• About Rachael Ray

  Rachael Ray is the author of several cookbooks and the host of The Rachael Ray Show on CBS. She also hosts 30 Minute Meals and Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels on the Food Network.

  On March 2, 2009, ABC News' Nightline featured an interview with Ray speaking about her provocative photos in FHM magazine and her endorsement deal with Dunkin' Donuts.Huffington Post: Rachael Ray Defends FHM Shoot: "I'd Do It Again Tomorrow" (PHOTOS, VIDEO) (March 2, 2009)

• 1. Born: August 25, 1968
  2. Ray grew up in Lake George, New York
  3. She has no formal training as a chef
  4. Known for her catch phrase E.V.O.O. (extra virgin olive oil)
  5. Graduated from Pace University
  6. Can't bake or make coffeeLadies Home Journal: Rachael Ray: A Ray of Sunshine
  7. Critics argue her 30 minute meals cannot be made in 30 minutesTaking the House by Storm: 30 Minute Meals, My Ass
  8. The Dunkin' Donuts spokeswoman
  9. Scheduled to have a cyst removed from her vocal chord on December 16, 2008People: Ray Talks About Her Upcoming Surgery (November 25, 2008)
  10. Earns about $18 million a year from various projectsABC News: Rachael Ray: 'I Don't Regret a Thing' (March 2, 2009)

• Throat Surgery

  People Magazine reported in late November 2008 that Rachel Ray was scheduled to undergo minor throat surgery on December 16, 2008. Ray was diagnosed with a benign cyst on her vocal cord that needed to be removed. It was previously rumored that Ray had throat cancer, but Ray denied the claims. Ray made the statement, "It's fine, it's just a little bump. I need to get rid of it though." Ray also stated that "a lot of people have told me about the surgery and they say the hardest part is just being quiet. I'm going to grow back the callous I had in grade school from writing."People: Ray Talks About Her Upcoming Surgery (November 25, 2008)

  On December 15, 2008, People Magazine reported that Ray's surgery had been called off. Her rep, Charlie Dougiello, gave the following statement, "During the course of normal pre-op care, Rachael started an intensive new vocal therapy and it is now the opinion of her doctor that surgery may not be necessary. Rachael is very grateful that it won't be a silent Christmas and thanks everyone for their prayers and well wishes."People: Rachael Ray's Surgery Called Off – for Now (December 15, 2008)

  "Rachael Ray has cyst removed from vocal cord" July 11, 2009. http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/07/11/rachael-ray-surgery/

• Cooking Background

  Ray began as a food buyer for a market in Albany, New York, and eventually turned the job into the position of chef. As a way to increase grocery sales during the holidays, Ray began a series of cooking classes, which later evolved into her "30-Minute Meals." Her classes became so popular that the local media sent a feature reporter to cover the phenomenon, and the following week, an Albany TV station asked Ray to do a weekly "30 Minute Meals" segment for the evening news.

  Ray's family owned a restaurant on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and her mother managed restaurants in upstate New York. Ray lives in the Adirondacks with her husband and mother.

• Quotes

  "I'm not a chef. I haven't created any new technique in the kitchen. I'm not a rocket scientist. I think I'm good at writing accessible, fun, and affordable meals for the average American family. That's what I think I'm good at." —Rachael RayABC News: Rachael Ray: 'I Don't Regret a Thing' (March 2, 2009)

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