Media industry mourns as The Home Show star (80) passes away, following on-screen partner
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The Australian media landscape recently lost another one of its luminaries.
Television host Richard Zachariah has passed away at 80.
Zachariah, a man of many talents, was also a journalist, broadcaster, author, and racing enthusiast.
Richard Zachariah's passing came months after the death of his former on-screen partner, Maggie Tabberer.
The couple, once dubbed Sydney's most glamorous duo, captured the hearts of the nation during the 1980s and 1990s.
Zachariah and Tabberer co-presented ABC's lifestyle television series, The Home Show.
The show was a precursor to the current wave of real estate and interior design programs that became staples on Australian television.
Despite facing criticism for being perceived as an 'elitist' program, it inspired several shows such as The Block and Grand Designs Australia.
Zachariah once reflected on the show's success and acknowledged the divide in viewer opinions.
'Some people said we were showing houses that Australians couldn't afford, but we got more letters from viewers saying, "I live in a fibro house, and I'll never be able to live in the houses we see on the program, but I want to dream so don't dare take them off,"' Zachariah recounted.
The Home Show ended after a five-year run.
The show's end also marked the end of Richard Zachariah and Maggie Tabberer's relationship.
Zachariah noted that the public's reaction to their split was palpable, as some had to avoid him on the street.
He likened the breakup to 'breaking up with the Queen Mother,' illustrating the high regard in which the Australian public held Tabberer.
Zachariah then sought a quieter life away from the celebrity bubble of Sydney's glitterati.
He moved to South Australia with his partner Sarah, where they lived on a vineyard and horse breeding property in the Adelaide Hills.
He then authored several books, including Zachariah, which delved into his controversial life with Maggie Tabberer and the reality of being a celebrity.
Another one of his books, The Vanished Land, explored the disappearing dynasties of Victoria's western pastoral district.
In contrast to the public memorial held for Maggie Tabberer last December, Zachariah's funeral would be a quieter affair.
His family and friends have been invited to gather at the Eastern Park Chapel in Warrnambool, Victoria, on Wednesday, 23 April.
An interment at Ellerslie Cemetery will then follow the gathering.
Watch one of Richard Zachariah's adverts here:
Source: Video History Snippets/YouTube
Richard Zachariah's passing should be a poignant reminder of the nature of life and the enduring impact of public figures on Australian culture.
His legacy, much like that of Maggie Tabberer, will continue to influence and inspire.
As we bid farewell to another star, we reflect on the memories and contributions they have left behind.
We invite you to share your memories of Richard Zachariah and The Home Show, or to reflect on how public figures have influenced your lives.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his work.
May he rest in peace.
Television host Richard Zachariah has passed away at 80.
Zachariah, a man of many talents, was also a journalist, broadcaster, author, and racing enthusiast.
Richard Zachariah's passing came months after the death of his former on-screen partner, Maggie Tabberer.
The couple, once dubbed Sydney's most glamorous duo, captured the hearts of the nation during the 1980s and 1990s.
Zachariah and Tabberer co-presented ABC's lifestyle television series, The Home Show.
The show was a precursor to the current wave of real estate and interior design programs that became staples on Australian television.
Prior to The Home Show, Richard Zachariah was a newsreader and a presenter. Image Credit: TV Tonight
Despite facing criticism for being perceived as an 'elitist' program, it inspired several shows such as The Block and Grand Designs Australia.
Zachariah once reflected on the show's success and acknowledged the divide in viewer opinions.
'Some people said we were showing houses that Australians couldn't afford, but we got more letters from viewers saying, "I live in a fibro house, and I'll never be able to live in the houses we see on the program, but I want to dream so don't dare take them off,"' Zachariah recounted.
The Home Show ended after a five-year run.
The show's end also marked the end of Richard Zachariah and Maggie Tabberer's relationship.
Zachariah noted that the public's reaction to their split was palpable, as some had to avoid him on the street.
He likened the breakup to 'breaking up with the Queen Mother,' illustrating the high regard in which the Australian public held Tabberer.
Zachariah then sought a quieter life away from the celebrity bubble of Sydney's glitterati.
He moved to South Australia with his partner Sarah, where they lived on a vineyard and horse breeding property in the Adelaide Hills.
He then authored several books, including Zachariah, which delved into his controversial life with Maggie Tabberer and the reality of being a celebrity.
Another one of his books, The Vanished Land, explored the disappearing dynasties of Victoria's western pastoral district.
In contrast to the public memorial held for Maggie Tabberer last December, Zachariah's funeral would be a quieter affair.
His family and friends have been invited to gather at the Eastern Park Chapel in Warrnambool, Victoria, on Wednesday, 23 April.
An interment at Ellerslie Cemetery will then follow the gathering.
Watch one of Richard Zachariah's adverts here:
Source: Video History Snippets/YouTube
Richard Zachariah's passing should be a poignant reminder of the nature of life and the enduring impact of public figures on Australian culture.
His legacy, much like that of Maggie Tabberer, will continue to influence and inspire.
As we bid farewell to another star, we reflect on the memories and contributions they have left behind.
We invite you to share your memories of Richard Zachariah and The Home Show, or to reflect on how public figures have influenced your lives.
May he rest in peace.
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Condolences to your loved ones. 
Richard Zacharia thoughts and prayers are with your family 
