Celebrities around the world pay tribute to late restaurateur Bill Granger
Bill Granger has died aged 54
Iconic Australian chef and restaurateur Bill Granger has died aged 54, his family announced today.
He died peacefully in hospital on Christmas Day, surrounded by his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters.
Here is how the world has reacted to the news.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness
Actor Hugh Jackman and his estranged wife Deborra-Lee Furness shared a joint statement, in which they said they would miss Granger's friendship.
"We are devastated to hear the news of Bill's passing," they said.
"His talent, his joie de vivre, the way he brought people together, and his commitment to family were inspiring.
"Our love goes out to Natalie and their 3 incredible daughters Edie, Ines and Bunny. Rest in peace."
Nigella Lawson
English food writer and television cook Nigella Lawson said she was "heartbroken" to learn of Granger's death.
"I find it impossible to find the right words, but then, there are no right words when what's happened is so wrong," she said.
"He was the loveliest man, and the joy he gave us – whether through his food, his books, the spaces he made for us, or in person – came from the kindness and generosity and sheer, shining exuberance of his very self.
"So devastated for his family. It's too cruel. May his memory be a blessing."
Gwyneth Paltrow
Actress and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow also paid tribute to the late chef.
"Oh my goodness, this is so heartbreaking! Love to you all," she said.
Jason Donovan
Australian actor and singer Jason Donovan described the iconic restauranteur as a "ray of Aussie sunshine".
"Devastating," he said.
"Wonderful father and husband. Wonderful man!!
"Thoughts are with Nat Edie Ines and Bunny."
Chris Lucas
Australian restauranteur Christopher Lucas, owner of the acclaimed Chin Chin, said Granger will be "warmly remembered" for taking Australian café to the world.
"So saddened by the news of the passing of Bill Granger at such a young age," he said.
"A thoroughly decent person a great loss. Vale."
Neale Whitaker
The Block judge Neale Whitaker, who worked alongside Granger for about two decades, said he was "shocked and saddened" the chef had died "so terribly young".
"For those of us working in food in Sydney in the early 00's ... Bill Granger was synonymous with a simplicity, freshness and lack of pretension that characterised Australian food at the time.
"It is a tribute to Bill and the many cooks and restaurateurs he inspired, that it still does today.
"While we lost touch a little during Bill's latter London years, it was a privilege and a pleasure to reconnect briefly in London just a few months ago.
"Vale Bill Granger."
Peter Gordon
New Zealand chef Peter Gordon sent his love to Granger's family.
"Aroha nui to Nat and the girls. RIP Bill," he said.
Lyndey Milan
Australian media personality and home cook Lyndey Milan sent her love to Granger's family, saying "only the good die young".
"I will never forget how fabulous his scrambled eggs and honeycomb hotcakes were," she said.
"He single-handedly reinvented Australian breakfast, a phenomena which went global.
"I'm so pleased I was able to catch up with him in London a few years ago. RIP Bill."
Arnold Poernomo
Celebrity chef and MasterChef Indonesia judge Arnold Poernomo said: "Rest In Peace Bill".
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