Gordon Ramsay is well known for his energetic outbursts cluttered with foul language, directed both at contestants of his TV shows and sometimes, even his customers. His fame, or rather, infamy, has grown on this little gimmick, having brought tons of business to his fledgling restaurants that today boast Michelin Stars from critics and five-star ratings from happy customers.
But screaming the four-letter word in a high pitched voice isn’t the highlight of his life. Here are eight facts you probably didn’t know about Gordon Ramsay:
1) Gordon Ramsay doesn’t have a thick American accent, thanks partly to his Scottish heritage and British upbringing. He was born in Scotland on November 8, 1966, and moved along with his family to England at the age of five.
2) Strangely enough, if you would observe his TV shows from England, they would appear less aggressive and without bustling background music, a feature that many of his TV shows shot in America are guilty of.
3) During his earlier years, when he was studying at school, his career counselor advised him to join the police force. We don’t picture that worked out too well.
4) He once complained about having to get into shape. “I was overweight at 18 stones and looked like a sack of s***.” But his wife ‘only got better looking and more gorgeous,’ prompting Gordon to hit the gym and get into shape.
5) During an interview, the host asked Gordon if being a businessman ever got in the way of spending time in the kitchen. To which Gordon replied with the following words, “I f**king cook my a**e off. I’ve been in the kitchen all my life, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t continue cooking.”
6) Gordon didn’t always have the chops for being a restaurateur, at least not academically. He passed school with only two O-levels (the American equivalent of high school education) and tried to get enrolled in the famous Roux scholarship program. He didn’t quite clear the required written exam and was left stranded. He didn’t give up though.
7) Gordon is a massive fan of In-N-Out burger and once complained about the outlet not being in London. He is reported to have said, “People think Americans are obese and burgers are bad for health – I think they are just delicious.” Gordon doesn’t shy away from revealing his addiction to fast food.
8) Perhaps due to his affinity with food, people always ask Gordon what his last meal would be. And that quickly makes short work of his already thinning temperament, “I’m not that bad to be on death row!” Don’t remind the man of his death folks.
9) Gordon likes to give people a second chance and offered a job to a person straight out of jail. The man reoffended within days. Although Gordon likes to keep his hopes up and says, “My offer is still open providing he comes back into society better rehabilitated.”