Rick Stein: Biography, Net Worth, Health, and Personal Life

Few British chefs have built a brand as synonymous with a single ingredient as Rick Stein has with seafood. But behind the gleaming fish counters of Padstow and the globetrotting TV series lies a life marked by sharp contrasts — professional triumph alongside personal turbulence, and public affection shadowed by private controversy.

Age: 78 (born 4 January 1947) ·
Occupation: Celebrity chef, restaurateur, writer, TV presenter ·
Awards: CBE (2003) ·
Restaurants: Multiple, including The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow ·
TV Series: Numerous, including ‘Rick Stein’s Australia’ (2023)

Seven key facts, one pattern: the public narrative of Rick Stein splits cleanly between the celebrated chef and the complicated private figure. This table anchors the biographical essentials.

What happened with Rick Stein and his first wife?

Who was Rick Stein’s first wife?

Rick Stein’s first wife was Jill Stein. The couple married in 1975 and spent more than three decades building both a family and a business together — Jill was deeply involved in the early days of the Padstow restaurant venture (JourneyInBio, an entertainment biography site). They had three sons: Edward, Jack, and Charlie.

Why did Rick Stein divorce his first wife?

The couple separated in 2009 and later divorced. The split was widely reported in the British press, and Rick Stein has since acknowledged his failings in the marriage. In 2012 he married Sascha (sometimes reported as Sarah Burns), a woman considerably younger than him — the age gap has been a recurring subject of tabloid curiosity (Celebrity-Birthdays, an entertainment profile site).

What health issue did Rick Stein’s ex-wife suffer?

Jill Stein suffered a permanent health issue after a horse-riding accident. The details remain private — no official medical disclosure has been made — but the incident has been referenced in news reports covering the family’s personal history.

The implication: the public face of the chef often masked private turmoil, a pattern that continues to shape his legacy.

What is Rick Stein doing now?

Is Rick Stein still cooking?

Absolutely. Now 78, Stein remains active in the kitchen and in the business. The hospitality group he runs with his family continues to operate The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow along with several other venues and hotels (Rick Stein official biography). He also runs a cookery school.

What is Rick Stein’s latest TV series?

His most recent series is Rick Stein’s Australia, which premiered on SBS in 2023. The show follows him across the continent exploring seafood and local cuisine (Rick Stein’s Instagram (official personal account)). It’s the latest in a long line of travel-and-food documentaries stretching back decades.

Where does Rick Stein live now?

Stein is firmly based in Padstow, Cornwall — the fishing town he helped put on the culinary map. He also has a presence in Australia, co-owning Rick Stein at Bannisters in New South Wales with his wife Sascha (French Wikipedia entry, which notes the Australian connection).

“Official account of chef, author, tv presenter & restaurateur Rick Stein. My latest series Rick Stein’s Australia is currently on SBS Australia.”

— Rick Stein’s Instagram bio (Instagram, personal brand source)

“Welcome to Rick Stein Making. Rick, Jill, Ed, Jack and Charlie create restaurants and rooms.”

— Rick Stein website homepage (official site)

The pattern: his professional life remains as active as ever, even as personal questions persist.

How wealthy is Rick Stein?

What is Rick Stein’s net worth?

The widely repeated figure in British media is around £20–32 million. A 2002 report in This Is Money (financial news site) pegged him at “at least £20 million” after the sale of his Plymouth restaurant chain. More recent estimates from SquareMeal (restaurant guide) and MyLondon (local news) put the figure closer to £32 million. Dollar-denominated estimates exist but are less reliable — currency conversion inflates them (London Insider, a lifestyle site). For comparison, see Alan Sugar Net Worth: Comparison with Simon Cowell & More.

How many restaurants does Rick Stein own?

Stein operates multiple venues in Cornwall and beyond, including The Seafood Restaurant (Padstow), Rick Stein’s Café, St Petroc’s Hotel, and a bistro — plus the aforementioned Australian venture (SquareMeal). The exact portfolio fluctuates, but the Padstow branch alone employs hundreds of staff.

What properties does Rick Stein own?

In addition to the business properties, Stein owns a home in Padstow. Property holdings have not been publicly itemised in detail, but his wealth is tied substantially to the Cornish real estate his hospitality empire occupies.

The catch: while his net worth is substantial, the exact figure remains elusive due to private holdings and fluctuating valuations.

What illness does Rick Stein have?

Has Rick Stein had any serious health problems?

No official confirmed diagnosis has been made public. Rick Stein has spoken about ageing and general health but not specified any illness. Reports in 2021 from some entertainment sites suggested a possible heart attack, but the chef has not confirmed this (Znaki.fm, an entertainment profile).

Did Rick Stein have a heart attack?

Media reports of a heart attack in 2021 are unconfirmed. Rick Stein has not publicly addressed these claims. The information remains in the realm of speculation.

Is Rick Stein still healthy at 78?

At 78, Stein continues to run his businesses and appear on television. He shows no signs of slowing down, though the absence of official health disclosures leaves room for public curiosity.

Is Rick Stein a drinker?

Whether Rick Stein drinks alcohol regularly is not publicly documented. Some biographies note his enjoyment of wine with meals, but no confirmed pattern of heavy drinking has been reported.

The reality: without official statements, the public health narrative around Stein remains fragmented and uncertain.

Is Rick Stein a nice guy?

What do people say about Rick Stein’s personality?

Rick Stein is often described as passionate, friendly, and dedicated to seafood. Colleagues and industry peers generally speak highly of his work ethic and generosity. His television persona is warm and approachable.

Has Rick Stein been involved in controversies?

His divorce and personal life have attracted some public criticism. The age gap with his second wife and the breakdown of his first marriage have been topics of tabloid scrutiny. However, no major professional scandals have emerged.

Is Rick Stein well-liked by colleagues?

Former employees and industry figures often describe him as a demanding but fair boss. His commitment to quality and his team is widely acknowledged. For a look at another British food personality who has faced public scrutiny, see Alex James: Blur Bassist to Cheesemaker – Life & Net Worth.

The verdict: Stein’s public image is generally positive, though his personal life has drawn some criticism. The pattern is consistent with many high-profile figures whose private complexities contrast with their public persona.

Rick Stein remains a fixture in the culinary world. His career spans decades, his restaurants thrive, and his television series continue to draw audiences. The contrasts between his public and private life may never fully resolve, but they add depth to a story that is far from over.