Hugh Jackman and ex Deborra-Lee Furness release joint tribute mourning Bill Granger’s death
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness are mourning the loss of their friend Bill Granger, following his death on Dec. 25 at 54.
The now-separated couple, who announced their split after 27 years of marriage on Sept. 15, came together to pay tribute to their friend in a joint statement on Instagram.
“We are devastated to hear the news of Bill’s passing,” they wrote in an Instagram story. “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 3 incredible daughters Edie, Ines and Bunny.”
Jackman and Furness signed off their tribute by writing “Rest in peace. Deb & Hugh.”
The Australian chef, restaurateur and food writer’s family announced Granger’s death on his Instagram on Tuesday.
Granger “died peacefully” on Christmas Day in a London hospital with his wife, Natalie Elliott, and their three daughters, Edie, Inès and Bunny, by his bedside. The cause of death has not yet been announced.
According to the announcement, Bill, who was born in Melbourne, Australia, was a self-taught cook who became a “celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning over 30 years.”
In 1999, he and Natalie started a restaurant business together. They opened 19 locations in all, expanding out of Australia to also start restaurants in the UK, Japan and South Korea. In the meantime, Bill authored 14 cookbooks and created five TV series. In January of this year, he was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Many also credit Granger with making avocado toast a popular breakfast staple.
Granger’s family added that the “dedicated husband and father” would be “remembered as the ‘King of Breakfast,’ for making unpretentious food into something special filled with sunshine and for spurring the growth of Australian informal and communal eating around the world. 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.”
Adding his voice to Jackman’s and Furness’, British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, 48, also mourned Granger with a touching post on Instagram.
“Shocking and deeply sad news to hear of his death today,” Oliver said “I loved @bill.granger so much, he was such a wonderful man, warm, charming, and had an extraordinary ease and style in cooking that could only come from Australia.
“Many moons ago I remember going to his first Sydney restaurant in Darlinghurst. It was so cool, so relaxed, great food and coffee, and years ahead of its time,” Oliver added. “He was there in full effect so welcoming and just so nice. Bless you, Bill. Love and respect brother!”
