Emeril Lagasse was once one of the most famous celebrity chefs in America. He hosted numerous popular cooking shows on the Food Network like Emeril Live and Essence of Emeril. His catchphrases like “Bam!” and “Kick it up a notch!” became pop culture sensations. At his peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lagasse had an estimated net worth of over $50 million. However, in recent years he has faded from the limelight. So what exactly happened to Emeril Lagasse?
Early Life and Career
Emeril John Lagasse III was born on October 15, 1959 in Fall River, Massachusetts. From a young age, Lagasse took an interest in cooking thanks to his Portuguese grandmother. After high school, he attended Johnson & Wales University’s respected culinary program.
Lagasse’s first major job was as executive chef at the Dunfey’s Hyannis Resort in Cape Cod. In 1982, he became executive chef at the renowned Commander’s Palace restaurant in New Orleans. Lagasse made a name for himself in the city’s dining scene by introducing New Orleans cuisine with his own innovative spin.
In the late 1980s, Lagasse opened his own restaurant called Emeril’s in New Orleans. It was instantly successful and earned national acclaim. Lagasse began appearing as a guest chef on national morning shows and cooking programs.
Rise to Fame on Food Network
The Food Network launched in 1993 and realized Emeril Lagasse would be the perfect star for their new network. In 1997, Lagasse hosted Essence of Emeril on Food Network and then launched Emeril Live in 1999. Both shows focused on introducing and explaining Creole and Cajun dishes to home cooks. Lagasse became known for his high energy on camera, using catchphrases like “Bam!” and “Kick it up a notch!”.
At his peak, Emeril Live reached over 1.5 million daily viewers. He earned a reported $3 to $5 million per year from the Food Network. Lagasse became a household name and arguably the first celebrity chef. His fame led him to make appearances on shows like Late Night with David Letterman, The Today Show, and Larry King Live. He even had a cameo in the 2000 film Sandra Bullock film 28 Days.
Lagasse leveraged his popularity to open more acclaimed restaurants like Delmonico Steakhouse in New Orleans and Emeril’s Orlando in Florida. He put out numerous popular cookbooks and product lines. His diverse business ventures resulted in an estimated net worth of $50 million by the early 2000s.
Decline on Food Network
In the mid-2000s, Emeril Lagasse’s popularity had peaked. Despite still pulling in over a million viewers, Emeril Live’s ratings had dropped substantially compared to its early seasons. Food Network execs were eager to attract younger audiences. They started featuring new younger chefs like Rachael Ray.
By 2005, Food Network decided to pull the plug on Emeril Live. Lagasse transitioned to a less demanding show called Emeril Green that only lasted one season. In 2008, Lagasse and Food Network failed to reach a contract renewal agreement. After 11 years, Lagasse suddenly disappeared from the channel that had made him a star.
Without the major promotional platform of Food Network, Lagasse faded from the pop culture consciousness. He was no longer part of the everyday conversations and television routines of Americans. However, while the loss of his Food Network shows was surely a big blow, Lagasse still had plenty of successful business ventures to fall back on.
Life After Food Network
While no longer the superstar chef he was in the early 2000s, Emeril Lagasse has remained a successful restauranteur and media personality.
He continues to run 12 restaurants across the country under brands like Emeril’s, Delmonico Steakhouse, and Meril. Lagasse also produces his own shows that air on the Cooking Channel like Emeril’s Florida.
In 2010, Lagasse became the culinary director of the Sands Resorts in Las Vegas and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He designed menus, opened restaurants, and promoted the hotels.
Lagasse has made frequent appearances as a guest judge on many Food Network and cooking competition shows over the past decade like Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and Top Chef.
He also remains a bestselling cookbook author, with over 18 books published to date. Lagasse found success with cookware lines sold on the Home Shopping Network and kitchen products through Tramontina.
While not as prominent as his heyday, Lagasse has maintained fame and success in the culinary world. He has an estimated current net worth of $60 million.
What Led to Lagasse’s Decline on Food Network?
There are several factors that contributed to Emeril Lagasse’s declining popularity on the Food Network in the mid-2000s:
- Over-saturation – By 2005, Lagasse had been on Food Network for almost a decade, with constant exposure.
- Stale format – Emeril Live followed a predictable format and Lagasse’s “Bam!” style became less novel.
- Younger competitors – Younger chefs like Rachael Ray and Giada De Laurentiis attracted newer audiences.
- Shift away from instructional shows – Food Network began developing more travel shows, competitions, and reality programs.
- High salary – Lagasse was earning over $3 million per year, more costly than younger talent.
The network looked to cut costs and attract younger viewers. Lagasse and his formulaic cooking shows no longer fit their plans. While no longer a major TV star, Lagasse has proved he remains an immensely talented and likeable chef.
Emeril Lagasse’s Legacy
While he may not still be on mainstream TV, Emeril Lagasse left an undeniable impact on American food culture:
- Helped introduce Creole and Cajun food across the country
- His shows instructed multiple generations of home cooks
- Became arguably the first celebrity chef and paved the way for others
- Had catchphrases like “Bam!” ingrained in pop culture
- Opened several successful longstanding restaurants
- Wrote numerous bestselling cookbooks
- Earned the prestigious James Beard Foundations’ Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2003
Though his Food Network star eventually faded, Lagasse shaped modern food television and created a longstanding culinary legacy.
Conclusion
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Emeril Lagasse was arguably the biggest celebrity chef in America. His shows Essence of Emeril and Emeril Live drew millions of viewers daily and his “Bam!” style defined food television. However, by the mid-2000s Emeril-mania had faded. Food Network cancelled his marquee shows in favor of younger talent and formats.
While no longer the household name he once was, Lagasse has maintained success. He continues to run restaurants, produce web shows, make public appearances, write cookbooks, and more. Though he faded from the public eye, Lagasse made a lasting impact on American food culture and cemented his legacy as an iconic chef.