Mary Berry, the beloved celebrity chef, has had a long and successful career both in the kitchen and on television. This festive season, she will be gracing our screens with shows like Mary Berry’s Ultimate and Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas. However, there is more to Mary’s life than what we see on TV.
Born in Somerset in 1935, Mary’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. At the age of 13, she contracted polio, leading to a lengthy hospital stay. The isolation from her parents during this time left a lasting impact on Mary. Despite the damage to her body, she considers herself fortunate for only having polio on her left side.
With her passion for cooking, Mary became a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and went on to work as the cookery editor for Housewife magazine. She later became the editor of Ideal Home magazine. In the 70s, she made her on-screen debut on the show Afternoon Plus. Throughout the years, Mary has starred in numerous TV shows and authored several cookbooks, showcasing her culinary expertise.
In her personal life, Mary has been happily married to Paul Hunnings since 1966. Paul, who worked for sherry brand Harvey’s of Bristol, is now retired. They have three children, including their late son William, who tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of 19.
While Mary is known for her culinary skills, there was a time when she faced a rather peculiar situation. During a trip to the United States in the early 1990s, she found herself in trouble at an airport. In an effort to ensure everything was prepared for her cookery demonstrations, Mary had pre-weighed ingredients in her luggage. This caught the attention of airport sniffer dogs, resulting in her being detained and questioned by officers.
Mary’s life away from the spotlight has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Through it all, she has remained a beloved figure in the culinary world and continues to inspire aspiring chefs and home cooks alike.
