Gary Rhodes obit

'MasterChef' Host Gary Rhodes Dies At 59

 

 He was not on the list.

World-Class Chef Was 59

 

Gary Rhodes, a celebrity chef and host of cooking competition shows like "MasterChef" and "Hell's Kitchen" has died. He was 59.

So far there has been no cause of death, but his family released a statement.

    "The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE. Gary passed away last evening at the age of 59, with his beloved wife Jennie by his side."

Rhodes is best known for hosting "MasterChef," "MasterChef USA" and "Hell's Kitchen." He also hosted the show "Rhodes Around Britain."

Lasting Impact

Food writer Jay Rayner expressed sadness at the news, and tweeted about having meals at the restaurant City Rhodes.

    "Terribly saddened by the news of Gary Rhodes’ death, far far too young. He was a complex man. Most of all he was an astonishing restaurant chef. I ate spectacular meals at City Rhodes."

Oliver Says He Had a 'Tragic Fall'

Chef Jamie Oliver sent his condolences, saying Rhodes had a "tragic fall."

    "Sadly Chef Gary Rhodes OBE passed away after a tragic fall. My heart felt sympathies to his wife, kids, friends and family, sending love and thought…

    Gary was a fantastic chef and incredible ambassador for British cooking, he was a massive inspiration to me as a young chef. He reimagined modern British cuisine with elegance and fun."

Celebrity Chefs Expressed Sadness

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay also offered his condolences.

"We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. He was a chef who put British Cuisine on the map. Sending all the love and prayers to your wife and kids. You’ll be missed Gx," Ramsay said.

"Rest in peace a true British classic Gary Rhodes you open the door for so many young English cooks," wrote chef Daniel Clifford.

The resort where Rhodes worked, Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa in Dubai, released a statement as well, saying they were "devastated to hear of the tragic passing of chef Gary Rhodes OBE. Not only has the industry lost a true culinary legend, we have also lost an inspirational human being and a very dear friend."

"No words can express our sadness at Gary’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rhodes family," the statement continued.

Rhodes was born in London in 1960. He trained at Thanet Technical College in England.

His first job as a chef was at the Amsterdam Hilton, creating nouvelle cuisine, a type of cooking that focuses on food presentation.

In 2011, Rhodes moved to Dubai, where he died.