The one lesson I’ve learned from life
Chef Ainsley Harriott
The TV chef, 62, has hosted numerous shows, including Ready steady Cook, Barbecue Bible and Meals in Minutes. His new show, Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen, is on Mondays on iTV1. He has two grown-up children, Maddie and Jimmy, with former wife, designer Clare Fellows.
MAKE SOMEONE SMILE EVERY DAY
There’s a fantastic saying by Maya Angelou: ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’
I like that notion. I want to help others smile and be kind as often as possible. I try to always say yes to things like selfies or charity events, for instance. It would upset me wondering what people thought, if I didn’t.
My attitude goes back to my mother, Peppy, who was warm, sociable and a wonderful cook. she was always entertaining guests or having them to stay when I was young. I had a brother and sister, too, so I don’t remember our house in south London ever being quiet.
some visitors were distant relatives. But Mum and Dad — Chester, a famous musician — were well-connected in england and back in the West Indies, and we had a nice house in south London, so we’d have cricketers such as sir Garfield sobers and showbiz performers round.
I’d sit under our grand piano observing the likes of Bob Monkhouse watching dad play and pick up on the fun, laughter and easy conversation between them.
I have been angry in my life, though. There have been times when, as a chef, I’ve bawled at staff because something’s not quite right. But later I’d reflect and feel guilty. I’ve learned that it’s much better to explain calmly what someone’s done wrong, rather than shouting, ‘What the eff is this?’, Gordon ramsay-style.
I dislike anger so much, I even find it difficult watching eastenders. shouting on TV feels like it almost gives viewers licence to do it in real life.
Dad died six years ago, but Mum passed away [of pancreatic cancer] before I became well known. I’m so sorry she didn’t get to see my success. After all, she had such a big influence on me that it’s her success, not mine.
Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen is on Mondays, 8pm, iTV1. A companion book (£20, ebury) is out now.