Before becoming a beloved TV chef, this woman faced a childhood shaped by adversity. As the eldest of five children, she took on the responsibility of caring for her siblings while her mother struggled with addiction.
Despite these early hurdles, her path took a turn for the better, leading her to become a prominent figure on television and a beloved chef. Take a look at her remarkable journey from being on welfare to becoming a success story and giving back to those in need.
A Challenging Childhood
This famous TV personality grew up in a tumultuous home as her mother battled addiction and mental health issues. “She just would not come out of the bedroom or not get out of bed,” the famous chef revealed in an interview.
With her stepfather absent and her mother unwell, the famous blonde was still just a young girl when she had to start taking responsibility for her younger siblings.
“We were on welfare and food stamps, and I remember going out to the mailbox and getting that check,” she recalled. Life in their small town in Sumner, Washington, was difficult, and even basic survival was a daily struggle.
At only two years old, she and her younger sister were sent to live with their grandmother, Lorraine Waldroop, in a brief period of stability. However, when her mother had three more children with her stepfather, the young girl found herself back in an unstable environment.
By the time her mother and stepfather’s relationship ended, the TV star had no choice but to assume full responsibility for her siblings. At just 11 years old, she was raising her younger brothers and sisters, feeding them with food stamps and trying to keep the household afloat.
One particularly painful memory involved her standing in line at the grocery store, food stamps in hand, when a popular girl from school, whose wealthy family owned the local dairy, saw her. “[…] It was mortifying for me,” she admitted.
Despite the overwhelming burden, the young girl developed a love for cooking, a skill she used to care for her siblings. She credited her grandmother for sparking this interest.
Still, the challenges of her home life left lasting scars. When asked later in life if she maintained contact with her mother, the chef revealed, “I haven’t really had anything to do with her since I was 15. This isn’t something I ever really want to talk about.”
A Rise to Fame and Personal Battles
The girl who once stood in grocery lines with food stamps grew up to become Sandra Lee — a beloved TV chef and lifestyle expert. Lee’s early struggles fueled her drive to succeed, and her passion for cooking evolved into a career that would change her life.
She rose to fame by making cooking accessible for everyday families, creating simple, budget-friendly recipes that resonated with millions. Lee’s success skyrocketed. She had multiple television series, and she became a staple in homes across America.
Her most recent venture, “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship,” a Netflix project, showcased bakers from state fairs across the U.S. competing for the coveted blue ribbon and a grand prize of $100,000.
However, while her professional life flourished, Lee faced immense personal challenges. In 2015, she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive type of breast cancer.
This devastating news led to a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Speaking about her battle, Lee reflected, “I want people to know that at any time during this process, we’re all beautiful.”
Her diagnosis marked a turning point, as she was forced to step away from her hit cooking show, which had run for 15 successful seasons. Sadly, Lee’s health crisis wasn’t her only trial.
She was in a high-profile and long-term relationship with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a partnership that often made headlines. However, their romance came to an abrupt and public end in 2019, which landed her at the center of a media storm.
New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Sandra Lee arrive at the White House for a state dinner on October 18, 2016, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images
In the spring of that year, Cuomo reportedly said something that ultimately led to the end of their relationship. “I was in my kitchen, and he said something, and the minute he said it, I knew what he’d just said. And every window and door closed. And that was it. He knows what it is; I know what it is,” Lee recalled, refusing to elaborate further.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and Sandra Lee at Hillary Clinton’s Post-Super Tuesday Rally on March 2, 2016, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Seeking peace, she relocated from New York to Los Angeles, retreating from the spotlight to heal both physically and emotionally. Despite these setbacks, the famous chef returned to the public eye with renewed energy.
In addition to “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship,” she launched “Dinner Budget Showdown” on Roku, once again focusing on affordable, accessible cooking. On a personal note, Lee also found new happiness with actor and producer Ben Youcef.
The two recently celebrated their third anniversary, and Lee has credited Youcef with helping her learn to trust and love again. After the public turmoil of her breakup with Cuomo, Lee has embraced a more private, peaceful life, enjoying the balance she has worked so hard to achieve.
Despite her career demands, Lee continues to dedicate a significant portion of her life to philanthropy. She is a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection, often sharing her personal story to inspire others.
Sandra Lee at The Daily Front Row’s 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards on April 28, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, her childhood experiences have driven her commitment to fighting food insecurity, a cause she feels deeply connected to. “I do it when I can,” Lee explained about balancing her professional and personal life.
“But I split my life very specifically — a third of my life is spent doing business, a third of my life is spent on family and my friends, and a third of my life is spent on my philanthropy, which is my passion,” she continued.
As for getting older? Lee, 58, shared, “I think what happens when you turn 50 is that you realize — if you’re lucky — you’re halfway through, if not more. Your body is changing and you have to pay attention to all those things.”
The glamorous blonde added that when it came to feeling pressure to look a certain way because she’s on TV, “There’s a reason why we all like wash our face and put lotion on and put makeup on. I don’t think any of us are going down without a fight. […] Whatever makes you feel hot, do it!”
Sandra Lee at the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards New York on May 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Today, Lee’s story is one of triumph over adversity. From a childhood marked by hardship to becoming a beloved TV chef, she has turned her struggles into strength.
Through her work, both on and off the screen, the chef and TV personality continues to inspire millions, proving that no matter where you start, you can rise to greatness.
