Ainsley Harriott has seen the world of television and media evolve drastically over the years.
As the first Black chef to make a prominent mark on TV, he’s been a trailblazer in an industry that’s grown more inclusive over time.
Now, at 67, Harriott looks back on the changes with pride and sees the increased on-screen diversity as “wonderful.”
He’s especially pleased with how this shift is benefiting younger generations, including his own daughter, Maddie.
A Shift in Representation
Harriott has witnessed firsthand how television has changed.
Where he once encountered limited representation, he now sees a diverse range of faces on screen.
“For us, it’s different because we grew up without it,” Harriott said in a recent interview.
“Now, it’s there. We’ve seen change in TV commercials, dramas, and it’s reflecting real life.”
He believes the shift is most noticeable for the older generation but is becoming second nature for the younger one.
“For the younger generation, we’re normalizing it,” he added.
“And that’s wonderful. It’s a real positivity—and long may it last!”
Looking to the Future
Harriott’s daughter, Maddie, who is in her early 30s, shares his optimistic outlook.
“Dad, it’s not for you, it’s for the next generation,” she told him, reflecting the growing acceptance and normalcy of diversity in the industry.
This kind of generational shift highlights the progress that’s been made, and it’s something Harriott finds heartening.
Overcoming Early Adversity
However, the journey wasn’t always easy.
In his younger years, Harriott faced adversity as a Black chef trying to break into the restaurant world.
“There were some who didn’t want a Black chef fronting their restaurants, and you had to deal with that,” he recalled.
But despite the challenges, Harriott pushed forward, and his persistence paid off when television offered him the platform to reach an even wider audience.
Breaking Barriers with Television
When TV came calling, Harriott saw it as the perfect opportunity to create lasting change.
“It was a chance to lay a platform,” he explained.
His presence on television allowed young Black chefs—and people of color in general—to see themselves represented.
This, he believes, inspired many to pursue careers in the industry and embrace the possibilities it offered.
“It made them feel more positive about being in the industry and having opportunities,” he said.
Diversity Beyond the Kitchen
Harriott also sees parallels between his own journey and what’s happening in sports, like football and cricket.
“It’s happening in football and in cricket,” he said.
“When you go to a match, everyone is getting on, and they just want to win.”
For Harriott, it’s clear that these sports, much like the culinary world, have shown how unity and teamwork transcend race and background.
“It doesn’t matter what color you are or where you’re from,” he noted.
“It’s all about the sport, about the feeling of being part of a team, of something that brings people together.”
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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