Wolfgang Puck is considered one of the world’s best chefs, and he has become a celebrity chef due to his appearances on many television series and his roles in films. So, what are some interesting facts about Wolfgang Puck? If you want to learn more about this restaurateur, chef, and television series, read on to find some interesting Wolfgang Puck facts.
Wolfgang Puck Facts: His Early and Personal Life
Where Was Wolfgang Puck Born?
Wolfgang Puck was born in Sankt Velt an der Glan in Carinthia, Austria, on 8 July 1949. His birth name was Wolfgang Johannes Topfschnig, but he changed his name to Puck when his mother, a pastry chef, remarried.
Who Is Wolfgang Puck’s Wife?
Wolfgang Puck has been married three times. His first wife was Marie France Trouillot, whom he married in 1975 and divorced in 1980. His second wife was Barbara Lazaroff, to whom he was married from 1983 to 2003. Currently, Wolfgang Puck’s wife is Gelila Assefa, whom he married in 2007. Both his second and third wives are designers.
Does Wolfgang Puck Have Children?
One of the Wolfgang Puck facts that people want to know is whether or not he has children. Wolfgang Puck has four sons. He has two sons, Cameron and Byron, with his second wife. His younger two sons, Oliver and Alexander, are with his third wife.
What Is Wolfgang Puck’s Net Worth?
Due to the success of his career, Wolfgang Puck has become one of the richest celebrity chefs in the world. Wolfgang Puck’s net worth is now $120 million, and he has made his money as a chef, restaurateur, television personality, and actor. Although he is not as rich as Thomas Keller or Nobu Matsuhisa, he is richer than Guy Fieri, Robert Irvine, and Ina Garten.
When Did Wolfgang Puck Move to America?
Wolfgang Puck moved to America in 1973. He was just 24 at the time of his move.
Facts About Wolfgang Puck’s Culinary Career
He Trained in Monaco and Paris
Wolfgang Puck began his culinary training working under Raymond Thullier in a Monaco restaurant called Les Baux-de-Provence at the Hotel de Paris. He then continued his training at Maxim’s Paris.
Puck’s First Job in America was in Indianapolis
When Puck first moved to the United States in 1973 at the age of 24, his first job was in Indianapolis. The chef spent two years working at La Tour before moving to Los Angeles in 1975.
He Opened His First Restaurant in 1975
When he moved to Los Angeles, Puck became part-owner and head chef at Ma Maison restaurant. This restaurant helped Puck make a name for himself in culinary circles and began the cooking trend known as California nouvelle. The restaurant closed its doors for the final time in November 1975.
Puck Owns One of the Top 40 Restaurants in the United States
In 1982, Wolfgang Puck and his second wife, Barbara Lazaroff, launched their first Spago restaurant on the Sunset Strip. The award-winning restaurant moved to Beverley Hills in 1997. Spago is ranked as one of the top 40 restaurants in the United States.
Puck is the Founder and CEO of Wolfgang Puck Companies
The success of Spago allowed the chef to launch the Wolfgang Puck Companies. It encompasses more than 20 restaurants worldwide and also includes Wolfgang Puck Catering, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, and Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc.
How Many Cookbooks Has Wolfgang Puck Published?
Wolfgang Puck has published seven cookbooks. These include:
- Modern French Cooking for the American Kitchen (1980)
- The Wolfgang Puck Cookbook (1986)
- Adventures in the Kitchen with Wolfgang Puck (1991)
- Pizza, Pasta, and More (2000)
- Live, Love, Eat (2002)
- Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy (2004)
- Wolfgang Puck Makes It Healthy (2017)
His Career in Television
Puck First Appeared on Television in 1992
Wolfgang Puck first appeared on television in 1992 when he played himself in an episode of ‘Tales from the Crypt.’ Other television series where the celebrity chef has appeared as himself include Frasier, The Weather Man, AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movie Quotes, Las Vegas, The Jay Leno Show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and The Chef Show.
There Is a Documentary About Him
In 2021, Wolfgang Puck starred in the television documentary film ‘Wolfgang,’ which follows the life and work of the chef. David Gelb was the documentary’s producer and director.
Puck Was in a Television Commercial
Wolfgang Puck once appeared in a television commercial to promote the state of California. Others who appeared in the commercial included Jack Nicholson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He Has Competed in Televised Cooking Competitions
Wolfgang Puck has competed in several television cooking competitions, such as Iron Chef America, which has also featured Bobby Flay. He was also a contestant in Celebrity Cooking Showdown.
Puck Has Been a Guest Judge on Several Series Starring Gordon Ramsay
Wolfgang Puck has appeared as a guest judge on cooking competitions on many occasions, including competitions hosted and judged by Gordon Ramsay. Between 2011 and 2022, Wolfgang Puck appeared on Hell’s Kitchen multiple times and MasterChef in 2016.
He Has Also Been a Guest Judge on Several Other Series
Other series in which Wolfgang Puck appeared as a guest judge include Top Chef: Las Vegas, Top Chef: New York, and The Next Food Network Star. The latter was the series that discovered Guy Fieri. His appearances in these series mean that Wolfgang Puck is often featured on The Food Network. Other regulars on this network include Ree Drummond, the Hairy Bikers, and Nigella Lawson.
Other Wolfgang Puck Facts
The Chef Has Won Multiple Awards
Throughout his career, Wolfgang Puck has won multiple awards and honours. These include a Golden Plate of Achievement from the American Academy of Achievement, a James Beard Restaurant of the Year Award, a James Beard Outstanding Service Award, two Michelin stars, and a Gold Plate from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. Wolfgang Puck also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been inducted into the Nation’s Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame.
What Is Wolfgang Puck’s Signature Dish?
Wolfgang Puck makes many outstanding dishes that have become famous. He is known for creating the California nouvelle style of cooking, which combines Californian ingredients with French cooking techniques. The dish that is currently considered Wolfgang Puck’s signature dish is his house-smoked salmon pizza.
What Is Wolfgang Puck’s Favourite Food?
Puck is known to have a passion for macarons. However, he told The Gourmet Review that he loves anything sweet, including caramel, cookies, chocolate, and souffles.
We hope you have enjoyed reading our Wolfgang Puck facts!