The ABC presenter and former partner of Maggie Tabberer, Richard Zachariah, has died less than four months after his ex-girlfriend and famous TV partner passed away, aged 87
ABC’s iconic presenter Richard Zachariah has passed away at 80, just four months after the death of his partner and ex-co-host Maggie Tabberer at 87. The cause of his passing is still unknown.
The duo famously presented Australia’s much-loved The Home Show during the 80s and 90s, and their romance from 1985 to 1995 made them one of the nation’s most adored celeb couples. A funeral service for Mr Zachariah is set by Guyetts for April 23 at Eastern Park Chapel in Warrnambool, Victoria.
Described as “A colourful character, respected journalist and writer, and lover of life,” his memory is cherished in a heartfelt notice. “Always remembered.”
Reflecting on The Home Show, which dominated the 90s TV scene, Zachariah once said: “some people said we were showing houses that Australians couldn’t afford … 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’,” reports the Express.
The show came to an abrupt halt when Richard and Maggie called it quits, with Richard revealing he became somewhat of a pariah, with folks dodging him on the streets, equating his split with Maggie to “breaking up with the Queen Mother”.
Post-split, Richard retreated from the public eye, relocating to South Australia with his new love Sarah, where they enjoyed life on a vineyard and horse breeding estate in the Adelaide Hills.
Zachariah was not only a massive fan of the races but also penned several books, including his autobiography which delved into his well-known split from Tabberer.
His career further branched out when he became a newsreader for Seven Nightly News and a host on the daytime show 11am back in the ’80s.
Tributes are pouring in for the acclaimed media man, with one fan calling him a “giant of Australian media”. Another commented: “Rest In Peace Richard Zachariah – Journalist.”
His former flame Maggie passed away in December of the previous year.
Her daughter took to Instagram to confirm the passing of the television and fashion legend, saying: “This morning we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna.
“She was an icon in every sense of the word and we will miss her dearly, along with the rest of Australia. Rest in peace Nanna. We love you to bits forever.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
