Why You Don't See Much Of Sandra Lee Anymore - Tasting Table

"Tall, blond, and approachable, Sandra Lee was a mainstay on the Food Network for over a decade and has released over 20 cookbooks. "Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee" ran for 15 seasons (from 2003 to 2011), and "Sandra's Money-Saving Meals" clocked 65 episodes over the course of four years (from 2009 to 2012). After her shows ended, she took a break from TV, but a series of personal battles thrust Lee back into the spotlight and she slowly became one of those Food Network chefs that you don't see much anymore."

"Toward the end of her Food Network tenure, Lee was the girlfriend of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo was - seemingly - on his way up the political ladder. Lee put her effort into being an effective First Lady of New York, using her position to work with charities around the state to address hunger issues. Then, in March 2015, Lee was diagnosed with breast cancer. "When I got sick, I was so stressed out and overwhelmed that when the Food Network canceled me, I didn't have the energy to fight them," Lee told Us Weekly."

Sandra Lee built a television career with over 20 cookbooks and shows: Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee (15 seasons, 2003–2011) and Sandra's Money-Saving Meals (65 episodes, 2009–2012). After those shows ended she stepped away from television and faced multiple personal challenges. She dated New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, worked with charities on hunger issues, and in March 2015 was diagnosed with breast cancer. She said she lacked the energy to fight her show's cancellation. She split from Cuomo in 2019 and allegations against him emerged in late 2020. Health struggles, the breakup, the scandal, and her uncle's December 2023 death prompted a retreat from public life. She began dating Ben Youcef in 2021, became engaged, and has returned to television.

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