Jack Karlson, known not just Australia-wide but globally for the iconic, viral video featuring his arrest at a Fortitude Valley Chinese restaurant in 1991, has died.
Karlson leaves behind a beloved family, as well as a legion of fans in Australia who came to know him through the video – elevating him to icon status.
“It is with heavy hearts that we confirm Jack passed away on Wednesday, surrounded by family. He walked a full and colourful path and despite the troubles thrown at him, he lived by his motto – to keep on laughing,” Jack’s family say in a statement.
“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.”
“Uncle turned 82 last Tuesday,” Jack’s niece Kim adds. “He spent the last few weeks of his life in hospital. He had a few attempts to escape and pulled his cords out a couple of times and asked us many time to sneak in his pipe. He was battling many ailments but what got him in the end was SIRS.”
“He was very thankful for the positive response to his GoFundMe and everyone who donated. This money will now go towards his funeral. As a final send off we gave Uncle a last taste of red wine through his drip just before it was removed. We are still deciding what we want to do in regards to the funeral. We will post updates on the GoFundMe page.”
It was only recently that a documentary, aptly titled ‘The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal’, was announced for release in early 2025. The team behind the upcoming film say they uncovered Jack’s fascinating story in the process of exploring that iconic 1991 arrest – finding out things they never knew about Jack and his colourful life.
“Collaborating with Jack has been one of the most rewarding and fascinating creative journey’s to date. Jack lived a life unlike any other. In fact, he’s such a larger than life figure who’s survived such adversity it’s hard to believe he’s left us,” Director Heath Davis says. “Jack’s inherent ability to always see the bright side of life despite the insurmountable hardship is something I’ll carry forward with me in my own life. There really is only one Jack Karlson and he truly was Australia’s last larrikin.”
’The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal’ tells the story of Jack Karlson’s life, before and after the public arrest and coverage from Channel 7’s Chris Reason. Originally believed to be Queensland’s most wanted criminal, Karlson’s arrest at a Chinese restaurant in Fortitude Valley has since become an iconic Australian pop culture moment.
“We’ve lost an icon today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved family today especially his daughter Heidi, niece Kim and nephew Karl. Jack’s spark will forever live on much like his infamous viral video. I’ll be having a beer and a succulent Chinese meal in his honour tonight. You can finally rest in peace, mate.”
Vale Jack Karlson – 1942-2024.
‘The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal’ is slated for a March 2025 release.
