‘Hairy Bikers’ Star Dave Myers Dies at 66 After Cancer Battle

Dave Myers attends the TV Choice Awards 2017 at the Dorchester Hotel, London, on Sept. 4, 2017. Ian West/PA via AP

British television presenter Dave Myers, one-half of the motorcycle-riding cooking duo known as “The Hairy Bikers,” has died at the age of 66 following his years-long battle with cancer.

The celebrity chef passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday night while surrounded by close friends and family, including his wife, Liliana, and co-star, Si King.

Mr. King shared the news of his dear friend’s passing on social media. “All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing,” he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of Mr. Myers. “His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu, who Dave loved like his own.”

“I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow,” he continued. “I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side.”

Mr. King said the messages of support that Mr. Myers and his family received during his health struggle “meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team.”

He added: “I am sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them.”

Tributes Pour In

In May 2022, Mr. Myers revealed he was receiving treatment following his diagnosis, refraining from disclosing which type of cancer he had. He told The Guardian later that year it was “because everybody then goes Googling.” He added, “Everybody becomes an amateur doctor … And I don’t want to be judged— yet.”

As news of the BBC star’s untimely passing reverberated throughout the industry, a wave of tributes and fond memories spread online, underscoring his talent and the profound impact he had on the world of food and television.

“Everyone at the BBC is incredibly sad to hear this news,” Charlotte Moore, BBC’s chief content officer, shared in a statement. “Dave made cooking a truly joyful adventure and he shared that joy with millions.”

She continued: “The public loved him and his unique partnership with Si. Together they made every viewer feel like a friend. More than that he was simply a lovely man. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.”

In response to a post on The Hairy Bikers’ X account announcing Mr. Myers’s death, actor Michael Warburton wrote, “Damn fine human. Far too soon.”

English television presenter Susanna Reid also paid homage to the television personality on X, writing, “Devastating news. Love to Lili, Si and all who love Dave. Such a positive, enthusiastic, huge-hearted man.”

Sunday Times best-selling author and food blogger Becky Excell called Mr. Myers “an absolutely incredible man,” posting that he was “kind, caring and inspiring till the very end and will most definitely continue to inspire forever and ever.”

Cookbook author Christina Kynigos shared her sentiments on Instagram, also expressing her devastation over the loss. “What a man, what a fighter,” she wrote. “Sending you and his family so much love during this very difficult time. The heavens have gained an incredible angel.”

“Iron Chef UK” winner Marcus Bean called Mr. Myers “a beautiful kind man,” writing on Instagram that he will always be thinking of his friend.

‘The Hairy Bikers’

Mr. King and Mr. Myers first met in 1995 while on the set of a television drama, per their website. The traveling, bearded duo swiftly rose to fame in 2004 with the launch of their travelogue television series, called “The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook.”

They’ve since released more than 30 cookbooks, selling over six million copies to date. Most recently, they published “The Hairy Bikers’ Ultimate Comfort Food” in October 2023. Their newest cookbook, “The Hairy Dieters’ Fast & Fresh,” is set to debut in April of this year.

Prior to their television successes, Mr. Myers, who hails from the England port town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, was a make-up artist for BBC, where he specialized in creating prosthetics. Mr. King, from northeast England, was an assistant director and locations manager for a variety of film and television projects, most notably working on films in the “Harry Potter” franchise.

The pair’s latest BBC Two series, “The Hairy Bikers Go West,” aired earlier this month. Throughout the seven-part series, the dynamic duo explores the United Kingdom’s west coast, from Scotland down to Devon, “while taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to places close to their hearts,” their website reads.