Bill Granger ‘died peacefully in hospital’ in London on December 25 (Picture: PA)
Restaurateur and TV chef Bill Granger has died aged 54, with Jamie Oliver and Hugh Jackman among those paying tribute.
The Australian culinary star, who founded the Granger & Co restaurants in London and fronted a BBC food show, ‘died peacefully in hospital’ on Christmas Day, according to a statement from his family on social media.
It 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.
‘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.’
The statement published on Boxing Day added: ‘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.’
Granger died surrounded by his wife and three daughters (Picture: PA)
Granger founded his first restaurant, called Bills, which gained recognition for its breakfast dishes, specifically scrambled eggs, in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst.
He opened several more across his native Australia and later brought the franchise to Japan.
In the UK, Granger established his first Granger & Co in Notting Hill before expanding across the capital in locations including King’s Cross.
Granger founded multiple restaurants including Granger & Co in London (Picture: Instagram)
On TV, Granger fronted six-part series, Bill’s Food, which was aired on the BBC, and also appeared on GMTV for a barbeque special in 2006.
He later helmed Bill’s Holiday, which featured Granger’s travels exploring the varying regions and produce of Australia, and Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill.
In 2019 he was among the chefs, including Tom Kerridge and Prue Leith, sharing the secrets behind the dishes that had shaped their lives in the documentary series My Greatest Dishes.
Nigella said she was heartbroken to learn of Granger’s death (Picture: Dan Wooller/REX/Shutterstock)
Jamie described Granger as a ‘wonderful human, kind calm soul’ (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Paying tribute to Granger, in the comments on the Instagram statement, Nigella, 63, said she was ‘heartbroken’ while Jamie, 48, said the news was ‘heart-breaking.’
TV chef and restaurateur Jamie commented: ‘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…
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 17:Deborah Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman attend the 2011 Joyful Heart Foundation Gala at The Museum of Modern Art on May 17, 2011 in New York City.(Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
‘Sending so much love to all his family, rest in peace, Bill, he will be sorely missed.’
Food writer and TV cook Nigella said: ‘I’m heartbroken to hear this. So cruel.’
Hollywood icon Hugh Jackman wrote on his Instagram Stories in a joint tribute with ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness: ‘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.’
‘We will miss his friendship most of all. Our love goes out to Natalie and their three incredible daughters Edie, Ines and Bunny.’
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Australian actor and singer Jason Donovan said: ‘Devastating… Wonderful father and husband. Wonderful man!! Ray of Aussie sunshine.’
Granger is survived by his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Inès and Bunny.
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Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver were among those paying tribute.
