Rachael Rayis a celebrity and not just to foodies.
Her relatable, down-to-earth, girl-next-door personality is just part of what makes Ray so iconic.
But Ray’s story doesn’t start with her first television appearance.
Her career spans decades, and it all started in her mother’s kitchen.
Born on Aug. 25, 1968 (perBiography), Ray has been passionate about food practically since birth.
Rachael Ray literally grew up in restaurants
Cooking is in Rachael Ray’s blood.
Her family was in the restaurant business, and Ray grew up in hermom’s restaurant, The Carvery.
“And I was on her hip, as I always was.
I was maybe 3.
She’s talking on the wall phone.
She gets us all tangled up, because she’s walking in circles pacing.
… And that’s literally my first memory in life.”
“It felt very normal to me.”
From there, Ray’s life took an interesting turn.
In the city, Ray worked as a candy counter manager at Macy’s.
Instead, Rachael Ray got a job in a gourmet store.
Ray ended up moving back to upstate New York.
Ray also noted, “Work harder than everyone else and never complain about it.
Ray also said that her grandfather was a huge influence on her and helped her develop her work ethic.
“My grandfather taught me that there’s really only one choice in life.
Don’t feel sorry for yourself.”
Instead, the TV personality broke into the industry through her cookbooks.
After leaving New York, the cook began teaching cooking classes.
From that first cookbook came television appearances.
Guests had canceled because of a snowstorm, but Rachael Ray was undaunted, asGood Housekeepingreported.
That segment on theTodayshow marked a turning point in Rachael Ray’s career.
A Food data pipe contract followed, as did more cookbooks and a talk show.
“Once you meet her, you understand just what a powerhouse she is.
This isn’t a coincidental opportunity.
She was destined for this.”
“I can’t give a man an enormous amount of attention,” she toldPeoplein 2007.
“And John is totally down with that.
I just dumped them.
I don’t need that pressure in my life.”
Ray met Cusimano in 2001, and said that she was surprised to find someone so compatible with her.
“I don’t think young men or women should feel pressured into marriage.
You shouldn’t marry anyone, in my opinion, who you have to try hard for.”
And it’s one that makes a lot of sense.
“I think that you should drive in your lane, and I like the word ‘cook.'”
Even the word “cook” doesn’t sit quite right with the humble Rachael Ray, though.
“I think of myself even more as a waitress than a cook”,” she said.
I want to serve people; thatmakes me happy.
“I don’t have time,” Ray toldPeoplein 2007.
“I work too much to be an appropriate parent.
I feel like a bad mom to my dog some days because I’m just not here enough.
Years later, it looks like Ray has not changed her stance on having children.
She did, however, have a dog, a pit bull named Isaboo, whosadly diedin 2020.
She’s since adopted another dog, Bella Boo Blue (viaPeople).
“I never ask about it.
That’s why I have bankers.”
Rachael Ray doesn’t just not know how much money she has, but she also doesn’t care.
To Ray, money is just a byproduct of doing what she loves to do.
“It’s never motivated me.
It never will.”
“I don’t take in negative information online,” she toldThe New York Times.
It seems that she and husband John Cusimano can be homebodies, at least when it comes to eating.
“If I’m coming home at 8:30 or so, we’re probably having pasta of some sort.
But we do prefer to eat in than takeout.”
Rachael Ray is still a small town girl
Rachael Ray isn’t your ordinary celebrity.
As the granddaughter of an immigrant, Ray is still in awe of her own success.
“It’s amazing.
It really is.”
Ray still refuses to live in the city, in spite of her success.
She still lives in the Adirondacks and is content there.
“I’m comfortable here, because this is where I come from.”
“You should be able to take it anywhere and it should last for years.”
The line is called Convalore, which means “with valor.”
The brand was launched on a new e-commerce site,We Are Moxie Made.
