Peter Russell-Clarke reveals what sent him broke

Some celebrity chefs have made a name from their violent swearing. That is not the case for Australia’s original TV chef, Peter Russell-Clarke. In fact, he says a viral video of him swearing almost ruined his career.

Talking to the Herald Sun the 81-year-old said times had changed a lot from the days he appeared on Come And Get It, and not for the better. “When I was on TV, I showed viewers how to grill a chop and how to use water underneath it to create steam so it kept its weight. You don’t get told this stuff anymore,” he said. “They don’t teach people how to cook now, it’s just ratings and entertainment to see who they can embarrass the most.’’

Despite appearing on screen for nine years on the ABC, then a stint on SBS,  Russell-Clarke ended up broke. A number of farms he owned were mismanaged but the viral video, he said, shocked everyone and his speaking engagements were cancelled. “It really affected my reputation and took me a long time to recover from,’’ he said. “When you are working with a crew you sometimes assume the vision isn’t going to go anywhere,’’ he said. “I was wrong and I have learned from that.” He said swearing is much more acceptable for young people, but still not for older generations.

Russell-Clarke still spends time in the kitchen, occasionally cooking for corporate functions, but he now spends more time on another passion; painting. This is an example of his work, as posted on his Instagram page.

Were you a fan of the ‘G’day’ chef in the ’80s and ’90s?