Paula Deen

Paula Deen is a renowned American TV personality and cooking show host. She is best known for her Southern-style cooking and her vibrant personality. Deen has authored numerous cookbooks and owned a restaurant, The Lady & Sons, in Savannah, Georgia.

Early Life

Paula Deen was born Paula Hiers on January 19, 1947, in Albany, Georgia. She grew up in a traditional Southern household, where she learned to cook from her grandmother. Deen's early life was marked by personal struggles, including the early deaths of her parents and a long battle with agoraphobia.

Career

Deen's professional career began in the late 1980s with a catering service she ran from her home, called "The Bag Lady." This eventually led to the opening of her first restaurant, The Lady & Sons, in downtown Savannah in 1996.

In 1999, USA Today named The Lady & Sons the "International Meal of the Year." This recognition helped catapult Deen into the national spotlight, leading to her first cookbook, The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook.

Deen's television career began in 2002 with the show Paula's Home Cooking on the Food Network. This was followed by two more Food Network shows, Paula's Party and Paula's Best Dishes.

Controversies

Despite her success, Deen's career has been marred by several controversies. In 2013, she faced severe backlash after admitting to using racial slurs in the past. This led to the Food Network choosing not to renew her contract and several of her business partners cutting ties with her.

Personal Life

Deen has been married twice. Her first marriage, to Jimmy Deen (no relation to the sausage brand), ended in 1989. In 2004, she married Michael Groover, a tugboat captain. Deen has two sons, Jamie and Bobby, who are also involved in the food industry.

Legacy

Despite the controversies, Deen has left a significant impact on the culinary world. Her focus on traditional Southern cooking has influenced many other chefs and home cooks. She has also contributed to the popularity of food television and has inspired many to pursue careers in the culinary arts.

See Also

• Southern Cuisine
• Food Network
• Celebrity Chefs

References

• Paula Deen: It Ain't All About the Cookin', Paula Deen with Sherry Suib Cohen (2007)
• Paula Deen & Friends: Living It Up, Southern Style, Paula Deen with Martha Nesbit (2005)

External Links

• Official Website
• Paula Deen on Food Network