Ted Allen Biography: Age, Spouse, Net Worth, Height, Career, Books, Awards, Chopped

Edward Reese Allen is an American television host, author, and food and wine connoisseur who first gained prominence as the expert on Bravo’s Queer Eye before becoming the face of Food Network’s hit competition series Chopped.

With a background in psychology and journalism, he seamlessly transitioned from print media writing for Esquire and other publications to television, where his insightful critiques and warm demeanor have made him a staple in culinary entertainment.

Profile

• Full name: Edward Reese Allen
• Nickname: Ted
• Date of birth: May 20, 1965
• Age: 60 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
• State of origin: Ohio
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Television host; author; food and wine connoisseur
• Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
• Weight: 158 lb (72 kg)
• Eye color: Blue
• Hair color: Light brown
• Parents: Lowell Reese Allen and Donna Allen
• Siblings: Sister Lisa Martin
• Spouse: Barry Rice (m. 2013)
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Atheist
• Ethnicity: White
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Ted Allen was born Edward Reese Allen on May 20, 1965, in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Carmel, Indiana.

After graduating from Carmel High School in 1983, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue University in 1987.

He then briefly attended Purdue’s Krannert Graduate School of Management before pursuing journalism at New York University, where he completed an MA in journalism through the Science and Environmental Reporting Program.

Personal Life

Allen began a long-term relationship with Barry Rice in the early 1990s; the couple became engaged in 2013 and married later that year.

They have no children together.

Career

Ted Allen’s professional journey began in print media as a copy editor and restaurant critic for Lerner Newspapers in Indiana, where he formed “The Famished Four” review team.

He freelanced for Chicago magazine before joining Esquire in 1997 as a contributing editor.

In 2003, he became the food and wine connoisseur on Bravo’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, earning a Primetime Emmy when the show won Outstanding Reality Program.

In 2008 he joined Food Network—first hosting Food Detectives and then launching Chopped in 2009, which became one of the network’s highest-rated series and led to spin-offs like Chopped Junior and All-Star Academy.

He continues to appear on shows such as Beat Bobby Flay, Best. Ever., and various culinary specials.

Awards

• 2004: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program (as part of the Queer Eye team)
• 2012: James Beard Foundation Award for Best In-Studio Television Program, Chopped
• Finalist, National Magazine Awards (2001, 2003)
• Visibility Award, Human Rights Campaign (2011)
• Two GLAAD Media Awards for Queer Eye (2004, 2005)

Net Worth

Ted Allen’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, derived from his television roles, writing, and publishing.

Social Media

• Instagram: @cheftedallen
• Twitter/X: @cheftedallen

Filmography

• Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (food & wine connoisseur)
• Food Detectives (host)
• Top Chef (guest judge)
• Chopped (host)
• Chopped Junior (host)
• America’s Best Cook (host)
• All-Star Academy (host)
• Best. Ever. (host)
• Beat Bobby Flay (guest)

Books

• Esquire’s Things a Man Should Know About Style
• Esquire’s Things a Man Should Know About Marriage
• Esquire’s Things a Man Should Know About Sex
• Esquire’s Things a Man Should Know About Handshakes, White Lies and Which Fork Goes Where
• Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: The Fab Five’s Guide
• The Food You Want To Eat: 100 Smart, Simple Recipes
• In My Kitchen: 100 Recipes and Discoveries for Passionate Cooks