Robert Irvin, the Food Network star of Dinner Impossible has been fired for lying on his resume. In case you haven’t seen the show, here is the Food Network’s summary:
If you could combine James Bond with MacGyver, you would get Robert Irvine, a real life chef extraordinaire and the host of Dinner: Impossible. Each week, Robert (with the help of his two sous-chefs, George and George) is thrown a new culinary curveball and the team must figure out a way to solve their challenge before time runs out. From making dinner for 150 passengers aboard a luxury locomotive to recreating an authentic 18th-century meal, will he succeed or will it truly be, Dinner: Impossible?
According to the NY Times (link no longer valid)
The star of ”Dinner: Impossible” has acknowledged fabricating some of the more fantastic parts of his resume, including having cooked for Britain’s Royal Family and various U.S. presidents.
Following the revelations, the network announced it would not renew Irvine’s contract, though it would air the remaining episodes of the current season, the series’ fourth.
The part of this that amazes me, is they never bothered to check the resume. “Yeah, I cooked for the White House and the Queen.” No one checked these things?!
I only watched the show once, when I was too lazy to find the remote, which had fallen between the cushions on the sofa. Wasn’t terribly impressed.
fuudluvr says
That’s too bad as I thought the premise of the show was a good one. Not fully related to this, but I think the Food Channel has been moving in the wrong direction in recent years. I have found myself barely watching it anymore. Both the shows and the chefs have become more cookie cutter, and I think they are tryng too hard to suger-coat everything. It seems like the focus is more on the stars than the actual food, at times. And their series “Find the next Food Network star”? Common now! Is this why Anthony Bourdain left to do the much more educational and entertaining, “No Reservations” on the Travel Channel? Good for him.
Dante Amorphic says
I agree that FC has lost it’s way. Years ago when it first came on the scene it seemed more genuine and relevant. It was there that I was first introduced to David Rosengarten’s show Taste which was very entertaining and wasn’t dumbed down for the masses. What is interesting is that FC Canada actually runs a bunch of different shows… Not all of them are great – but they are different from the current stream of pablum being run now.
Bob says
I am sorry to hear about Robert Irvin being dismissed. I watch the food channel all the time and have enjoyed his show greatly. The fact he lied on his resume, shouldn’t be an issue, its not like he was lied about being a rocket scientist. Who read his resume in the first place, if you want someone to dismiss. They are the one that has given the food channel a black mark. Robert Irvin did exactly what the channel requires, entertainment, he took risks that not many others would, taking the basic and feeding a large group. Even Iron Chef America, which I also enjoy have all the food needed and then some, and have to feed 4 people at a time. I think the dismissal should be thought over and reversed, Robert Irvin with exactly what the channel needs, a good show.
Rhonda says
this week I was looking forward to watchin Chef Robert Irvine interact with Sesame Street characters on one of my favorite food channel programs, “Dinner Impossible”. I watched the program and was entertained by the chef-mania and the culinary creativity, as well as the Elmo and Cookie Monster characters. It was great to see Maria again too. Many years ago when my kids were very young, we watched daily episodes of the Sesame Street TV show. I cherish those days and all the quality proramming that Sesame Street consistently prouced. However, I was sadly disappointed at the end of the show, when the food was served by Irvine and his crew to an almost 100% Euro-american group of children. There was one Black woman on camera. Are there any African-American, Latino, or Oriental children in Langhorne, PA? Perhaps the children who were invited were the families of employees. Does Sesame Place employ Black people? In 2009 we still see racism in the form of tokenism. As I said, I was glad to see Maria, but that does not make up for all the children of diverse backgrounds who could have participated and learned from the experience. Am I to assume that this program reflects the perspectives of Sesame Place, or the perspective that is demonstrated week after week on the Food Channel? The Food Channel promotes the perspective that only Euro-American and Japanese professionals and cuisines are of value and interest. When African American chefs are portrayed, their skills are described as soulish. I don’t think that description is representative of the depth of their culinary skills. Its cheap and condescending in the culinary industry. The intended Euro-American domination of this industry is quite obvious.
On a side note, Paula’s Party is somewhat disgusting for a woman who could represent a successful, wholesome grand mother type. I try to watch the show, but end up turning the station. I am turned off by her cheap tricks to keep an audience. Just cook. You’re good at it.
Carol says
I am furious that you are taking Robert Irvine off of the programs. His show is a favorite to many people. What is your problem? His resume? Now that would be different if no one else in the world had ever lied on a resume. Perhaps even some of you many have told a “little white lie!!”. He is working hard and doing a good job. Forget the past as long as he keeps up the good work he is doing. I beleived he is loved by many people as his show is concerned.
Yes I am furious, but downright sad. Please don’t take him off of the show. Please. I just don’t under stand you guys. No doubt you all are the big shots and have the last say so, but I don’t think it is fair one bit.
Furious and sad
Elliott says
A little white lie is one thing, however stating that you cooked for the Royal Family or Presidents at the White House is a whole other ball game!! That was just to boost up his already inflated ego!!! Sure the man can cook HOWEVER he talks to other and treats them as if they were scum!! I’d like to see him do the whole show by himself without his helpers…. lets see how wonderful he would be then…..
Joisey says
Did I just walk into the Twilight Zone of crazy thread replies? Where’s Rod Serling?