Culinary icon Dave Myers of Hairy Bikers fame passes away, age 66

Mar 01, 2024
As tributes flood social media platforms, fans and colleagues remember Myers not just for his culinary prowess but for the warmth, charisma, and joy he brought to screens worldwide. Source: Getty Images.

In a sombre announcement that has sent shockwaves through the culinary world, Dave Myers, the charismatic half of the beloved Hairy Bikers duo, passed away on February 28, 2024, after a battle with cancer.

His Hairy Bikers co-star and close friend, Si King, shared the heartbreaking news in a statement on social media, leaving fans, friends, and colleagues mourning the loss of a culinary icon.

“I’m afraid I bear some sad news,” King began.

“Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years. Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home. All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.

“Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.

“I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times. It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team. I am sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them.

“May I ask you all for one further kindness and allow Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and I some time and some peace to process our huge loss. I am sure I will see you all soon.”

 

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Born September 8, 1957, Myers initially pursued a career as a professional makeup artist specialising in prosthetics. Fate, however, took a fortuitous turn for him when, during the filming of The Gambling Man in 1995, he met Si King, marking the beginning of a collaboration that would propel both into the limelight.

Myers and King gained fame as the dynamic duo on the BBC’s The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, blending cooking and travelogue. Riding various motorbikes, their shows featured banter, unconventional cooking locations, and a Two Fat Ladies-inspired format.

The duo’s culinary adventures expanded with series like The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain, The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best, and The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off. They ventured into theatres with the Big Night Out show, directed by Bob Mortimer, blending cooking, chat, and entertainment.

Further series, such as Meals on Wheels and Hairy Bikers: Best of British, showcased their dedication to British recipes and local produce. Renewing their BBC contracts in 2011, they embarked on The Hairy Biker’s Bakeation, a gastronomic road trip across Europe, and The Hairy Biker’s Mississippi Adventure, exploring food and music along the iconic Mississippi River.

Their lifestyle took centre stage in Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight, documenting their journey to shed weight while savouring great food. The duo’s globe-trotting continued with The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure in 2014.

As tributes flood social media platforms, fans and colleagues remember Myers not just for his culinary prowess but for the warmth, charisma, and joy he brought to screens worldwide.

Myers is survived by his wife Liliana and her children, Iza and Sergiu.