Reggie Kray, one half of the infamous Kray twins, ruled London’s East End underworld alongside his brother Ronnie for over a decade. Their violent reign ended with life sentences, but Reggie’s story did not end in prison. He was released on compassionate grounds in August 2000, only to die of bladder cancer just weeks later. This article covers his biography, his marriages, his net worth, his physical appearance, and the films that tell his story.
How Did Reggie Kray Die?
Reggie Kray died from bladder cancer on 1 October 2000, at the age of 66. He passed away at a hotel in Norwich, Norfolk, just eight and a half weeks after his release from prison. His second wife, Roberta Kray, was with him at the time of his death.
Reggie Kray was released from prison on compassionate grounds on 26 August 2000 because he was terminally ill with bladder cancer. The decision allowed him to spend his final weeks outside of prison with his wife.
24 October 1933, Hoxton, London, England
1 October 2000 (aged 66), Norfolk, England
Frances Shea (m. 1965–1967, her death), Roberta Kray (m. 1997–2000, his death)
Notorious East London gangster, twin brother of Ronnie Kray
- Reggie Kray was released from prison on compassionate grounds on 26 August 2000, after serving nearly 32 years for the murder of Jack “The Hat” McVitie.
- He died of bladder cancer just five weeks after his release, on 1 October 2000.
- His marriage to Frances Shea ended tragically with her suicide in 1967; he later married crime novelist Roberta Kray in 1997 while still in prison.
- The Kray twins were celebrities of the 1960s London underworld, but their violent crimes led to life sentences.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Reginald Kray |
| Born | 24 October 1933 |
| Died | 1 October 2000 |
| Height | Not publicly documented (estimated around 5’9–5’10”) |
| Spouse | Frances Shea (1965–1967), Roberta Kray (1997–2000) |
| Twin Brother | Ronnie Kray (1933–1995) |
| Notable Crime | Murder of Jack “The Hat” McVitie (1967) |
| Prison Release | 26 August 2000 |
| Cause of Death | Bladder cancer |
What Was Reggie Kray’s Last Photo?
There is no single definitive “last photo” of Reggie Kray. Multiple photographs exist from his release day at Wayland Prison and from his time in hospital shortly before his death. News agencies captured his departure from prison on 26 August 2000, and these images are widely considered the final public photographs of him. No official source has designated one image as his last.
Who Was Reggie Kray’s Wife?
Reggie Kray was married twice. His first wife was Frances Shea, whom he married in 1965. The marriage was brief and troubled, with Shea reportedly leaving him within weeks. Due to Reggie’s possessiveness and fear of retribution, she stayed married for two years before escaping the relationship by committing suicide. She died at the age of 23 in 1967 by overdosing on pills. Sources describe her as “bright and innocent.”
His second wife was Roberta Jones, a crime novelist. They married in 1997 while Reggie was still in prison. Roberta remained with him until his death in 2000 and was with him when he died in Norwich.
What Was Reggie Kray’s Net Worth?
Reggie Kray’s net worth is not publicly documented with any certainty. Estimates vary widely, and no verified figure exists. At the height of their criminal activity, the Kray twins ran protection rackets, armed robberies, and nightclubs in London’s West End. However, after decades in prison, Reggie had no known significant assets upon his release. The lack of official financial records makes any specific net worth claim speculative.
Who Was Ronnie Kray?
Ronnie Kray was Reggie’s identical twin brother, born on 24 October 1933. Together, they built a gang known as “The Firm,” which controlled much of London’s East End underworld in the 1950s and 1960s. Ronnie was a paranoid schizophrenic, and his violent tendencies were well documented. In 1969, both brothers were convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Ronnie was committed to Broadmoor Hospital in 1979 due to insanity, where he died on 17 March 1995 at the age of 61.
The Kray family moved to the East End from Tower Hill in the 1800s, with each generation gaining notoriety for disorder and crime, according to records from Findmypast.
What Film Is About Reggie Kray?
The most notable film about Reggie Kray is the 2015 biographical crime drama Legend, directed by Brian Helgeland. Tom Hardy plays both Reggie and Ronnie Kray, using visual effects to appear as both twins on screen. The film follows the brothers’ rise and fall in the London underworld during the 1960s. Other films and documentaries have covered their story, but Legend remains the most prominent theatrical release.
How Tall Was Reggie Kray?
Reggie Kray’s exact height is not documented in official records. Estimates based on photographs and contemporary accounts suggest he was around 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall (approximately 175–178 cm). Since he and Ronnie were identical twins, they would have been very similar in height, but no verified measurement has been published.
Did Reggie Kray Wear Glasses?
Reggie Kray is seen wearing glasses in many photographs from the 1960s and in images taken later in life. However, it is not clear whether he wore them constantly or only occasionally. No official medical records or personal accounts confirm that he required glasses for daily use. The topic remains anecdotal, as the Kray twins fandom wiki and other sources do not address this point definitively.
Timeline of Key Events in Reggie Kray’s Life
- 24 October 1933: Reggie and Ronnie Kray are born in Hoxton, London.
- 1960s: The Kray twins become leading figures in London’s underworld, involved in protection rackets, armed robbery, and murder.
- 1965: Reggie marries Frances Shea.
- 1967: Frances Shea dies by suicide; Reggie murders Jack McVitie.
- 1969: Convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
- 17 March 1995: Ronnie Kray dies in Broadmoor Hospital.
- 1997: Reggie marries Roberta Kray while in prison.
- 26 August 2000: Released on compassionate grounds due to terminal cancer.
- 1 October 2000: Dies of bladder cancer in Norfolk, aged 66.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Reggie Kray?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth and death | Exact height (no official records) |
| Marriage to Frances Shea and Roberta Kray | Net worth (estimates vary widely, no verified figure) |
| Conviction for murder of Jack McVitie | Whether he wore glasses regularly (anecdotal, visible in many photos but not confirmed as constant) |
| Release date and cause of death | Last photo – multiple photos exist (release day, hospital), but no single definitive “last photo” |
How Did Reggie Kray Fit Into the 1960s London Underworld?
Reggie Kray operated in the context of 1960s London, a time of social change and organized crime. The Kray twins’ fame was amplified by their celebrity connections and media coverage. They mixed with entertainers like Diana Dors, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland, and were photographed by David Bailey. Their conviction marked the end of an era of East End gangsterism, and their story has been romanticized in films and books. Reggie’s release and rapid death after such a long sentence highlight the human cost of a life of crime and the legal system’s compassionate release process.
For further context on notorious criminals and their life sentences, read about OJ Simpson – Cause of Death, Trial, and Lasting Legacy.
Quotes and Sources About Reggie Kray
“Reggie Kray was released from prison after nearly 32 years for the murder of Jack ‘The Hat’.”
– Facebook post by JackTheRipperOfficialTour (26 August 2000)
“Twins Ronnie and Reggie Kray became celebrities of the 1960s London underworld – but their violent crimes put them in prison for decades.”
“The Kray twins were English identical twin brothers from Haggerston, London.”
– Wikipedia
For more on the lives of high-profile criminals serving long sentences, see Erik Menendez – Biography Murder Case and 2025 Parole Denial.
Summary: What Is the Lasting Legacy of Reggie Kray?
Reggie Kray remains one of the most notorious figures in British criminal history. Alongside his twin brother Ronnie, he built a criminal empire that defined the 1960s London underworld. His violent life, his tragic marriage to Frances Shea, and his death just weeks after release from a 30-year prison sentence create a story that continues to fascinate the public. While many details about his personal life remain unverified, his place in criminal legend is secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Reggie Kray born?
24 October 1933.
Did Reggie Kray have children?
No, he did not have any children.
Where is Reggie Kray buried?
He was cremated; his ashes were given to his wife Roberta.
What was Reggie Kray’s prison sentence?
Life imprisonment for murder, with a minimum term of 30 years.
Is there a film about Reggie Kray?
Yes, the 2015 film “Legend” starring Tom Hardy as both Reggie and Ronnie Kray.
What was the cause of Reggie Kray’s death?
He died of bladder cancer on 1 October 2000.
How long was Reggie Kray in prison?
He served nearly 33 years before being released on compassionate grounds in August 2000.
Was Reggie Kray married?
Yes, he was married twice: to Frances Shea (1965–1967) and Roberta Kray (1997–2000).
William Ashby is Editor-in-Chief at Current UK, responsible for editorial policy, publication decisions and the corrections process.