Renowned Australian Chef Remembered as a 'Visionary' After Passing at 59

Share this @internewscast.com

Highly respected Melbourne chef Teage Ezrad has died at the age of 59 after a battle with a neurological disease.

Ezard burst onto the Australian culinary scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and ran well-known Melbourne restaurants Ezard and Gingerboy, with the former winning The Age’s Best New Restaurant of the Year award when it first opened.

However, Ezard began to step away from the restaurant world during the COVID-19 pandemic as he began to suffer from health issues.

Teage Ezard ran multiple restaurants in Melbourne, winning awards and becoming a famed chef in the city. — Ezard ran multiple restaurants in Melbourne, winning awards and becoming a famed chef in the city. (Simon Schluter)

In 2024, Teage Ezard received a diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a progressive and incurable condition that impacts movement, balance, speech, and emotional regulation.

Yesterday, news of his passing was shared by his family.

“With the heaviest of hearts, we announce that our beloved Teage Ezard has passed away after valiantly battling MSA,” the family expressed in a heartfelt social media post.

“He faced this devastating disease with remarkable courage, humor, wit, and an indomitable spirit, continuing to bring joy and encouragement to others until his final moments.”

Recognized as a pioneering chef who significantly influenced Australian cuisine, he was also a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

“Teage was passionate about using his experience to raise awareness about MSA and to support research efforts, hoping to spare other families from enduring similar pain,” the family added.

“We’re grieving deeply and ask for privacy.

Inside Gingerboy, one of Teage Ezard's most well-known restaurants in Melbourne. — Inside Gingerboy, one of Ezard’s most well-known restaurants. (Fairfax Media via Getty Images)

“Honour him by spreading MSA awareness & supporting Combat MSAï»¿.”

Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nick Reece called Ezrad a “visionary” who helped put Melbourne on the map in culinary terms, and “set new standards for Australian hospitality.”

“[His] creativity reshaped the way Melbourne dined,” Reece said.

“Teage was in the vanguard of chefs who revolutionised the Melbourne dining scene in the 1990s and early 2000’s.”

Reece also praised the work of Ezard in creating awareness for MSA, with Ezard and his family creating the Combat MSA organisation.

“He met this cruel disease with courage, humour, wit, and unbreakable spirit, joking and uplifting others until the very end,” Combat MSA said in a post on social media announcing Ezard’s death.

Teage Ezard with his wife Tina last year. — Teage Ezard with his wife, Tina, last year. (Peter Tarasiuk)

“A legendary chef who shaped Australian dining, he was our devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend.”

Last year, Ezard spoke to The Good Weekend about his diagnosis and its impact on his family, especially his wife Tina.

“I was scared of dying after the initial shock of the diagnosis, but I’ve accepted time isn’t on my side,” he said at the time.

“It’s hard to have your independence taken away. Tina reassures me, helps me engage in social interactions, monitors my symptoms. Her strength and patience leave me in awe.”

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.