Russell-Clarke, the charismatic host of the 1980s cooking show, Come and Get It, peacefully departed on Friday, surrounded by his wife Jan, children Peter and Wendy, and their families.
His friend Beverley Pinder announced that he succumbed to complications following a stroke.
“Goodbye, Peter Russell-Clarke – the charming artist and gentleman,” she stated. “He was renowned as one of Australia’s pioneering TV cooks. However, Peter Russell-Clarke was a phenomenon – decades ahead of his time.”
Born during the Great Depression, Russell-Clarke’s career spanned a variety of fields including political cartoonist, creative director, actor, restaurateur, UN food ambassador, and author of nearly 40 recipe books, apart from his TV presenting.
“The mischievous Aussie larrikin with a full beard and eyes that sparkled found his joy in television in the 70s and 80s,” she remarked.
“His language, while teaching generations of Aussies to cook, was laced with greetings, compliments, and endearments”, she added, noting his frequent encouragement, “Whether you are cooking or painting, let your imagination guide you.”
According to Pinder, Russell-Clarke once lived on Melbourne’s streets, scouring behind Florentino restaurant on Bourke Street for leftover food.
She has known him since she was 22, describing his captivating presence, “The magic of Peter was magnetic – it was irresistible. His ease with people and children, that carefree, laid-back style, captured the hearts of generations of Australians,” she said.
Russell-Clarke’s collaborator, former Senator Derryn Hinch, shared on X, “G’Day. My old friend, Peter Russell-Clarke, the Egg Man, has passed away. He truly was a beloved, talented rogue.”
