Gordon Ramsay may be the king of the culinary space, but there isn’t a hint of entitlement about him.
Over the years, he has become a beloved and captivating fixture on nearly every single type of cooking program, whether it’s Masterchef or Hell’s Kitchen or Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. In fact, if you’re asked to name the most famous chef in the world, Gordon would probably be the first and, quite possibly, the only name that comes to mind.
In his 17 years as a television personality, Gordon has built a reputation as a formidable, foul-mouthed, and hot-tempered perfectionist. Someone who’s always pushing his chefs and protégés to be their best, to serve food of the highest quality, and ensure that hospitality is of the highest standard.
Gordon takes no prisoners while leading the charge — all anyone can do is bow down and follow orders or crumble under pressure. His seemingly harsh demeanour has led many to question whether he brings his attitude home. Do his children have to endure his terrifying tirades? Does he demand absolute perfection from them as well?
It turns out that the answer to the question is both a yes and a no. Therefore, it would probably be insightful to reflect on his journey as a father and what he has envisioned for his children.
Despite fertility struggles and a miscarriage, Gordon and Tana are parents to five children
Gordon met his wife Cayetana Elizabeth Hutcheson in 1992 when Gordon was 26 and his future wife only 18. Funnily enough, Cayetana, also known as Tana, was dating another sous chef at the time, Tim, who also happened to be Gordon’s friend, but the relationship didn’t last. Gordon and Tana started seeing each other soon after and dated for four years before tying the knot.
The first few years of their marriage were strained due to Gordon’s erratic work schedule and the couple’s well-known struggles with conceiving. Tana discovered early on that she was suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome. Gordon also shared that he himself had a low sperm count due to standing in the kitchen, “close to the stove,” for hours on end. Not to mention the tremendous amount of stress that follows the life of a chef.
The couple turned to IVF and were able to get pregnant with their first daughter, Megan. She was born in 1998. Encouraged by Megan’s birth, Gordon and Tana continued with the IVF treatments and welcomed twins Jack and Holly in 1999. Their fourth child, daughter Matilda, was born in 2002, conceived naturally.
The pair announced that they were pregnant with a baby boy in 2016; however, Tana suffered a miscarriage five months into the pregnancy. The loss left the family in shock, but they were all able to grieve together and become closer as a family unit. Three years later, in 2019, Tana and Gordon welcomed their fifth child, son Oscar.
[The miscarriage] has brought us all so much closer. You realise how lucky you are, and you reflect on what you have, how fortunate you are with your remaining children, and you remind yourself of what you’ve got. It’s made the family unit even tighter.
Gordon Ramsay on Daily Mail’s Weekend Magazine(Video) Gordon Ramsay licks plate | MasterChef
His kids have all pursued different careers, from joining the Marines to writing cookbooks
All adult Ramsay children have active social media accounts and are frequently seen partaking in viral challenges with their father. Their dance and social media shenanigans demonstrate a lighter, funnier side of Gordon that viewers don’t usually catch on TV. The kids have also featured extensively in Gordon Ramsay’s Home Cooking series, where they are seen lending a helping hand to their father as he prepares exquisite dishes in the kitchen.
As for their professional lives, Megan, their oldest child, graduated with a Psychology degree from Oxford Brookes University. She has worked as an HR executive and was reportedly interning for a travel company most recently.
Holly Ramsay studied fashion designing at Ravensbourne University in London and has become a social media star in recent years. She’s always up for doing a goofy dance with her siblings or father. She’s an avid marathon runner and has also secured modeling contracts with Est Models and Talent Agency.
Holly’s twin Jack took part in the Ramsay cooking shows here and there, but his true passion lies in “Bear Grylls and the Marines,” as reported by Gordon. The young man joined the Royal Marines in October 2020, and papa Ramsay couldn’t be prouder. He shared a photo of Jack dressed up in a traditional Marine uniform, with the caption reading, “Can’t tell you enough how proud I am of this young man Jack Ramsay you’ve made me feel like the proudest father today congrats on joining @royalmarines what amazing achievement.”
Matilda Ramsay, Gordon’s youngest daughter, is perhaps the most suited to follow in her father’s footsteps. She is a budding chef and has been a presenter and guest on a number of food-related shows, including Hell’s Kitchen, Masterchef Junior, The F Word, and more. Matilda also leads the reality show Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch, which follows the Ramsay family, specifically Matilda, as they’re learning new skills, going on local and international adventures, and trying their hand at fresh and innovative recipes and cuisines. Matilda’s features are focused on introducing the culinary arts to a younger audience, and she even has her own cookbook dedicated to this mission.
But he will not “spoil them” by giving them his $220 million fortune
Gordon’s children may be flourishing in their respective fields, but he also wants to ensure that they keep working hard to earn their keep. In an interview, he said that he has no plans of leaving his $220 million fortune to his brood. Instead, he wants his kids to stand on their two feet and make a name for themselves independently.
It’s not just the inheritance that he’s keeping from his children; he also keeps them grounded by making fly in Economy Class during flights. Gordon makes this call because he doesn’t think the kids have earned the privilege of riding First Class like him and his wife.
[My money is] definitely not going to them, and that’s not in a mean way; it’s to not spoil them. The only thing I’ve agreed with Tana is they get a 25 percent deposit on a flat, but not the whole flat.
Gordon Ramsay on The Telegraph
Gordon doesn’t have a particular preference in terms of their careers, but whatever it is that they end up pursuing, he doesn’t want them getting any favours due to their famous dad. Even in terms of their monthly allowance, Gordon said that he doesn’t like to over-indulge them and only gives them meager amounts for one-off activities, such as hanging out with friends or watching movies.
And if they do join the family business, they need to climb their way up like any other staff member. He doesn’t want his employees feeling like the kids get special privileges in the kitchen, so he would prefer that his children go pick up skills from other areas and bring them back to improve his business proactively.
You want to work in this business? You f*** off to another chef, learn something different and come back with something new to improve the business. I don’t want the staff thinking: ‘F*** it’s Ramsay’s kid, we can’t tell them off.’
Gordon Ramsay on The Telegraph
Tough love can sometimes be just what you need
Growing up in a working-class background, Gordon knows all too well about the value or lack thereof of money. He’s said previous that he has “more money than [he’ll] ever need.” Therefore, he maintains his philosophy that if he could work hard, learn his craft, and climb his way up the ladder, there’s no reason his kids can’t do the same thing. He doesn’t want his children to get complacent and expect that everything will be handed to them on a golden platter. That’s why he is putting them through his course of tough love and instilling in them a true appreciation for money, family, and discipline.
Tough love isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to raising children or taking care of family members. But sometimes, in certain situations, it will absolutely hand you results and teach you the most foundational teachings in life. Sometimes, if you want to push someone into being the best version of themselves, you have to give them a dose of tough love and expect that they will overcome the challenges and come out on the other side as a better person.
Gordon can be soft and funny when he wants to be, but in the grand scheme of things, he’s got his priorities figured out. It’s only because he loves his kids that he wants them to learn, improve, and grow. If he can express this love for his dear ones, there’s no reason the rest of us can’t follow.
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FAQs
What inspires Gordon Ramsay? ›
Ramsay attributes his management style to the influence of previous mentors, notably chefs Marco Pierre White and Guy Savoy, and his father-in-law, Chris Hutcheson. Ramsay's ferocious temper has contributed to his media appeal in both the United Kingdom and the United States, where his programmes are produced.
What is Gordon Ramsay's biggest achievement? ›Restaurant Gordon Ramsay opened in 1998, and quickly received the most prestigious accolade in the culinary world – three Michelin stars. Today, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is London's longest-running restaurant to hold this award, and Ramsay is one of only four chefs in the UK to maintain three stars.
What is Gordon Ramsay's most famous line? ›- “This lamb is so undercooked, it's following Mary to school!”
- “I've never, ever, ever, ever, ever met someone I believe in as little as you.”
- “The problem with Yanks is they are wimps.”
- “This crab is so undercooked I can still hear it singing 'Under the Sea.
Gordon tends to be ambitious, critical, and pragmatic, verbalizing clear expectations and feedback. As a Type Eight, Gordon tends to be self-confident, powerful, and assertive. Gordon generally enjoys engaging in debates and making difficult decisions. As an ENTJ, Gordon tends to be charismatic, direct, and logical.
What chef made Gordon Ramsay cry? ›White also once made a young Gordon Ramsay cry while Ramsay worked for him, and later said, "I don't recall what he'd done wrong but I yelled at him and he lost it. Gordon crouched down in the corner of the kitchen, buried his head in his hands and started sobbing."
Why is Gordon Ramsay a good leader? ›He always motivated contestants who were falling behind on their tasks and risked losing their spot in the competition, and while his ways of motivating were mostly, well, debatable, the intention was right and it often worked out as planned too. Ramsay personifies tough love, to say the least!
Who has the most Michelin stars in the world? ›1. Joël Robuchon: 31 Michelin Stars. Many consider the late French chef Joël Robuchon the best chef of the modern age. And with 31 Michelin stars spread across three continents, it's hard to argue this claim.
How many times did Gordon Ramsay fail? ›Hooray! But the restaurant probably wasn't saved. In fact, a recent report found that a whopping 60 percent of the restaurants Ramsay tried to help failed after his visit.
Who's the best chef in the world? ›- #1 Dabiz Muñoz. Spain.
- #2 Rene Redzepi. Denmark.
- #3 Joan Roca. Spain.
- #4 Massimo Bottura. Italy.
- #5 Andoni Luis Aduriz. Spain.
- #6 Bjorn Frantzén. Sweden.
- #7 Disfrutar. Spain.
- #8 Alain Passard. France.
GORDON Ramsay has garnished his new show with a feast of swearing. The celebrity cook uses his favourite F-word – not food – on 212 occasions in Uncharted. He also said bloody 45 times, s*** 27 and a**e 11 with a total of 302 expletives used.
How can I get a message from Gordon Ramsay? ›
Yes that's me texting you back ! You never know what you might get. US/Can fans text +1 (310) 620-6468 now or use the...
Why is Gordon Ramsay interesting? ›Chef Gordon Ramsay is famous for his no-holds-barred persona on popular TV shows like "Kitchen Nightmares" and "MasterChef." Ramsay has five children, competes in Ironman competitions, and almost became a professional soccer player. His favorite fast-food order is a double cheeseburger "animal style" from In-N-Out.
What fighting skills does Gordon Ramsay have? ›Famous Chef Gordon Ramsay has always had a passion for cooking but when he isn't in the kitchen he is out training Martial Arts. He has received his black belt in Karate and also enjoys boxing.
Is Gordon Ramsay self taught? ›Ramsay is now known as one of the most successful self taught chefs and is widely recognized for his role as the hosts of the popular cooking television shows called Hell's Kitchen and MasterChef.
Who is the youngest chef to get 3 Michelin stars? ›There are always plenty of young chefs creating dishes to an exceptional standard, but the youngest chef ever to achieve three Michelin stars was Italian chef Massimiliano (Max) Alajmo, who, at just 28, was head chef of his family's restaurant Le Calandre, in Rubano, Padua, when it was awarded its third Michelin star.
Did Gordon Ramsay cook for the Queen? ›Mr McGrady also said that Gordon Ramsay could never be a chef at Buckingham Palace “because of his ego”. He spent more than a decade cooking for the queen at Buckingham Palace and Balmoral before moving to Kensington, where he cooked for Princes William and Harry, and Diana, Princess of Wales, before her death in 1997.
Who did Chef Ramsay kiss? ›The other competitors on the show were left in shock when Ramsay, 43, first embraced the dowdy housewife and then moved in for a passionate kiss. However, he soon admitted that the shock kiss was in fact a ruse and the dark-haired lady was in fact his wife Tana in disguise.
What is Gordon Ramsay's leadership style? ›Gordon Ramsay's approach to managing his kitchen staff is a great example of autocratic leadership. Each person in the team has specific roles and focus only on them, while Gordon conducts the entire operations like the conductor of an orchestra.
How is Gordon Ramsay confident? ›He believes in himself.
Call it confidence or cockiness, but every entrepreneur knows they have to believe in their product, company, vision, and most importantly, themselves. That's especially important when no one else may like or believe you, and maybe just think of you as an eccentric TV chef.
Gordon Ramsay is a multi-Michelin starred chef who's also known for his star roles in television shows like Hell's Kitchen, MasterChef, and Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. But, talk about a man of many talents – Chef Ramsay is also a trained martial artist. Ramsay earned his black belt in karate.
Is Gordon Ramsay the best chef of all time? ›
Known for his volatile kitchen demeanour and exceptional British cuisine, Gordon Ramsay is arguably the most famous chef in the world. Although he's been awarded 16 Michelin stars throughout his career, he currently holds seven.
Who has more Michelin stars than Ramsey? ›Joël Robuchon, 31 Michelin Stars
He was also named "Chef of the Century" numerous times. He specialized in French cuisine and has 12 restaurants in his possession. Joël liked the mentoring of young chefs too. A former student of his was the now infamous Gordon Ramsay.
Restaurants in the guide are regularly visited by those anonymous Michelin reviewers, and depending on the consistency or improvement in service, more stars could be awarded in subsequent years. Of course if there is inconsistency and things become less than satisfactory, those stars can be taken away.
What does Gordon Ramsay suffer from? ›Chef Gordon Ramsay recently revealed that he has arthritis in his knee and suffered injuries after falling during a run. In a recent interview with The Sun, Gordon said he recently had meniscus surgery and had been on crutches for the past two weeks.
Does Gordon Ramsay regret? ›As Gordon Ramsay wraps up the first season of The F Word this week, the foul-mouthed chef also admitted he regrets ending Kitchen Nightmares, the show that made him famous. "I got fed up with Kitchen Nightmares because I was getting s--t," Ramsay told the New York Daily News.
Why did Gordon Ramsay lost his Michelin stars? ›Why did acclaimed chef and restaurateur Gordan Ramsey lose his Michelin stars? Distractify explained the reason for the loss of stars in a quote from Michael Ellis, Michelin's Guide Director: "We've had issues with consistency, and consistency is a huge thing for us."
Are there 7 star chefs? ›Chef Yoshihiro Murata is the only chef in the world to hold seven Michelin stars. He is the third generation of Japanese super chefs to run the century-old Kikunoi restaurant in the Japanese city of Kyoto.
Who is the best female chef in the world? ›Meet Leonor Espinosa: The World's Best Female Chef marrying food with art and politics. From its jungles to its deserts: the world's newly-crowned best female chef, Leonor Espinosa, draws her inspiration from Colombia's vast biodiversity and painful history.
Who is Oprah Winfrey's chef? ›"A favorite at our house is the Flavor Bomb Chicken Sandwich on a fresh baked cheddar biscuit prepared by Chef Kenny Gilbert," posted Oprah.
What does Gordon Ramsay do in a day? ›“I like eating small bits and moving on. I'm pretty picky on that front.” For his Ironman training, Ramsay will train up to 5 days a week; swimming on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, then putting an 8-hour day on Sunday, which includes an 180 kilometre bike ride and then a 10-15 kilometre run after that.
What is the F Word restaurant? ›
THE F WORD is a bold new food variety show from award-winning chef and series host Gordon Ramsay. Based on his hit U.K. series of the same name, each distinctive and fast-paced hour will combine good food and good cooking with Ramsay's passion, energy and humor into a one-of-a-kind LIVE series.
What music does Gordon Ramsay listen to? ›Gordon Ramsay: “Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones.
Was Gordon Ramsay ever jailed? ›Ramsay, a Michelin Star Chef in the UK, enters Brixton prison over a six-month period (December 2011 to June 2012) with the goal of teaching inmates how to cook and run a sustainable business selling goods prepared inside the prison to the general public.
Who is the most famous celebrity chef? ›Gordon Ramsay
The ultra-famous chef and TV personality is probably the most well-known celebrity chef ever. His career includes a total of 16 (!) Michelin stars, numerous awards, and a long list of popular TV shows, including Hell's Kitchen, MasterChef US, and Kitchen Nightmares, which have inspired endless memes.
So Ramsay — you guessed it! — yells at them. Not constantly, but he does raise his voice to get his point across. "I didn't go in there to create havoc," he said.
Does Gordon Ramsay has a black belt? ›Gordon has a black belt in karate.
Gordon Ramsay is known for his brutal honesty, and it seems he's got brawn as well as brains. In an interview with Playboy the chef opened up about an incident in Hell's Kitchen where a contestant tried to hit him. He revealed: "I have a black belt in karate.
So, can Gordon Ramsay really fly? Although he has no fear of flying, Gordon is not a pilot himself. He has taken pilot's lessons in the past, but it sounds like they didn't go too well, and he decided to stick to the kitchen. When he did fly in a jet with the RAF, Gordon didn't exactly have a great time.
Can you be a chef without training? ›With no professional experience, you'll need to show dedication, reliability and real interest in becoming a chef. But, with enough determination, it's possible to build a successful career with no qualifications or formal training.
Does Gordon Ramsay cook lessons? ›Take your cooking skills to the next level with Chef Ramsay's most comprehensive cooking classes ever. Join Gordon in his home kitchen for two of the most in-depth and exclusive online video lessons, with lifetime access to each class.
Who is chef inspired by? ›The Jon Favreau movie Chef (2014) was loosely inspired by Choi and the food truck movement. Choi worked as a technical advisor to Favreau on cooking and restaurant scenes and appears in the end credits.
What are some of Gordon Ramsay's hobbies? ›
He's Just As Serious About Fitness As He Is Food.
Ramsay has participated in more than a dozen marathons, three ultra-marathons, three half-Ironmans (which span 70.3 miles, swimming, biking and running) and competed in the Ironman World Championship twice.
Gordon Ramsay – 7 Michelin stars
Known for his volatile kitchen demeanour and exceptional British cuisine, Gordon Ramsay is arguably the most famous chef in the world. Although he's been awarded 16 Michelin stars throughout his career, he currently holds seven.
- Read a cookbook or magazine. • Whenever I need some inspiration, I pull down some cookbooks. ...
- Visit a food blog. ...
- Other inspiration! ...
- Farmers' markets & grocery stores. ...
- But, in the end, don't worry too much.
- Pictured above:
Keep the passion alive, write down your goals and set timelines to achieve them. Challenge yourself. Brush up your cooking techniques, learn new skills or take a master class or two. Chefs in charge of a kitchen should also play their part in encouraging their team to be the best they can be.
How many Michelin stars does Gordon Ramsay have? ›Gordon Ramsay: 17 Michelin Stars
Ramsay is associated with seven current Michelin Stars, but throughout his career his restaurants have earned a total of 17 stars. His first taste of these coveted awards came in 2001 when his namesake restaurant earned three Michelin Stars.
During our interview, we couldn't help but ask about fast food! “Every chef in the country loves indulging in fast food,” says the chef. “So, take me to the drive-thru at In-N-Out burger and you'll see me in the back seat with tinted windows with a Double Double.”
Is Gordon Ramsay a perfectionist? ›Even Ramsay has admitted to being a competitive perfectionist, but he always encourages contestants to focus on their personal strengths.