Hugh Jackman joins with ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness to pay tribute to top Australian restaurateur Bill Granger following his death aged 54

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have joined together to pay tribute to Australian chef Bill Granger following his shocking death at the age of 54.

The Wolverine star, 55, and the actress, 68, expressed their condolences in a joint Instagram statement.

'We are devastated to hear the news of Bill's death. “His talent, his zest for life, the way he brought people together and his dedication to family were inspiring,” the post said.

'We will miss his friendship above all. Our love goes out to Natalie and their three wonderful daughters Edie, Ines and Bunny.”

'Rest in peace. Deb and Hugh', the couple, who announced their divorce in September, ended.

World-famous Australian chef Bill has died at the age of 54, his family revealed in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday.

He died 'peacefully' in hospital, surrounded by his family.

“He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss felt most deeply by his adored family, who are grateful for all the love and support given,” the message said.

“It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce that he passed away on December 25 at the age of 54.

'Bill, a devoted husband and father, died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Inès and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home in London.'

The Wolverine star, 55, and the actress, 68, expressed their condolences in a joint Instagram statement

Tributes came for Bill from fellow celebrity chefs including Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver.

'I am devastated to hear this. So cruel. Deepest love for N, E, I and B,” Nigella wrote.

Jamie, 47, wrote that he was 'devastated' by the news of Granger's death and described the chef as an 'amazing human being' who made great food.

“This is devastating news, I am so sad to hear this, what a man he was…. a wonderful human, kind, calm soul,” Jamie wrote.

“I admired everything he represented in food. I remember the first time I met him many moons ago, he couldn't have been nicer and his food was so good.

“Sending so much love to his entire family. Rest in Peace Bill, he will be greatly missed jox xx.”

In a second tribute to Jamie's Instagram Story, the British celebrity chef wrote that he “loved Bill so much.”

“This is such sad news… I loved Bill Granger so much, he was such a wonderful man, warm, charming, and he had an extraordinary ease and cooking style that could only come from Australia,” Jamie wrote.

“Bless you Bill, so much love! What a guy. So much love for his family and friends.'

Former MasterChef judge Matt Preston also remembered Bill as a 'really nice guy and an inspiration'.

'I'm so sorry to hear this news… Together (with Natalie by his side) he helped shape the image of modern Australian food around the world. My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone he worked with at this sad time,” he wrote.

Australian actor Jason Donovan said Bill's death is “devastating” news.

'Wonderful father and husband. Fantastic man! Ray of Australian sunshine,” the former Neighbors star said.

Australian chef Bill has died at the age of 54, his family announced in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Bill was a self-taught chef who became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning more than 30 years.

In 1999, he and his wife Natalie began a professional partnership that launched the company worldwide. Together they built a successful business that today has 19 restaurants in Sydney, London, Greater Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Seoul.

Bill wrote fourteen cookbooks, created five TV series and was recently honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2023.

He will be remembered as the 'King of Breakfast' for turning unpretentious food into something special full of sunshine and for encouraging the growth of Australian casual and communal dining around the world.

Born in Melbourne, Bill was a self-taught chef who became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning more than 30 years

The self-taught chef left art school at the age of 24 and opened his first 'Bills' restaurant in Sydney's Darlinghurst in 1992.

Bill went on to own an empire of 18 cafes and restaurants around the world, including Japan, Hawaii and London.

The chef was credited with inventing a breakfast item that has come to define a generation: the humble avocado on toast.