‘Ta ta and farewell’: Jack Karlson, the man behind the iconic ‘succulent Chinese meal’ moment, dies age 82

The man behind the iconic “succulent Chinese meal” viral moment, Jack Karlson, has sadly passed away at the age of 82 following a battle with cancer.

Karlson’s family confirmed his passing in a statement in which they revealed “he will be sorely missed”.

“He walked a full and colourful path and despite the troubles thrown at him, he lived by his motto – to keep on laughing,” the statement read.

“Jack leaves daughter Heidi, his son Erik, his nieces Kim, Kelly and Kerry, and nephew Karl, grandchildren Terri-Lace and Nec and many grand nieces and nephews behind, along with countless others whose lives he touched. He will be sorely missed.”

Sad news: Mr Democracy Manifest has died. The cultural icon, whose arrest inspired a thousand t-shirts and millions of downloads, had advanced cancer. His immortal words will echo thru generations: “What is the charge..eating a meal, a succulent Chinese meal?!!” Vale Jack Karlson pic.twitter.com/nLTuZgJDaZ

— Chris Reason (@ChrisReason7) August 7, 2024

The iconic figure will be long remembered after a television news crew filmed Karlson’s arrest at Brisbane’s China Sea Restaurant in 1991 in which he delivered the colourful outburst that has since gone down in Aussie history.

During a high-stakes operation to catch one of Queensland’s most wanted men, police stormed the restaurant after receiving a tip that their target was using a stolen credit card to pay for his meal.

Among the diners was Karlson, who had a criminal record and was mistakenly apprehended. Although the police missed their actual suspect, a Seven News crew captured the arrest, creating footage that would later achieve internet fame.

“Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest,” he tells the Seven News crew in the infamous clip.

“Have a look at the headlock here… get your hand off my penis!”

As he continued to struggle with officers, Karlson delivered the immortal line that has since gone on to become the subject of countless memes.

“What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” he yelled.

“Oh, that’s a nice headlock, sir. Ah yes, I see that you know your judo well.”

As he continues to struggle and put on a show for the camera, Karlson then appears to be picked up and carried into the police vehicle’s back seat.

“Ta ta and farewell,” Karlson said as he was loaded into the vehicle.

When the video was uploaded to YouTube in 2009, it quickly went viral, inspiring countless memes, a book, and even merchandise carrying Karlson’s famous phrase.

Following the icon’s passing, Aussies nationwide flocked to pay tribute and reminisce about the unforgettable viral moment.

A great Aussie character. Vale Jack

— My friend, Peter 🙂 (@PeterFo46396181) August 7, 2024

Sad news but great to see he was able to relive that fine moment in our history. My condolences to his family and friends.

— Kazza Boots 😷💉🪟🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@kazza264) August 7, 2024

Will eat a succulent Chinese meal in his honour. Farewell

— Philomena Wijsman (@KAARMAphilo) August 7, 2024

Vale Jack – the true spirit of the Aussie knockabout.

— Woody (@liberals_ipa) August 7, 2024

A documentary about Karlson’s life is set to be released in March 2025 titled, The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal.

-with AAP.