Peter Russell-Clarke, former celebrity chef and ambassador for the food industry, died late last week at the age of 89.
He had suffered complications from a stroke. “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 Jnr told ABC.
Born in Ballarat, Russell-Clarke was working as a commercial artist at an advertising agency. This led to work in the print media both as an artist and as a food writer.
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He became best known for his chuckling greeting, “G’day!”, from his appearances in commercials and as presenter of ABC’s long-running cooking show Come And Get It. The five-minute program with the catchy theme tune, ran for 900 episodes over almost a decade.
He made guest appearances on This Day Tonight, The Don Lane Show, Peter Couchman Tonight, Australia Live, Good Morning Australia, Studio 10 and the community TV show About Tonight. He also made a guest appearance, playing himself, on drama series Prisoner and featured in the comedy film At Last… Bullamakanka: The Motion Picture.
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He appeared in commercials for the Australian Dairy Corporation, the Victorian Egg Board and Kraft Cheese. He also wrote, directed and presented commercials for the Citrus Board, Honey Board, Rice Board, Tea Council, Avocado Council and Macadamia Nut Corporation. He also authored 35 books and was a United Nations food ambassador.
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ABC has issued a statement in tribute:
The ABC pays tribute to much-loved television chef, author and artist Peter Russell-Clarke.
Peter became a household name in the 1980s on the ABC’s popular cooking show Come and Get It, hosting more than 900 episodes between 1983-1992. His passion for good food and ability to connect with audiences left a lasting mark on Australian food culture and television. He was known for his trademark neckerchief and signature catchphrases ‘G’day’ and ‘Where’s the cheese?’
Peter will be fondly remembered, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family.
Peter Russell-Clarke is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jan, their two children Peter and Wendy, and three grandchildren.
Source: Celebrity Speakers, ABC, ABC
