Iconic TV Chef Behind Beloved Cooking Show Dies at 89
You didn't have to grow up in Australia to recognize that booming 'G'day!' and signature neckerchief. Peter Russell-Clarke, one of the country's earliest TV cooking stars, has died. He was 89.
The Come and Get It host passed away on Thursday, July 3, in Melbourne, surrounded by loved ones, following complications from a stroke. (Some international outlets reported it as Friday due to time zone differences.) His family confirmed the news in a statement over the weekend.
Australia's pioneering TV chef, Peter Russell-Clarke, has died peacefully in Melbourne, aged 89 ➡ https://t.co/qTt9trg2mn pic.twitter.com/YjqY9vD2VR
— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) July 6, 2025
'He passed away peacefully in his sleep. In the end it was quite a release for the family that he wasn't suffering anymore,' his son, Peter Russell-Clarke Jr., told ABC.
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Shortly after word of Peter's passing spread, the internet wasted no time reacting.
RIP Peter Russell-ClarkMy childhood nostalgia pic.twitter.com/uvRH84Hkec
— Martin Rogers 🇦🇺 (@martinfrogers) July 6, 2025
"Oh wow I'm very sad 😢," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
"This guy was a legend. Loved his 5min shows after school work was done, his catchy song will play in my head forever!" another said.
"He was such a good egg ❤️ Thanks for sharing your wit and sense of humour Peter RIP," chimed in a third.
"One of the first Australian TV chefs, cookbook author and illustrator, artist, cartoonist and media personality, he did it all. His effervescent personality with his catchphrase G'day and the cheerful jingle, Peter Russell Clarke will be sadly missed and fondly remembered 🍳 🍽," someone else added.
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It wasn't just fans who shared their memories — close friends of the beloved culinary star spoke out, too.
Longtime confidante Beverley Pinder called him a 'phenomenon – years ahead of his time,' and remembered him as 'the lovable larrikin artist and gentleman.' In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, she added, 'Modern-day cooking shows are all great because they've advanced from where he first started.'
Journalist Derryn Hinch, who appeared alongside him in the 1983 film At Last… Bullamakanka, also paid tribute, writing, 'G'Day. Me ol' mate, Peter Russell-Clarke, the Egg Man, has died. He really was a talented likable rogue.'
G'Day. Me ol' mate, Peter Russell-Clarke, the Egg Man, has died. He really was a talented likeable rogue.
— Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) July 6, 2025
In addition to his son, Peter Jr., the iconic TV chef is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jan, his daughter Wendy, and three grandchildren.
Iconic TV Chef Behind Beloved Cooking Show Dies at 89 first appeared on Parade on Jul 6, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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