Gary Rhodes, British chef and personality on 'Hell's Kitchen,' 'MasterChef,' dies at 59

Hannah Yasharoff | USA TODAY

British chef and TV presenter Gary Rhodes, who appeared on several shows including "Hell's Kitchen" and "MasterChef," died Tuesday. He was 59.

Rhodes' representative, Caroline Teeling, confirmed his death to USA TODAY, adding that Rhodes' "beloved wife, Jennie" was "by his side" at the time.

"The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE," his family said in a statement to USA TODAY provided by Teeling. "The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time."

Rhodes served as head chef on the U.K. version of "Hell's Kitchen" and as a presenter on the U.K. version of "MasterChef" before hosting the original short-lived "MasterChef USA" on PBS in 2000. British chef Gordon Ramsay, the star and face of the US versions of both franchises, mourned Rhodes on social media.

"We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes," Ramsay tweeted Wednesday. "He was a chef who put British Cuisine on the map. Sending all the love and prayers to your wife and kids. You'll be missed."

We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. He was a chef who put British Cuisine on the map. Sending all the love and prayers to your wife and kids. You’ll be missed Gx pic.twitter.com/RRWlWhjup8 — Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 27, 2019

"Very sad to get a message this morning from Dubai informing me of the brilliant Chef and mentor Gary Rhodes passing last night," British chef Simon Hulstone tweeted. "What a shining star for British gastronomy. Rest well Chef."

Very sad to get a message this morning from Dubai informing me of the brilliant Chef and mentor Gary Rhodes passing last night. What a shining star for British gastronomy. Rest well Chef — Simon Hulstone (@Hulstone) November 27, 2019

Rhodes wrote over 20 cookbooks and had restaurants in Dubai and Grenada.

"The team at Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa are devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Chef Gary Rhodes OBE," Rhodes' hotel team said in a statement to USA TODAY provided by Teeling. "Not only has the industry lost a true culinary legend, we have also lost an inspirational human being and a very dear friend. No words can express our sadness at Gary’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rhodes family."