The Michelin Maestro: The Unstoppable Rise of Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay: Star of the Small Screen

Not content with staying behind the scenes, Ramsay’s appearances on popular TV shows like Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares and MasterChef endeared him to a broad audience, making him both a household name and also the highest-earning chef in the world at one time. His Christmas Cookalongs are firmly cemented in British Christmas tradition, and, more recently, his TV series Gordon, Gino and Fred has had audiences loving the cameraderie between the two chefs (Gordon, plus longtime friend Gino D'Acampo) and the sommelier Fred Siriex, as they travel the world sampling local food and drink and inevitably falling out, getting into scrapes and bonding as friends.

It was his TV career that saw him rise to fame in the USA and become a world-renowned name. (They know him as 'Chef Ramsay.') As well as several chart-topping cookbooks, he's also got his own line of food products, a TV production company (Studio Ramsay) and his own homeware range in partnership with Waterford Wedgewood.

Gordon Ramsay, Family Man

Ramsay has been married to wife Tana for 26 years, with the couple sharing six children – the youngest being baby Jess, born on 12 November 2023, just days after Gordon's 57th birthday. It was something of an unexpected surprise to many, although perhaps the clues were laid out in January 2021, when the pair made headlines for appearing to suggest they were expecting their sixth child.

"She's not pregnant, but we are contemplating," he told the Daily Mail of his wife in 2021. "We discussed having another baby. I said it was a great idea. She said: 'Well, let's start planning.' So I'm like: 'Oh my god, just pause for two seconds. I'm going to be the oldest dad at school, what's going to happen on sports day?'" Seemingly, being the oldest Dad wasn't a concern, after all.

One of his daughters, Tilly, also seems to be following in her fathers' footsteps, appearing as a contestant on MasterChef Australia in 2022.

Charity Matters

While he may be renowned for his tough persona in the kitchen, Ramsay has a softer side when it comes to giving back to the community. The Ramsays are well-known philanthropists, and run The Gordon and Tana Ramsay Foundation which helps to support the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity to "give some of the sickest children the best chance in life," according to the chef’s website.

There are rumours that Ramsay will also leave his fortunes to charity after his death, having shocked the world in 2017 when he told the Telegraph that he would not be leaving a penny to his children in his will.

"[My money is] definitely not going to them, and that's not in a mean way; it's to not spoil them," he said. "The only thing I've agreed with Tana is they get a 25 per cent deposit on a flat, but not the whole flat.”

Gordon Ramsay: With Age Comes Wisdom

As Gordon Ramsay has aged, his perspective on life and career has evolved. He recognises that ageing brings wisdom and experience, which can be invaluable in the culinary world, and has spoken about his commitment to maintaining his energy and drive, embracing the challenges that come with getting older.

Ramsay also emphasises the importance of staying relevant in the ever-evolving world of cuisine and believes in constantly learning and adapting to new trends while remaining true to his culinary roots.

His is a career that has been defined by remarkable achievements, unyielding standards and the ability to overcome challenges. As he ages, Ramsay continues to inspire both budding chefs and food enthusiasts with his passion for the art of cooking and his pursuit of perfection in the kitchen.

We’ll eat to that!