The golden age of Hollywood has dimmed slightly with the passing of Kathryn Crosby, a star in her own right and the widow of the legendary crooner Bing Crosby.

At the age of 90, Kathryn leaves behind a legacy that intertwines with the tapestry of classic American cinema and the personal story of one of its most iconic entertainers.

The Australian culinary scene also mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, Greg Malouf, who passed away at 64.

Known for his exceptional talent and innovative approach to Middle Eastern cuisine, Malouf was a celebrated chef and a beloved figure in the food industry.


Born into the glamour of the silver screen, Kathryn Crosby's journey began in the beauty pageant circles of Texas.

Her striking looks and charm earned her the title of first runner-up in the Miss Texas pageant.

This victory catapulted her into the limelight and secured her a contract with Paramount Studios at 20.


It was 1953, and Kathryn was about to embark on a career that would see her grace the screen in roles that remain etched in the memories of film lovers.

Her early career was marked by versatility. She captivated audiences with her performances and wrote columns about Hollywood for her hometown newspaper.

Kathryn's life took a turn straight out of a Hollywood script when she met Bing Crosby in a Paramount Studios parking lot.

The encounter began with a casual greeting, 'Hi Tex, what's your hurry?'.

Kathryn's quick wit and Bing's charm led to a cup of tea, and within minutes, as she gazed into his 'big blue eyes,' Kathryn knew she had found her match.

Their marriage in 1957 marked a shift in Kathryn's life.

She embraced Catholicism Bing's faith and settled into a role quite different from her burgeoning career.

As a mother to three children—Nathaniel, Harry, and Mary Frances Crosby, who would go on to star in the television series Dallas—Kathryn's focus shifted to her family, though she never fully stepped away from the spotlight.
Kathryn's presence on screen during her marriage was often alongside Bing. She guest-starred on The Bing Crosby Show and appeared in his Merrie Olde Christmas specials.

She also hosted her own talk show, The Kathryn Crosby Show, and charmed audiences in a Minute Maid juice advertisement with their children.

Her filmography includes over twenty films, including The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Anatomy of a Murder, and Rear Window.

The loss of Bing in 1977 was a profound one for Kathryn, but she channelled her grief into a tribute to her late husband, performing in a cabaret that celebrated his life and music.

Her love for the stage continued, leading her to Broadway in the 1996 revival of State Fair.



In other news, Greg Malouf's journey in the culinary world was nothing short of remarkable.

Born to Lebanese parents in Melbourne, he grew up immersed in the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern flavours and aromas.

From the tangy zest of yoghurt to the sweet allure of sticky nut pastries, his childhood was a sensory exploration of Lebanese gastronomy.


Malouf became a household name by appearing on popular television shows like MasterChef Australia and Food Safari.

His charm and expertise made him a favourite among viewers, but his skill in the kitchen earned him a Michelin star and the management of one of Melbourne's most sought-after restaurants.

MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris shared the news of his passing, taking to social media to express his sorrow and admiration for Malouf.


Calombaris's heartfelt tribute highlighted Malouf's impact not only as a chef but also as a 'giant of a human' and a 'beautiful man.'

The post resonated with many, including fellow celebrity chefs and fans who remembered Malouf's contributions to the culinary world and his vibrant personality.

Malouf's influence extended far beyond the television screen.

He was instrumental in bringing the flavours of the Levant to the forefront of Australia's dining scene.

His innovative takes on traditional Arabic dishes earned him the title of Australia's godfather of Middle Eastern cuisine.


He was a pioneer, challenging the limited perceptions of Middle Eastern food in Australia and introducing a wealth of new ingredients and flavours to the Western palate.

Despite his success, Malouf faced significant health challenges throughout his life.

He underwent a triple bypass surgery at the young age of 21 and later became the second person in Victoria to receive a second heart transplant after his body rejected the first one.

His battles with heart problems, which he attributed to family history and a poor diet, did not deter him from his passion.

In an interview with Tatler last year, Malouf reflected on the evolution of Middle Eastern cuisine in Australia.


‘Growing up as the son of Lebanese immigrants in Australia, my home was filled with the rich flavours of yoghurt, cheese, flower waters, rice-stuffed vegetables and sticky nut pastries,’ he said.

‘To most Aussies back then, Middle Eastern cuisine was synonymous with hummus, tabbouleh and perhaps a falafel after a night at the pub.’

‘Fast forward to today, and the culinary landscape has transformed dramatically.'

'Not only in Australia but also in many Western countries, there’s a greater appreciation and adoption of ingredients like pomegranate molasses, preserved lemons, harissa and za’atar.’

‘This change didn’t just come about. It was a conscious effort to not only share the incredible dishes I grew up with but also to modernise them for a new generation of diners.’

Greg is survived by his former spouse and fellow culinary expert, Lucy Malouf.


As we reflect on the remarkable lives of Kathryn Crosby and Greg Malouf, we honour their legacies and the indelible marks they left on Hollywood and the culinary world.

May they both rest in peace, remembered for their extraordinary contributions and the joy they brought to so many.