There are professional chefs, and then there are celebrity TV chefs. While both groups have plenty of talent in the kitchen, celebrity TV chefs are probably the first people you think of when you think of chefs. Today, there are more cooking shows and TV chefs than there are days in a year, but there are a few celebrity chefs that have stood the test of time and won the hearts of viewers across the world.
Julia Child
Julia Child remains one of the most well-known names in food, even 14 years after her death. She revolutionized the art of French cooking and attracted audiences with her enthusiasm and unpatronizing attitude (and helped develop a shark repellant that’s still used today during her time in the CIA). She was first introduced to French food by her husband, and from there fell in love. Throughout her long career, she was the star of over five television shows and writer of 18 cookbooks.
Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay is the world’s favorite British chef. Known for his use of foul language and creative insults, Ramsay has been awarded 16 Michelin stars, and currently holds seven, in his 35 restaurants across the globe. He stars in both the British and American version of “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Kitchen Nightmares,” as well a host on the American shows “Masterchef” and “Masterchef Junior.” Ramsay is also the author of numerous cookbooks and even two autobiographies.
Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain first came into the public eye when his book “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” was published in 2000. The non-fiction book provided an insider’s look at commercial kitchens, describing them as intense, unpleasant and sometimes hazardous places to work. Bourdain’s television work, most notably “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” and “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” focuses on traveling to countries around the world, exploring their cultures and trying new, and strange, foods.
Rachael Ray
While she doesn’t own any restaurants or Michelin Stars, Rachel Ray is a successful celebrity chef in her own right. She started on Food Network, with the shows “30 Minute Meals,” “Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels” and “$40 a Day,” inspiring the average family to love cooking. Her popularity rose, and she received a morning talk show. Now, she’s the holder of three Daytime Emmy awards, writer of 27 cookbooks and even has her own magazine.