanced music and acting throughout his career, appearing in stage productions, films, and television.
- He was awarded an OBE in 2016 for services to music and charity.
- Despite his fame, he has kept many details of his personal life, including his children’s names, relatively private.
- He continues to tour and perform, with a 21-date UK tour announced for 2025.
Who Is David Essex’s Wife and How Many Children Does He Have?
David Essex has been married three times. His current wife is Susan Hallam-Wright, whom he married on 20 September 2010. Earlier marriages, cited in historical sources, include Maureen Neal and Carlotta Christy. The information about his earliest marriages is less detailed in public records, and some sources offer conflicting accounts.
David Essex’s children
Sources indicate that Essex has five children overall. Among the names reported in media and biographical sources are Verity (a daughter), Billy Cook, and twin sons Bill and Kit. The names and exact number of children from each relationship are not consistently documented across all sources, and the family has maintained a degree of privacy.
The most reliable public records confirm five children. Billy and Kit are frequently named in connection with his marriage to Susan Hallam-Wright. Twin sons are also mentioned in multiple sources. Because Essex has kept his family life relatively private, not all names are confirmed across every authoritative record.
Current relationship status
While his marriage to Susan Hallam-Wright is the most recent on record, some sources also refer to a long-term partner named Chrissie Webber. It is not entirely clear from the available documentation whether he and Webber are officially married or in a long-term partnership. The certainty around his current marital status is therefore medium rather than high.
Is David Essex Still Alive? What Is He Doing Now?
Yes, David Essex is still alive. He remains active in music and has announced a 21-date UK tour for 2025. There is no evidence in reliable sources of any serious health problems in 2024 or 2025. He continues to draw audiences who remember his 1970s heyday as well as newer fans.
What is his health status?
The available sources do not contain any specific, recent health update about David Essex. No major medical crises have been reported in the press or on his official channels. The fact that he continues to schedule and promote tours suggests that he is in good enough health to perform. However, in the absence of an official statement, any claim about a specific condition would be speculation.
Is he still performing?
Yes. His official website lists tour dates for 2025, and he has been described in recent sources as still touring regularly and remaining active in music and theatre. There is no indication that he has retired.
No reliable public health update about David Essex has been issued in 2024 or 2025. He continues to announce and perform live dates, which is a positive indicator, but the absence of a formal statement means that any specific health claim should be treated with caution. The sources consulted do not document a current medical condition.
Is David Essex Going on Tour in 2025?
According to his official website, David Essex has announced a 21-date UK tour scheduled for 2025. Fans looking for specific dates, venues, and ticket availability should consult his official site or authorised ticket sellers.
Ticket platforms such as Ticketmaster UK list his events, and his official social media accounts provide real-time updates. The tour reflects sustained demand for his live performances, driven by nostalgia for his 1970s hits and his continued stage presence.
Which Famous Songs Did David Essex Sing?
David Essex’s most famous song, and his biggest international hit, is “Rock On”, released in 1973. It reached high positions on both the UK and US charts and remains a staple of 1970s pop and glam rock playlists.
Other notable songs from his catalogue include “Hold Me Close” and “Gonna Make You a Star”. He also wrote and recorded numerous album tracks throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His musical output spans pop, rock, and glam rock, and he has occasionally performed in musical theatre, including a starring role in the London production of Godspell in 1971.
Was David Essex in Harry Potter?
No, David Essex did not appear in any Harry Potter film. This is a persistent pop-culture myth, and the available sources contain no evidence of any role in the franchise. The confusion may stem from a mistaken association with another actor who appeared in the films, or from a stage-related rumour that has circulated online.
His filmography, as listed on IMDb and other reliable sources, includes That’ll Be the Day (1973), Stardust (1974), and a supporting role in The Devil’s Rejects (2005). None of his credited roles connect to the Harry Potter universe.
When Did David Essex’s Career Begin and How Did He Rise to Fame?
The following timeline highlights the key milestones in David Essex’s career, from his birth to his 2025 tour announcement.
- 1947 – Born in Plaistow, Essex.
- 1971 – Starred in the London production of Godspell.
- 1973 – Released breakthrough single “Rock On”; acted in That’ll Be the Day.
- 1974 – Starred in Stardust.
- 1976 – Won three Ivor Novello Awards.
- 1990s–2000s – Continued music releases and acting roles, including The Devil’s Rejects.
- 2016 – Awarded OBE.
- 2024–2025 – Announced new UK tour dates for 2025.
What Is Known About David Essex’s Health and His Connection to Harry Potter?
Some questions about David Essex attract more certainty than others. The table below separates what is well established from what remains unclear.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| He is alive and actively touring in 2025. | No specific health update or medical condition has been publicly documented. |
| He did not appear in any Harry Potter film. | The exact origin of the Harry Potter rumour is not identified in available sources. |
| He has been married three times, including to Susan Hallam-Wright since 2010. | His current relationship status with Chrissie Webber is not fully clarified in official records. |
| He has five children. | The names and birth years of all five children are not consistently documented across sources. |
What Is David Essex’s Legacy in British Pop Culture?
David Essex, born David Albert Cook, rose to fame in the 1970s as a glam rock star and actor. His dual career in music and film made him a household name in the UK. Songs like “Rock On” and films like That’ll Be the Day captured the mood of the era and cemented his place in British pop culture.
In recent years, his legacy has been revived by nostalgia tours and periodic media appearances. The public’s enduring interest in his age, health, and family reflects a natural curiosity about ageing icons. The persistent query about Harry Potter appears to be a myth, likely fuelled by online confusion with another performer. Meanwhile, high search volumes for “tour” and “tickets” indicate that demand to see him live remains strong.
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About David Essex?
The following sources were used to compile the facts in this article. They represent the most authoritative and up-to-date references available.
“David Essex, born David Albert Cook, is an English singer-songwriter and actor. He was born on 23 July 1947 in Plaistow, Essex.”
– Wikipedia
“His biggest hit, ‘Rock On,’ was released in 1973 and became a major international success.”
– Official website biography
“Essex has five children and has been married three times, most recently to Susan Hallam-Wright in 2010.”
– IMDb biography
What Is David Essex Doing Now in 2025?
As of 2025, David Essex is preparing for a series of UK tour dates. He remains active in music and performance, with no public indication of retirement or serious health issues. Fans looking for updates should monitor his official website and social media channels for new dates and announcements. For a complete overview of his upcoming events, see the David Essex Tour 2025 page. A detailed David Essex Age and Biography guide is also available for those interested in his full life story.
Frequently Asked Questions About David Essex
What is David Essex’s net worth?
Exact net worth is not publicly verified, but it is estimated in the millions from his decades-long music and acting career.
Does David Essex still perform live?
Yes. He has announced a 21-date UK tour starting in early 2025.
What movies is David Essex famous for?
He is best known for That’ll Be the Day (1973) and Stardust (1974), as well as a supporting role in The Devil’s Rejects (2005).
How many children does David Essex have and what are their names?
He has five children. Reported names include Verity, Billy Cook, and twin sons Bill and Kit. He keeps their names mostly private.
Is David Essex married?
He married Susan Hallam-Wright in 2010. Earlier marriages to Maureen Neal and Carlotta Christy are also recorded in historical sources.
What is David Essex’s real name?
His birth name is David Albert Cook. He adopted the stage surname Essex from his birthplace.
How old is David Essex?
He was born on 23 July 1947, making him 79 years old as of 2026.
Did David Essex write “Rock On”?
Yes, “Rock On” was written and performed by David Essex. It was released in 1973 and became his signature song.
Is David Essex on social media?
Yes, he has an official X (formerly Twitter) account: @DavidEssexNews.
What awards has David Essex won?
He won three Ivor Novello Awards in 1976 and was awarded an OBE in 2016.
More related posts
John Williams – Bio, Movies, Net Worth and Composer Guide
How to Clear Cache Guide for iPhone, Android & More
Vernon Kay – Off Radio 2, Separation, and Biography
Tom Cruise – Age, Height, Net Worth, and Movie Career
Bruce Dickinson – Biography, Career, and Surprising Facts
Harvey Barnes – Stats, Career Timeline and International Future
Charlie Heaton – Age, Height, and Relationship with Natalia Dyer
Bubonic Plague Death Arizona – Facts on Rare Pneumonic Case
