Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Ted Allen
May 20, 1965
Columbus, Ohio, US
61 Years Old
Taurus
Who Is Ted Allen?
Edward Reese Allen is an American television host and author, celebrated for his approachable and insightful culinary expertise. He has garnered widespread recognition for making gourmet food and wine accessible to a broad audience.
His breakout moment arrived in 2003 as the food and wine specialist on Bravo's groundbreaking series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. This role quickly established his genial persona and culinary authority.
Early Life and Education
A passion for food was instilled in Edward Allen from a young age, nurtured by his mother's cooking in Carmel, Indiana, where his family relocated. He developed an early love for food writing, laying the groundwork for his future career.
Allen pursued higher education, earning a degree in psychology from Purdue University and later a master's in journalism from New York University. He also attended Carmel High School, where he was inducted into its Alumni Hall of Fame.
Notable Relationships
A long-term arc has defined Ted Allen’s personal life, notably his relationship with interior designer Barry Rice. The couple was together for two decades before announcing their engagement in June 2013.
They married in New York City in July 2013, shortly after the Defense of Marriage Act was deemed unconstitutional. Allen and Rice reside in Brooklyn with their three Maine Coon cats.
Career Highlights
Ted Allen's career is marked by his influential presence in culinary television, most notably as the Emmy and James Beard Award-winning host of Food Network’s Chopped since 2009. He guides aspiring chefs through intense culinary challenges on the hit competition series.
Beyond hosting, Allen co-wrote the New York Times Best Seller Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: The Fab Five’s Guide, and has authored two cookbooks, The Food You Want to Eat and In My Kitchen. He also contributes as a writer to Esquire magazine.
He has also served as a judge on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Iron Chef America, further cementing his reputation as a respected voice in the culinary world.
Signature Quote
“To me, the kitchen is a place of adventure and entirely fun, not drudgery. I can't think of anything better to do with family and friends than to be together to create something.”