Jack Karlson, the man who brought phrases like “succulent Chinese meal” and “democracy manifest” into Australia’s online lexicon, has died at the age of 82.
In a statement, Karlson’s family said they were with him when he died in hospital on Wednesday. They said he was battling many health conditions, but had succumbed to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
“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,” said Karlson’s niece, Kim Edwards, in a statement on Thursday.
“As a final send-off, we gave Uncle a last taste of red wine through his drip just before it was removed.”
Edwards had set up a crowdfunding campaign in June to help cover medical costs after Karlson was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
She said Karlson was “very thankful” for the positive response to the campaign and for those who had donated, and that the money would now go towards his funeral.
“He (Karlson) walked a full and colourful path and despite the troubles thrown at him, he lived by his motto — to keep on laughing,” Karlson’s family said in a statement.
‘This is democracy manifest’
Karlson’s 1991 arrest at a Chinese restaurant in Brisbane over an accusation of credit card fraud was filmed by television news cameras. Years later, it was uploaded to YouTube and went viral, elevating him to international fame.
As officers escorted him to a police vehicle after his arrest, Karlson theatrically boomed: “Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest!
“Have a look at the headlock here … get your hand off my penis!”
Karlson continued to struggle — and cause a scene — as officers tried valiantly to load him into a police vehicle, leading to his now immortal line.
“What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?
“Oh, that’s a nice headlock, sir. Ah yes, I see that you know your judo well.”
Karlson continued to play up for the camera as he appeared to be picked up and carried into the police vehicle’s back seat.
“Ta ta and farewell,” an almost horizontal Karlson said.
A documentary about Jack Karlson’s viral moment is set to be released in 2025. Source: Supplied
Karlson has repeatedly told the media that the reaction to his arrest wasn’t premeditated and that the incident was a case of mistaken identity.
He did, however, have a criminal history and had reportedly escaped from jail three times.
He was also an occasional painter and part-time actor, even recently providing a music video cameo for punk band The Chats.
Channel 7 journalist Chris Reason, who covered the 1991 arrest, recently gathered with Karlson and one of the arresting officers to share a succulent Chinese meal and pay tribute to the incident.
The July reunion took place to announce the making of a documentary about Karlson and the viral video moment, slated for release in 2025.
Of the viral video, Karlson said: “It’s a bit annoying sometimes … I wouldn’t mind if I was getting a quid out of it.”
He walked a full and colourful path …
Jack Karlson’s family
Heath Davis, director of the documentary titled The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal, said Australia had lost an “icon”.
“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,” David said in a statement. “There really is only one Jack Karlson and he truly was Australia’s last larrikin.”
Karlson is survived by his daughter Heidi, son Erik, nieces Kelly and Kerry, his nephew Karl, and grandchildren Terri-Lace and Nec.
“And many grand nieces and nephews behind, along with countless others whose lives he touched,” his family said. “He will be sorely missed.”
With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
