Delia Smith Biography: Parents, Awards, Delicacy, TV Shows, Wife, Children, Recipe, Books, Movies, Age, Net Worth

Delia Smith, born in Woking, Surrey, rose to prominence as one of Britain’s most celebrated television chefs. She is renowned for her practical and accessible approach to cooking.

She initially began her career with humble beginnings, washing dishes and waitressing. Still, her determination to learn to cook led her to a successful position as a cookery writer for the Daily Mirror in 1969.

She is also known for helping popularize the idea of cooking for one, and her iconic series on Christmas cooking remains a staple for many during the holiday season.

Profile

•   Full name: Delia Ann Smith
•   Date of birth: June 18, 1941
•   Age: 83 years old
•   Gender: Female
•   Place of birth: Woking, Surrey, England
•   Nationality: British
•   Profession: Cook, Television Presenter, Author
•   Height: N/A
•   Parents: N/A
•   Siblings: N/A
•   Spouse: Michael Wynn-Jones
•   Children: N/A
•   Relationship status: Married
•   Religion: Anglican
•   Ethnicity: English
•   Net worth: £30 million

Early Life and Education

Delia Smith is now 83 years old. She was born on June 18, 1941, in Woking, Surrey, but she was raised in Kent, where she spent her early years. Delia did not have a traditional path into the world of cooking; she left school at 16 without earning any qualifications.

After a series of odd jobs, including hairdressing and working at a travel agency, Delia discovered her love for cooking while trying to impress her then-boyfriend. She began working at a small restaurant called The Singing Chef in Paddington, starting as a dishwasher before gradually moving to the kitchen.

She began studying cookery books in the British Museum’s Reading Room to refine her culinary skills. Her Anglican faith plays a significant role in her life, and she has remained open about its influence on her career and personal decisions.

Delia’s education in cooking came more through hands-on experience than formal schooling, but her curiosity and determination to master the art of English cuisine shaped her journey as a self-taught chef.

Personal Life

Delia Smith married Michael Wynn-Jones, her editor at the Daily Mirror, in 1971. The couple has been together for over five decades and has shared a fruitful partnership both personally and professionally.

Michael has played a significant role in supporting Delia’s career, including co-owning Norwich City FC football club, where Delia is also a majority shareholder.

Delia is a private individual, preferring to keep much of her personal life out of the public eye. She has no children. Her marriage to Michael remains strong, and they continue to live a quiet life away from the limelight, although they are occasionally seen attending Norwich City football matches together.

Career

Delia’s career began with a column in the Daily Mirror in 1969, and from there, her influence in the culinary world expanded rapidly. In 1973, she transitioned to television, hosting BBC’s Family Fare, a series that taught basic cooking techniques to a wide audience.

Over the next few decades, Delia authored numerous bestselling cookbooks, including How to Cheat at Cooking (1971) and the highly successful Delia’s How to Cook series in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Her cooking shows, known for their straightforward style and emphasis on simplifying complex recipes, were watched by millions. Delia’s ability to connect with home cooks and offer them accessible and reliable advice was a key factor in her success.

She is also known for popularizing certain ingredients, such as cranberries and Italian olive oil, which became staples in UK kitchens largely due to her influence. Besides her culinary ventures, Delia strongly associates with Norwich City FC, where she serves as a joint majority shareholder alongside her husband.

Awards

• – Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1995
• – Fellow of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in 2013
• – National Television Awards Special Recognition Award in 2008

Net Worth

Delia Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around £30 million. Her wealth comes from her bestselling cookbooks, successful television shows, and investments, including her role as a majority shareholder in Norwich City Football Club.

Controversy

Despite her widespread popularity, Delia Smith has not been without her share of controversy. One of her most publicized moments occurred in 2005 during a Norwich City football match. Frustrated with the team’s performance, Delia took to the microphone during halftime and famously shouted, “Let’s be ‘avin’ you!” to rally the fans.

Although well-intended, the incident became viral and has been mocked and celebrated in British media ever since. The incident highlighted Delia’s passionate nature but also raised questions about her role at the football club.

Delia has faced criticism in the culinary world for her 2008 book How to Cheat at Cooking, which encouraged the use of pre-prepared ingredients and shortcuts in cooking.

Some critics argued that the approach undermined the authenticity of cooking from scratch, a hallmark of her earlier work. Delia defended her position, stating that the book was aimed at busy people who still wanted to prepare home-cooked meals but needed quicker options.

Social Media

• – Instagram: N/A
• – Twitter: N/A

Filmography

• – Family Fare (BBC1, 1973-1975)
• – Delia Smith’s Cookery Course (BBC2, 1978-1980)
• – Delia Smith’s Christmas (BBC, 1990)
• – Delia’s How to Cook (BBC2, 1998-2001)

Books

• – How to Cheat at Cooking (1971)
• – Delia Smith’s Cookery Course (1978)
• – One is Fun! (1985)
• – Delia Smith’s Christmas (1990)
• – Delia Smith’s Summer Collection (1993)
• – Delia’s How to Cook: Book One (1998)
• – Delia’s How to Cook: Book Two (1999)
• – Delia’s How to Cook: Book Three (2001)
• – Delia’s Vegetarian Collection (2002)