The famous Australian chef Bill Granger has passed away at 54. He was based in Melbourne and was a self-taught cooking expert, known globally for his restaurants and cookbooks over his 30-year career. His family confirmed his peaceful death in a London hospital on Christmas Day, as reported by the BBC. Bill, often called the “godfather of avocado toast,” received tributes from chefs like Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, and actor Hugh Jackman.
In a post on Instagram, Bill’s family called him the ‘King of Breakfast,’ recognizing his talent for making simple, delicious food special. The cause of his death hasn’t been shared.
During his successful career, Bill wrote 14 cookbooks, hosted many TV cooking shows, and opened over a dozen restaurants worldwide. He started his culinary journey in 1993, opening his first restaurant named Bills in Sydney when he was 23. Bill gained fame for dishes like avocado toast, ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter, and great coffee.
Celebrities paid tribute to Bill’s talent and the gap he leaves. Nigella Lawson described him as the “nicest man,” highlighting the joy he brought through his food, books, and personal interactions. Jamie Oliver shared his sadness, remembering Bill as a wonderful person and a respected figure in the cooking world. Australian actor Jason Donovan called Bill a “ray of Aussie sunshine” and a “wonderful man.”
After the success of Bills, Bill expanded his culinary empire with cafes in Japan, South Korea, and London. In January of this year, he was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia for his outstanding contributions to tourism and hospitality, solidifying his legacy in the culinary world.