Legendary Chef Michel Roux Passed Away After Long Battle With Illness

Children of the restaurateur, who founded the first three Michelin-starred restaurant in Britain, reveals that the 79-year-old died surrounded by his family at home in Berkshire, England.

AceShowbiz –
Legendary French chef Michel Roux has died at the age of 79.

The restaurateur, who founded Le Gavroche, the first three Michelin starred restaurant in Britain, passed away while surrounded by his family at home in Berkshire, England, following a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family announced on Thursday, March 12.

In a statement issued to The Caterer website, Michel’s son Alain and his daughters, Francine and Christine, said: “It is with deep sadness that the Roux family announces the passing of our beloved grandfather, father, brother and uncle, Michel Roux OBE.”

“The family would like to thank everyone for their support during his illness. While many of you will share our great sense of loss, we request privacy for the family at this difficult time.”

They went on to praise him as a “humble genius, legendary chef, popular author and charismatic teacher,” and they honoured his, “mischievous sense of fun, his huge, bottomless heart and generosity and kindness that knew no bounds.”

Born in Charolles, France, Michel moved to London with his brother Albert and opened Le Gavroche in 1967. The opening party was attended by stars including Charlie Chaplin and Ava Gardner. In 1982 it became the first U.K. restaurant to gain three Michelin stars.

Albert, the father of celebrity chef Michel Roux Jr., and Michel also opened a second restaurant at the Waterside Inn, in Bray, Berkshire, and launched their own scholarship for aspiring chefs.

Hailing their late relative’s legacy, the family’s statement concluded: “Michel’s star will shine forever lighting the way for a generation of chefs to follow”.

The family plan to hold a private funeral followed later in the year by a celebration of life event.