TV chef Art Ginsburg (a.k.a. Mr. Food) dies at 81

Art Ginsburg, who was known as Mr. Food, in his TV studio kitchen.

By Patrick Kevin Day

Nov. 21, 2012 12 AM PT

Art Ginsburg, the TV chef known to millions as Mr. Food, has died. The 81-year-old resident of Weston, Fla., died Wednesday following a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to the Associated Press.

Ginsburg, who was known for his catchphrase “Oooh! It’s so good!” was never a cable star on the level of Rachael Ray or Emeril Lagasse, but at his height in 2007, his 90-second cooking segments were syndicated on 168 TV stations nationwide.

One of the final videos Ginsburg recorded was posted to his YouTube channel on Nov. 8 and featured tips on how to carve a turkey. Ginsburg was a champion of the common household cook, without the flash and high-end pretensions of so many TV chefs today.

Ginsburg’s cancer had gone into remission after treatment but returned earlier this month. The chef, who wrote 52 books that sold 8 million copies, had been stepping away from being centrally involved in his company, Ginsburg Enterprises.

In a statement to the Associated Press, Rachael Ray, who got her start on Ginsburg’s show, said: “Art Ginsberg was a warm, gregarious man who knew food is more about love and sharing than a fancy ingredient list. He was a supportive and loyal friend, and I’ll miss his smile and warm hugs. This Thanksgiving I’m thankful I knew him.”

Ginsburg got his start in his father’s butcher business but soon started his own catering company as well as indulging in his passion for acting and singing. He made his TV debut in 1975 on a local morning show in upstate New York.