TV chef Rick Stein went through a traumatic loss at 18 years old as his father passed away

Rick Stein has made a name for himself through the culinary industry. Indeed the chef owns several restaurants across the UK, including 4 in Cornwall alone, where he spent many family holidays.

Not only is Rick a successful chef, but he has also published 25 cookbooks over the years. Rick Stein grew up on a farm in Oxfordshire. Still, he enjoyed his family holidays in Cornwall so much that he moved there after graduating from Oxford University in 1974, where he opened his first restaurant.

Rick also owns restaurants in Sandbanks and Barnes in South London. Not only does the TV chef own restaurants in the UK, he also owns two restaurants in Australia, where he spent some time after a tragic loss in his family.

Rick Stein lost his father at just 18 years old

As reported by Daily Record, Rick Stein lost his father, Eric to suicide in 1965, Rick was only 18 years old. Rick’s father had bipolar disorder and whilst on a family holiday in Cornwall, shortly after Eric had retired, he jumped off a cliff.

Eric had been on a walk with Rick’s sister, Zoe when he jumped from a cliff near the family’s holiday home on Trevose Head, a National Trust beauty spot in North Cornwall. As per Daily Record, Rick learned later in life that his father had made several attempts before.

After his father’s death, Rick Stein moved to Australia and worked in an abattoir and in a naval dockyard. He then took some time off and travelled to New Zealand and Mexico.

In 2020, Rick revealed to Radio Times that he had finally forgiven his father:

The suicide of a parent is a kick in the teeth. But I have to say that latterly – and I never would have believed this – I’m much more aware of my father’s positive side.

The older I get, the more I want to be like him. I’m so much older than he was when he died. But there you go. You know, I think I have probably forgiven him.

Rick Stein underwent a major heart operation

As per Mirror, Rick Stein recently underwent a major heart operation at the age of 77. His doctor ordered the surgery after they spotted a problem with his aorta. Indeed, the TV chef had revealed that he had been getting out of breath for years before his doctor ordered the surgery.

Despite the surgery being a success, Rick has revealed that he is worried he doesn't have a lot of time left due to his age but he is determined to live life to the fullest.

Rick told The Times:

Having had the operation and recovered, the improvement in my health has left me tremendously optimistic.

Adding:

Even though at my age and with the normal realities of life, I'm not going to last that much longer, I think as long as you've got your health and you're optimistic generally and enjoying your life, you don't tend to ponder too much about how little life you've got left.

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Sources used:

Daily Record: ‘Rick Stein's famous relatives and family life as TV chef fears he 'hasn't got long left' to live’

Mirror: ‘Rick Stein's family life and famous relatives as TV chef fears he 'hasn't got long left' to live’

The Times: ‘Rick Stein: ‘I won’t last much longer, but I’m enjoying my life’