Celebrity chef Bill Granger dies as Hugh Jackman and Gwyneth Paltrow pay tribute

26 December 2023 , 20:30

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Celebrity chef Bill Granger dies as Hugh Jackman and Gwyneth Paltrow pay tribute

Australian chef Bill Granger has died aged 54 at home in London, his family announced.

The restaurateur, chef and food writer “died peacefully in hospital” in London on Christmas Day, according to a statement from his family. Granger presented a number of cooking shows, including Bill's Food shown on BBC, and appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia.

The family statement said: “It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce he has passed away on 25th December at the age of 54. A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Ines and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London.

Australian chef and restaurateur Bill Granger dies 'peacefully' at age 54

“Born in Melbourne, Australia, Bill was a self-taught cook who became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning over 30 years. He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss most profoundly felt by his adored family, who are grateful for all the love and support that has been given.

"Bill authored 14 cookbooks, made 5 TV series and most recently was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2023. He will be remembered as the ‘King of Breakfast’, for making unpretentious food into something special filled with sunshine and for spurring the growth of Australian informal and communal eating around the world. He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss most profoundly felt by his adored family, who are grateful for all the love and support that has been given."

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Bill died 'peacefully' at the hospital

Fellow chefs Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson took to the comment section to share their condolences. Jamie wrote: "This is devastating news, I'm so sad to hear this, what a guy he was …. a wonderful human, kind calm soul….i admired everything he represented in food I remember the first time I met him many moons ago he couldn’t have been nicer and his food so good …. Sending so much love to all his family. rest in peace, Bill, he will be sorely missed."

"I’m heartbroken to hear this. So cruel. Deepest love to N, E, I and B," Nigella commented. One fan posted: "Oh my gosh. I am beyond sad, this is tragic. He taught me so much about cooking. He fills my kitchen in book form. So much love to his family."

Fellow Australian Hugh Jackman made a joint statement with his former partner Deborah-Lee Furness, saying on Instagram: “We are devastated to hear the news of Bill’s passing. His talent, his joie de vivre, the way he brought people together, and his commitment to family were inspiring.”

Jackman’s fellow actor Gwyneth Paltrow also replied to the Granger family’s online statement. “Oh my goodness, this is so heartbreaking! Love to you all,” she wrote.

Actor Richard E Grant shared a row of heartbreak emojis while Australian singer and actor Jason Donovan dubbed Granger a “ray of Aussie sunshine”.

In the late 80s, Bill worked as a waiter while studying art. His interest soon moved to food. In 1993, he opened a restaurant called Bills. A second restaurant was opened three years later. He also has restaurants in the UK called Granger & Co. The cook opened restaurants in Japan, South Korea and Hawaii.

Zara Woodcock