Marcus Samuelsson: Chef and Restaurateur on House of Knives
Marcus Samuelsson is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and author, celebrated for his innovative approach to culinary arts and his commitment to honoring diverse food traditions. His latest endeavor includes serving as a judge on the Food Network’s new series, House of Knives, where he brings his extensive expertise to a thrilling culinary competition.
Table of Contents
- Profile Summary
- Biography
- Age and Birthday
- Family
- Nationality
- Ethnicity
- Height
- Wife
- Children
- Career
- House of Knives
- Net Worth
Marcus Samuelsson’s Profile Summary
- Full Name: Marcus Samuelsson
- Birth Date: January 25, 1971
- Age: 54 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Ethiopia
- Height: 5 feet and 8 inches (173cm)
- Profession: Chef, Restaurateur, Author
- Known For: Red Rooster Harlem, House of Knives
Biography
Born in Ethiopia, Marcus Samuelsson was adopted by a Swedish family after his mother died and there was a civil war in Ethiopia which separated him and his sister from his father. He developed a passion for cooking inspired by his Swedish grandmother, leading him to pursue formal culinary training. Samuelsson’s diverse background profoundly influences his culinary style, blending Ethiopian, Swedish, and American flavors.
Marcus Samuelsson Age and Birthday
Samuelsson was born on January 25, 1971, making him 54 years old as of 2025.
Marcus Samuelsson Family
Samuelsson was adopted by Ann Marie and Lennart Samuelsson, growing up in Gothenburg, Sweden, with his sister, Linda. His multicultural upbringing has significantly shaped his culinary perspective.
Marcus Samuelsson Biological Father
Marcus Samuelsson’s biological father, Tsegie, is an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church priest residing in the village of Abrugandana, Ethiopia. After Samuelsson’s mother died during a tuberculosis epidemic when he was three, he and his sister were separated from their father amid the Ethiopian Civil War and later adopted by a Swedish family. Years later, Samuelsson reconnected with Tsegie and discovered he had eight half-siblings.
Marcus Samuelsson Nationality
Samuelsson holds Swedish nationality and is also a naturalized American citizen.
Ethnicity
Chef Marcus is of Ethiopian descent and was raised in a Swedish household, embodying a rich blend of cultures.
Marcus Samuelsson Height
Samuelsson stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.
Marcus Samuelsson Wife
Marcus is married to Maya Haile, an Ethiopian-born model and philanthropist. The couple shares a commitment to charitable endeavors, particularly in improving health and educational outcomes in Ethiopia.
Marcus Samuelsson Children
Samuelsson and Maya are parents to two children; Zion Mandela Samuelsson, born in 2016, and Grace Ethiopia Samuelsson, born in 2022. Samuelsson has an adult daughter, Zoe, whom he supported financially but did not raise.
Career
Marcus Samuelsson’s illustrious career includes opening several acclaimed restaurants, such as Red Rooster Harlem in New York City. He has authored multiple cookbooks and memoirs, sharing his culinary journey and recipes. His accolades include winning multiple James Beard Foundation awards and frequent appearances on television cooking shows.
House of Knives
In House of Knives, Marcus serves as a judge alongside Judy Joo, with Scott Conant hosting the series. The show features six esteemed chefs competing in a high-stakes culinary arena, where they must showcase their skills and strategic acumen to impress the judges and avoid elimination. House of Knives premieres on March 18, 2025, at 8 p.m. on Food Network and will be available for streaming the following day on Max.
Marcus Samuelsson Net Worth
As of 2025, Marcus Samuelsson’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, accumulated through his successful restaurants, books, and television appearances.
Marcus actively engages with his audience on Instagram under the handle @marcuscooks, where he shares culinary creations, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his projects, and personal insights.