What happened to Michael Chiarello? The celebrity chef and former Food Network star dies at 61. How he died and his fortune explored.
Michael Chiarello had a successful career in the entertainment industry that spanned over a decade.
He was a famed American celebrity chef best known for Italian-influenced California cuisine. Chiarello owned a winery called Chiarello Family Vineyards, located in Yountville, CA.
As a television personality, he hosted the cooking show Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello on Food Network and NapaStyle on Fine Living Network.
Sadly, the world learned about his passing on October 6, 2023, and following that, many want to know what happened to him, his cause of death, and his net worth.
What was Michael Chiarello’s cause of death?
Michael Chiarello died at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in California on Friday, October 6, 2023, his company Gruppo Chiarello confirmed in a statement as shared by Variety.
At the time of his death, he was 61 years old.
He was being treated for an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock.
Michael’s family shared in a statement: “We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael. His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being.
“He brought people together through the joy of shared meals, fostering lasting memories around the table.”
The statement continued: “As we navigate this profound loss, we hold dear the moments we cherished with him, both in his kitchens and in our hearts.
“His legacy will forever live on in the love he poured into every dish and the passion he instilled in all of us to savor life’s flavors.”
His longtime partners in Gruppo Chiarello also released a statement about his death.
They said of the sad news: “Chef Michael Chiarello’s passion for food and life will forever be etched in our kitchens and our hearts. While we mourn Michael’s passing, we also celebrate his legacy that continues with his restaurants, Bottega, Coqueta, and Ottimo.
“In remembrance, we ask that you join us in celebrating his remarkable journey and the incredible impact he had on the world of food, wine, and family by inviting you to share a meal with your family and friends to remind all of us that the bonds forged over a meal are among life’s most precious treasures.”
Michael’s funeral arrangements will be private, according to People.
In lieu of flowers, his family is asking that donations be made to Meals on Wheels.
After news broke that the star had died, fans flocked to social media to share kind words.
One reposted an article containing the news, adding: “Very sad.”
“A very sad day for me personally and the culinary world. My thoughts and prayers go out to family and teammates,” chef Robert Irvine posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Someone else wrote: “I just learned that chef Michael Chiarello died last night from an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock. He was a California pioneer in many things and his restaurants: Bottega and Coqueta continue to celebrate his legacy.”
Napa Valley Vintners posted on the platform: “We are saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Michael Chiarello and offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
“I met him several times around Napa Valley. Gone far too young. RIP,” another fan wrote.
Someone else chimed in: “RIP Michael Chiarello. An amazing chef, and someone who I learned a lot about traditional Italian cuisine and cooking from. Really enjoyed his work.”
What was Michael Chiarello’s net worth?
Michael Chiarello reportedly died a millionaire. He accumulated an impressive fortune over the years. Before he died, he had an estimated net worth of $3.5 million.
He accrued his money from his work as a chef and a Television personality. He was also an entrepreneur who founded his company, Gruppo Chiarello.
Michael owned several restaurants in California.
The TV personality hosted various programs on Food Network, PBS, Fine Living, and Cooking Channel for years.
His show Easy Entertaining With Michael Chiarello ran on Food Network for 10 seasons.
He participated in Next Iron Chef on the network as well.
Michael also appeared as a guest chef on Today and The View and served as a judge on Bravo’s Top Chef and Top Chef Masters.
Who was Michael Chiarello?
The well-known chef was born on January 26, 1962, in Red Bluff, California.
He grew up in the state and opened his first restaurant, Tra Vigne, in the Napa Valley area in 1987.
Micheal went on to open several other eateries, including Bottega, Ottimo, and Coqueta.
Eventually, he got into winemaking, opening Chiarello Family Vineyards in 1999.
His work in the kitchen was well-recognized.
Michale was named Chef of the Year by Food & Wine magazine in 1985.
He later received the Culinary Institute of America’s Chef of the Year Award.