Jack Karlson, the man behind the infamous ‘A Succulent Chinese Meal’ meme fame, has died, aged 82.
Karlson rose to fame in 2009 after a news clip of his arrest at a Chinese restaurant in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley in 1991 was put on the Internet.
“What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” Karlson shouted as he tried to resist arrest from multiple police officers. He also immortalised the phrase “this is democracy manifest!” while trying to evade the police officers.
Karlson died yesterday (August 7), according to a statement from his family. He is said to have died in hospital surrounded by his family after suffering with SIRS – systemic inflammatory response syndrome – and cancer.
Jack Karlson, the man who had the funniest arrest ever, has died. He deserves a statue.
Long live this legend.pic.twitter.com/qh0txfKEvw
— Today Years Old (@todayyearsoldig) August 8, 2024
His family said: “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 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.”
Kim Edwards, his niece, added: “Uncle turned 82 last Tuesday. 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 times to sneak in his pipe.”
“He was very thankful for the positive response to his Go Fund Me 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.”
Karlson is to be the subject of a documentary, The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal, which is set for release next year.
Sad news: Mr Democracy Manifest has died. The cultural icon, whose arrest inspired a thousand t-shirts and millions of downloads, had advanced cancer. His immortal words will echo thru generations: “What is the charge..eating a meal, a succulent Chinese meal?!!” Vale Jack Karlson pic.twitter.com/nLTuZgJDaZ
— Chris Reason (@ChrisReason7) August 7, 2024
Director Heath Davis also paid tribute to him, saying: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of our friend Jack Karlson. It’s been an honour and privilege telling his story and we remain committed to bringing his remarkable story to the big screen.
“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. 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.
“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.”
The documentary tells the story of his infamous arrest and coverage as well as his colourful life.
As per The Guardian, Karlson – who went under many aliases – escaped from prison multiple times and spent his life growing up in several notorious Australian institutions.The documentary about his life is planned for release in the spring of 2025.
On social media there have been many tributes to Karlson – you can see some of them here:
RIP Jack Karlson
I hope he’s eating a meal, a succulent Chinese meal in heaven right now pic.twitter.com/XWQwi8tccl— Tom Reagan’s Hat (@RufusTSuperfly) August 7, 2024
The succulent Chinese meal man, Jack Karlson, has died. The king of the gifs, the King of the memes. There’s a succulent Chinese meal with your name on it upstairs, my good man for this is democracy manifest. May you forever know your judo well.
pic.twitter.com/Qs2zM2zbW3
— Niecy O'Keeffe (@NiecyOKeeffe) August 7, 2024
A true legend has left this planet.
Godspeed Jack Karlson. pic.twitter.com/FdTLXygmGn
— Danny Kingston (@foodurchin) August 8, 2024
RIP to an Australian legend – Mr Democracy Manifest himself. I for one will be enjoying a succulent Chinese meal in his honour tonight. Vale Jack Karlson (1942-2024)
pic.twitter.com/W4Q4nfwP3P
— nordacious (@nordacious) August 8, 2024
The Greatest Succulent Chinese meal I ever had. At the home of Mr Democracy Manifest in the Brisbane Valley… after tracking him down after decades out of the spotlight. Vale Jack Karlson. @ChrisReason7 pic.twitter.com/axxQBRzLTt
— Peter Doherty (@PeterDoherty7) August 7, 2024
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