Rachael Ray

A far cry from Julia Child and her ilk, this perky chef was born into a food-industry family. After a few years in the New York City rat race, she moved upstate to become the buyer and chef for a gourmet market in Albany. As a bonus for shoppers, Ray began teaching in-store, 30-minute meal classes. They were so popular, they spawned the subsequent TV series and launched Ray's hosting career. In addition to her on-air Food Network duties, this sexy star has posed for men's magazines and published numerous cookbooks.Rachael Ray Fast Facts:

• Grew up in a family that was heavily involved in the food/restaurant business.
• Career started at Macy's Marketplace in New York, first at the candy counter and then as the manager of the fresh foods department.
• Helped to open Agata & Valentina, the prestigious New York gourmet marketplace, where she was the store manager and buyer.
• Successful series of cookbooks are all based on the 30-Minute Meals concept.
• Named one of 100 Sexiest Women by FHM-US Magazine in 2004.
• Launched the syndicated, hour-long talk show, The Rachael Ray Show, in September, 2006. Oprah Winfrey was one of her first guests.

• Rachael Ray Relationships:
• Elsa Scuderi - Mother
• Emmanuel - Brother
• James Ray - Father
• John Cusimano - Husband
• Maria - Sister