Russell Norman dead at 57 – BBC star and award-winning restaurant owner & chef dies after short health battle
A BBC star, chef and award-winning restaurant owner has died after a short health battle.
Russell Norman sadly passed away aged 57 in hospital surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday.
A close friend said Russell’s wife Jules and three children were at his bedside at the time.
The tragedy comes just weeks after his fourth cookbook was published.
Russell was well-known for presenting BBC2’s six-part doc The Restaurant Man.
The 2014 series saw Russell use his extensive knowledge to help others make their restaurants a success.
Business partner Richard Beatty, who co-founded restaurants Spuntino and Polpo with Russell, paid tribute to his “best friend”.
He said: “It is with the greatest sadness I announce the loss of my best friend Russell Norman.
“After a short battle in hospital, he died surrounded by family and friend.
“Russell is survived by his wife and three children, I ask that you respect the privacy of his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
It is not yet known how the talented chef died.
Russell first made headlines when he won an award for his first cookbook in 2012.
POLPO: A Venetian Cookbook (of Sorts) won Waterstones Book of The Year just two years later.
And in 2016, his second cookbook won the Guild Food Writers Award for best food and travel book.
His latest book to hit the shelves before he passed was BRUTTO: A Simple Florentine Cookbook.