Nigel Lythgoe Biography: Films, Children, Ex-Girlfriend, Wife, Height, Age, Parents, Net Worth, Siblings  

Nigel Bruce Lythgoe, also known as Nigel Lythgoe, is a distinguished English television and film director, producer, and television dance competition judge, as well as a former dancer and choreographer.

He is best known for his pivotal role in shaping the reality television genre.

He gained prominence as the executive producer of Pop Idol and American Idol, as well as the co-creator, producer, and judge of So You Think You Can Dance.

His tough judging style on Popstars earned him the nickname “Nasty Nigel” from the British press, cementing his reputation as a forthright figure in the industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Nigel Bruce Lythgoe
• Stage Name: Nigel Lythgoe
• Born: 9, July 1949
• Age: 75 years old
• Birthplace: Wallasey, Cheshire, England
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Television Director, Film Producer, Choreographer, and Television Personality
• Height: 1.80m
• Parents: George Percival Lythgoe and Gertrude Emily Lythgoe
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Bonnie Lythgoe (m. 1974-2010)
• Girlfriends: Priscilla Presley (ex) and Raquel Welch (ex)
• Children: Simon Lythgoe and Kristopher Lythgoe
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $150 million

Early Life and Education

Nigel Bruce Lythgoe was born on July 9, 1949, in Wallasey, Cheshire, England, to George Percival Lythgoe, a dockworker, and Gertrude Emily Lythgoe. Information about his siblings is not publicly available. His passion for dance emerged at age ten, beginning with tap dancing.

He pursued formal training at the Hylton-Bromley School of Dance and Drama and the Perry Cowell School of Dance in Wallasey, where he studied classical ballet, modern jazz, ballroom, character dance, classical Greek dance, and national dances from various countries. He later trained in London under Joanne Steuer and Molly Molloy. His ethnicity is British, and his religious affiliation is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Nigel Bruce Lythgoe began his career as a dancer, joining the Corps de Ballet for the English National Ballet’s tour of The Merry Widow in 1969. He later performed with the BBC’s Young Generation dance troupe, becoming their choreographer in 1971. His innovative use of multi-camera techniques to film choreography laid the foundation for his television career.

During the 1970s and 1980s, he choreographed for stars such as Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse, Ben Vereen, Shirley Bassey, and the Muppets and worked on shows including The Rolf Harris Show and It’s Lulu. Lythgoe claimed to be the only person to have danced, choreographed, produced, and directed the Royal Variety Performance, showcasing his versatility.

By 1995, Lythgoe had risen to the position of Head of Entertainment and Comedy at London Weekend Television, where he commissioned and produced popular shows such as Gladiators and Blind Date.

In 2000, his role as a stern judge on Popstars earned him the nickname “Nasty Nigel.” He later joined Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment as President of 19 Television, producing Pop Idol, which became a global franchise including American Idol.

After moving to the U.S. in 2002, he co-created and produced So You Think You Can Dance, serving as a judge for its first sixteen seasons. His work on American Idol and other shows earned multiple Emmy nominations, and in 2009, he created Superstars of Dance. In 2011, he founded Nigel Lythgoe Productions, further expanding his influence.

Lythgoe’s impact on reality television remains significant, with So You Think You Can Dance earning 11 Emmy Awards and American Idol receiving nearly 70 nominations. His establishment of the Dizzy Feet Foundation in 2009 and the creation of National Dance Day in 2010 reflect his commitment to dance education and community engagement.

Despite controversies, including sexual assault allegations in 2023 and 2024, which led to his departure from So You Think You Can Dance, Lythgoe’s legacy as a pioneer in reality TV and dance advocacy endures through his extensive body of work and contributions to the performing arts.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @nigellythgoe
• Facebook Handle: Nigel Lythgoe
• Twitter Handle: @dizzyfeet

Personal Life

Nigel Bruce Lythgoe married Bonnie Lythgoe, née Shawe, in 1974, whom he met while working as a choreographer for the BBC’s Young Generation dance troupe. Bonnie, also a judge on So You Think You Can Dance’s first season and the Australian version, divorced Nigel in 2010 after a prolonged separation.

They have two sons, Simon and Kristopher, and four grandchildren: Kyan, Tighe, Dominie, and George. Lythgoe has been romantically linked to Priscilla Presley and Raquel Welch in the past but is currently single. A heart attack in 2003 marked a health challenge, but he continued his professional endeavors.

Filmography

•   The Rolf Harris Show (1969–1971)
•   It’s Lulu (1970–1971)
•   The Apple (1980)
•   You Bet! (1989)
•   Gladiators (1992)
•   Blind Date (1985–2003)
•   Popstars (2000)
•   Pop Idol (2001)
•   American Idol (2002–2013)
•   All American Girl (2003)
•   American Juniors (2003)
•   So You Think You Can Dance (2005–2019)
•   The Next Great American Band (2007)
•   Superstars of Dance (2009)

Net Worth

Nigel Bruce Lythgoe has an estimated net worth of $150 million, amassed through his extensive career as a television and film director, producer, and choreographer.

His primary income sources include producing major reality shows, such as American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, as well as his work with Nigel Lythgoe Productions and 19 Entertainment.