History of Rachael Ray in Timeline

Rachael Ray is a renowned American chef, TV personality, entrepreneur, and author. She is best known for her syndicated talk show "Rachael Ray" and her cooking show "30 Minute Meals." Her culinary empire extends to other successful TV programs, cookbooks based on her quick and easy recipes, and her magazine, "Every Day with Rachael Ray." Ray's contributions to television have earned her three Daytime Emmy Awards.

August 25, 1968: Birth of Rachael Ray

Rachael Domenica Ray was born on August 25, 1968.

1995: Move to New York City and Early Career

In 1995, Ray moved to New York City, working at Macy's Marketplace and later at Agata & Valentina.

2001: Premiere of 30 Minute Meals

Rachael Ray's show "30 Minute Meals" premiered on the Food Network in 2001.

2001: Breakthrough in Food Television

Ray's "30 Minute Meals" classes, local TV appearances, and first book led to a Today show spot and her first Food Network contract in 2001.

2002: Premiere of $40 a Day

Rachael Ray began hosting the TV show $40 a Day in 2002, where she traveled and ate on a budget.

2003: Rachael Ray's FHM Photoshoot

Rachael Ray posed for the men's magazine FHM in 2003, which later drew criticism.

September 24, 2005: Marriage to John M. Cusimano

Rachael Ray married John M. Cusimano on September 24, 2005, in Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy.

October 25, 2005: Launch of Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine

Reader's Digest Association launched Rachael Ray's magazine, "Every Day with Rachael Ray," on October 25, 2005.

2005: End of $40 a Day

In 2005, after three seasons and 77 episodes, Rachael Ray's show "$40 a Day" came to an end.

2005: Deal for Syndicated Talk Show

Rachael Ray signed a deal to host a syndicated daytime talk show in 2005.

September 18, 2006: Premiere of The Rachael Ray Show

Rachael Ray's daytime talk show, "Rachael Ray," premiered on September 18, 2006.

November 2006: Rachael Ray Becomes Nabisco Spokesperson

Rachael Ray became a spokeswoman for Nabisco crackers in November 2006, appearing in commercials and on product boxes.

2006: Every Day with Rachael Ray - First Year

Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine published seven issues in its first year, 2006.

2006: Launch of Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine

On 2006, Ray launched her magazine, Every Day with Rachael Ray

2006: Launch of Yum-O! Nonprofit Organization

Rachael Ray founded the Yum-O! nonprofit organization in 2006 to promote healthy eating habits for children and families.

February 2007: Launch of Rachael Ray Home Collection with WestPoint Home

WestPoint Home launched a line of bed and bath products designed by Rachael Ray in February 2007.

March 2007: Rachael Ray Becomes Dunkin' Donuts Endorser

Dunkin' Donuts announced Rachael Ray as its celebrity endorser, primarily for its coffee, in March 2007.

May 2007: Rachael Ray Recipes on AT&T Mobile

Rachael Ray's recipes became available on AT&T cellular phones through the "Rachael Ray Recipes on the Run" feature in May 2007.

2007: Every Day with Rachael Ray Increases Publication Frequency

In 2007, Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine increased its publication frequency to 10 issues per year.

2007: E-V-O-O in the Dictionary

In 2007, The Oxford American College Dictionary added "EVOO", popularized by Rachael Ray, attributing the phrase to her.

January 12, 2008: Premiere of Rachael's Vacation

Rachael Ray's food travelogue series, "Rachael's Vacation," premiered on the Food Network on January 12, 2008.

July 2008: Launch of Nutrish Pet Food

Rachael Ray introduced her "Nutrish" pet food line in July 2008, with proceeds benefiting animal charities.

2008: Executive Producer of Viva Daisy!

Rachael Ray became the executive producer of the Latin cooking show "Viva Daisy!" on the Food Network in 2008.

March 2, 2009: Interview on ABC News Nightline

Rachael Ray defended her decision to pose for FHM magazine in a 2009 interview on ABC News Nightline.

June 2009: Statement on Motherhood

In June 2009, Rachael Ray stated that "hard work was too much for her to be a [mother]."

2009: Rachael Ray's Sole Daytime Emmy Win

In 2009, Rachael Ray experienced both victory and setback at the Daytime Emmy Awards. While she secured a win in one category, she faced ineligibility rulings from multiple judges for all her other nominations, resulting in no further awards for that year.