‘Aussie icon of cooking’ Peter Russell-Clarke dies aged 89

Peter Russell-Clarke — chef, artist, writer, illustrator, and author best known for his 1980s cooking show Come and Get It — has sadly passed away at the age of 89.

He died on Friday, July 4, from complications following a stroke, surrounded by his family.

Born in Ballarat in 1935, Russell-Clarke was the son of an Anglican minister and a dressmaker. He became known as much for his Bohemian flair — often seen sporting a signature neckerchief and artist’s smock — as for his irreverent charm and creative talents.

Before becoming a household name, he worked as a creative director at an advertising agency during the 1970s and was a political cartoonist for The Melbourne Herald. He even made a cameo in the 1983 cult film At Last… Bullamakanka: The Motion Picture alongside journalist Derryn Hinch, and ran a pop-up restaurant in Carlton long before such concepts became trendy.

Over his career, Russell-Clarke authored nearly 40 recipe books and served as a food ambassador for the United Nations. His culinary skills were enjoyed by dignitaries such as the Duke of Edinburgh and then-Prince Charles.

But it was his warm, laconic style on television that cemented his legacy. His short, five-minute ABC cooking show — peppered with catchphrases like “g’day,” “ripper,” and “you beaut” — aired 900 episodes and was beloved by audiences. His enthusiastic sign-off, “Come and get it!”, became iconic.

He also appeared regularly on commercial TV, most memorably asking, “Where’s the cheese?” in popular ads for the Australian Dairy Corporation.

As news of his passing broke, fans and fellow celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to a man many considered a national treasure.

G’Day. Me ol’ mate, Peter Russell-Clarke, the Egg Man, has died. He really was a talented likeable rogue.

— Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) July 6, 2025

Vale Peter Russell-Clarke. Watching him on tv years ago sparked the interest in cooking that I’ve carried since. Was lucky enough to say “Gday” to him personally a couple of times. Swore like a sailor. Would make Ramsey blush😂
I’d call him an Aussie Icon of cooking. The OG! pic.twitter.com/o1IjFeQr6a

— Brisketboy🍀 (@Brisketboy73) July 6, 2025

News of Peter Russell-Clarke’s passing today sent me straight back to the ‘80s.

That cheerful jingle and the opening credits of his ABC cooking show seemed to be on every afternoon.

Press play and let opening jingle nostalgia do the rest.

RIP. pic.twitter.com/wledetA7Ji

— Aaron Smith (@Aaronsmith333) July 6, 2025

Woke up in the UK to hear of the sad death of Peter Russell Clarke. I loved watching him as a kid, & unwittingly he shaped how I talk on camera. A friend sent me a quote from an article on him: ‘he used phrases like g’day, rippers & you beauts❤️ RIP legendpic.twitter.com/lz1Ae8jOJl

— Punt Road (@punt_rd) July 6, 2025

“Where’s the Cheese?”

RIP Peter Russell Clarke

You were in most households in the 70’s & 80’s

“Come and Get It” always led into the “Goodies”.. so we watched it a lot. pic.twitter.com/Wx02RMeT0m

— Shrapnel😇 (@Shrappy71) July 6, 2025

This guy was a legend. Loved his 5min shows after school work was done, his catchy song will play in my head forever! I had privilege of talking to him a few years back in DM. Gem a person, and a wonderful charismatic person of an era rapidly going

— joe low (@blackploughman) July 6, 2025

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jan, their two children, Peter and Wendy, and three grandchildren.

-with AAP.