Jeffrey L. Smith(1939-2004)
- Actor
Jeff Smith was born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1939. He grew up in a
close family, and learned some of his first lessons in food, and in
frugal cooking from his mother. His love of wine; one of the most
prominent elements in his cooking, came from his friendship, in his
youth, with a doctor named Lester Baskin. Dr. Baskin introduced young
Smith to wine while he was studying to become a Methodist minister. He
was ordained in 1965. Soon after was married, to a lady from New York,
named Patty. As an assistant professor at the University of Puget
Sound, Jeff began a cooking class, as a way of teaching his students
about history, and different cultures: "eating history", as Smith put
it. This lead to the opening of his Chaplain's Pantry cooking school in
Tacoma, in 1972. And from there The Frugal Gourmet was born. The first
shows were produced at KTPS in Tacoma, and Jeff's first cookbook was
published in 1977. By the early 80s, The Frugal Gourmet had become the
highest rated cooking show on television, and Jeff's books soared up
the bestseller lists as soon as they were released. By this time, Smith
and Patty had two sons, Channing and Jason; and Jeff's family soon
became common topic on his television shows, along with his love of
Chinese and Italian Quisine, Garlic, Wine, good olive oil; and his
strong admiration for American statesman, Thomas Jefferson. Jeff's
shows, aired on public television, covered an unbelievably wide variety
of foods, and cooking styles. And Jeff's friendly, outgoing personality
made them easy to watch. He was also a good teacher, and anyone who has
ever watched The Frugal Gourmet has learned something; either about
food or about life. In 1995, Jeff Smith hosted The Frugal Gourmet Keeps
the Feast for the Odyssey Network. And then, he retired from
television, leaving behind a legacy of loyal fans; people who learned
to cook, eat well, and enjoy life... with lots of Garlic.