What is Mary Berry's Net Worth?
Mary Berry, an esteemed English chef, cookbook writer, and television presenter, boasts a net worth of $25 million. Renowned for hosting numerous television series for BBC and Thames Television, Berry was also a beloved judge on the acclaimed baking competition show "The Great British Bake Off" from 2010 to 2016. Additionally, she has contributed to the radio magazine program "Woman's Hour" and the morning television show "Saturday Kitchen Live."
Early Life and Education
Born on March 24, 1935, in Bath, Somerset, England, Mary Berry was the second of three children to Margaret and Alleyne. Her father, a planner and surveyor, served as the mayor of Bath in 1952 and played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Bath. At age 13, Berry contracted polio, resulting in a twisted spine, a weakened left hand, and a thinner left arm following a three-month hospital stay. She developed a passion for domestic science during her education at Bath High School and later attended Bath College of Domestic Science.
Career Beginnings
Berry's culinary journey began at the Bath electricity board showroom, where she showcased electric ovens to new customers by baking Victoria sponge cakes. At 22, she joined the Dutch Dairy Bureau while attending night classes at the City and Guilds of London Institute. Berry's manager funded her training at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in France, which opened doors to various cooking-related roles. In 1966, she became the food editor for Housewife magazine and later for Ideal Home in 1970.
Cookbooks
Berry authored her first cookbook, "The Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook," in 1970 while working as a recipe tester for the PR firm Benson's. She has since written over 70 cookbooks, selling more than five million copies. Notably, her bestseller "Baking Bible," released in 2009, was acclaimed as one of the top baking books by the Independent.
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Television Career
Berry gained widespread fame as a judge on the BBC baking show "The Great British Bake Off" starting in 2010, alongside baker Paul Hollywood, until her departure in 2016. During her time on "GBBO," she hosted several shows such as "Mary Berry Cooks" in 2014, "Mary Berry's Absolute Favorites" in 2015, and "Mary Berry Everyday" in 2016. In 2017, she explored historic UK houses in "Mary Berry's Country House Secrets."
In 2018, Berry judged the BBC One cooking competition "Britain's Best Home Cook," which was later renamed "Best Home Cook" and aired until 2022. She also launched the six-part series "Mary Berry's Simple Comforts" in 2020 and presented several BBC specials like "Mary Berry Saves Christmas" and "Mary Berry's Festive Feasts" in 2021. Her recent programs in 2022 include "Mary Berry's Fantastic Feasts," "Mary Berry Cook and Share," and "Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas."
The Platinum Pudding Competition
In early 2022, Berry chaired and judged the Platinum Pudding Competition, a nationwide contest to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. She announced the winning pudding on the BBC One special "The Jubilee Pudding: 70 Years in the Baking."
Personal Life
Mary Berry married Paul Hunnings in 1966, and together they have a son and a daughter. Tragically, they lost another son in a car accident in 1989. The couple lived in Penn, Buckinghamshire, for over 40 years before relocating to Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, in 2018.
In recognition of her contributions to culinary arts, Berry was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2012 and elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2020 for services to culinary arts, broadcasting, and charity.
