Australian chef Bill Granger passes away at 54; Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee lead tributes

Bill Granger, a renowned Australian chef known as the ‘godfather’ of avocado toast, died in a London hospital on Christmas Day. He was 54.

His family shared the news on social media and wrote, ‘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, Inès and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London.’

‘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. In 1999, he and his wife Natalie began a professional partnership that launched the business globally. Together they built a successful business that today has 19 restaurants across Sydney, London, Greater Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Seoul. Bill authored 14 cookbooks, made 5 TV series and most recently was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2023,’ they added.

‘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,’ the post concluded.

Many of Bill Granger’s friends and fans paid tribute to him on social media, including his fellow Australians Hugh Jackman and his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Jackman, who were close to Granger and his family.

‘His talent, his joie de vivre, the way he brought people together, and his commitment to family were inspiring. We will miss his friendship most of all. Our love goes out to Natalie and their 3 incredible daughters Edie, Ines and Bunny. ‘Rest in peace. Deb & Hugh,’ they wrote.

Granger was a celebrated and self-made chef, having launched 19 restaurants across the globe. Additionally, he authored 14 cookbooks and fronted five television programs broadcast in Australia and the United Kingdom. Known as the ‘king of breakfast’ within his family, Granger is widely acknowledged for popularizing avocado toast in recent times.

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