Remembering Peter Russell-Clarke: The Larrikin Chef Who Won Australia’s Heart
Today, we say goodbye to one of the most iconic and beloved figures in Australian television history—Peter Russell-Clarke. At the age of 89, the legendary TV chef passed away in Melbourne, surrounded by his loving wife Jan and children Peter and Wendy. His death, following complications from a stroke, has left a quiet yet deep ripple across the nation.
If you grew up in Australia in the 1980s, there’s a good chance Peter’s familiar voice and cheeky grin were part of your daily routine. His short but impactful five-minute segments on the ABC cooking show Come and Get It became the heart of many Aussie kitchens. The show ran for nine years from 1983, racking up close to 900 episodes—each one bursting with character, charm, and of course, food.
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But Peter wasn’t just a chef. He was a storyteller, a larrikin, a painter, an illustrator, and a writer. With over 25 cookbooks under his belt—including an encyclopaedia of food—he made cooking accessible and joyful. He cooked for politicians, royals, and regular Aussies alike. Whether it was the Prince of Wales or the local viewer at home, Peter made everyone feel welcome at his table.
Who could forget his signature phrases like “you beauts” and the ever-famous “where’s the cheese?”—lines that still echo fondly in the minds of his fans. His casual, down-to-earth style of presenting stood in contrast to the more polished television norms, making him a genuine pioneer of relaxed, entertaining cooking.
Peter’s career wasn’t without its bumps. In 2008, a humorous yet profanity-laced blooper reel surfaced online, showing the man behind the smile letting loose behind the scenes. He later admitted it may have cost him some work, but it also humanized him even more in the eyes of his audience—just another reason Aussies loved him.
His friend Beverley Pinder described him as “a phenomenon—years ahead of his time,” and that couldn’t be more accurate. In many ways, Peter Russell-Clarke paved the way for the modern celebrity chef. He brought cooking into the home, not as a high-pressure skill, but as a shared joy. With his signature “G’day” and warm delivery, he wasn’t just teaching you to cook—he was inviting you to be part of something.
Peter Russell-Clarke was more than a chef. He was a national treasure who connected people with food and with each other. As we remember him today, we don’t just mourn his passing—we celebrate a life that brought flavour, laughter, and a uniquely Australian spirit to generations. Rest in peace, Peter. And yes… we’re still wondering: where’s the cheese?
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