Damaris Lennon Phillips is a celebrity chef, television personality, and cookbook author who captured national attention when she won the ninth season of Food Network Star in 2013. She is known for her modern take on Southern cuisine and has hosted multiple Food Network shows. The Louisville, Kentucky native has built a successful career as a chef, entrepreneur, and podcast host while maintaining her signature warmth and down-home charm.
Damaris Phillips Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Damaris Lennon Phillips |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | December 8, 1980 |
| Age | 44 years old (as of December 2025) |
| Place of birth | Lexington, Kentucky, United States |
| Current residence | Louisville, Kentucky, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm) |
| Weight | 143 lbs (65 kg) |
| Hair colour | Dark brown |
| Eye colour | Hazel |
| Body measurements | 35-23-35 inches |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Darrick Wood (m. 2015) |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Mary Phillips and Maurice Phillips Jr. |
| Siblings | Four (including Dylan Phillips and Morgan Phillips) |
| Education | Atherton High School; University of Louisville; Jefferson Community and Technical College |
| Alma mater | Jefferson Community and Technical College |
| Profession | Chef, television personality, cookbook author, entrepreneur |
| Net worth | $4 million (estimated as of 2025) |
Who is Damaris Phillips?
Damaris Phillips is a celebrated American chef who rose to fame through her victory on Food Network Star in 2013. Born in Lexington and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she has become one of the most recognizable faces in modern Southern cuisine. Phillips has hosted six different Food Network shows and is co-owner of Bluegrass Supper Club, a catering company celebrating Kentucky’s local food culture.
Her cooking style blends traditional Southern comfort food with contemporary twists. Phillips has made her mark on television not just as a chef but as a dynamic personality who brings warmth and humor to every appearance. She has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the culinary world, including Bobby Flay, with whom she co-hosted The Bobby and Damaris Show.
How old is Damaris Phillips? Age and birthday
Damaris Phillips is 44 years old as of December 2025. She was born on December 8, 1980, in Lexington, Kentucky. Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius, which is reflected in her adventurous approach to cooking and her outgoing personality.
What is Damaris Phillips’ net worth and salary?
As of 2025, Damaris Phillips has an estimated net worth of $4 million. She has built this fortune through multiple income streams over her career. Her primary earnings come from her work as a television personality on various Food Network shows. Phillips also generates income from her catering business, Bluegrass Supper Club, which she co-founded with chef Coby Ming in 2019.
Her revenue sources include television hosting fees, cookbook sales from her published work “Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy,” speaking engagements, brand partnerships, and her production company Pixilation Productions. Phillips works as a brand ambassador for companies like GE Appliances. Her second cookbook, “New Fashioned,” is in development and expected to add to her earnings.
Damaris Phillips’ career
Early career and education
Damaris Phillips grew up in a large family as one of five children in Louisville, Kentucky. She attended Atherton High School before enrolling at the University of Louisville. Growing up, Phillips was responsible for cooking one night a week for her family, which sparked her passion for food.
She made a life-changing decision to pursue culinary arts professionally and enrolled at Jefferson Community and Technical College. Within 20 days of making that decision, Phillips was studying at the culinary program where she would later return as an instructor.
Teaching career
After completing her culinary degree, Phillips went back to Jefferson Community and Technical College as a culinary arts instructor. She taught aspiring chefs while continuing to develop her own cooking style. Her experience as an educator helped her develop the communication skills that would later serve her on television.
Food Network Star victory
Phillips became a contestant on the ninth season of Food Network Star in 2013. She competed against other talented chefs and impressed judges with her fresh take on Southern cuisine. As one of the final three contestants, she filmed a pilot called “Eat, Date, Love.” On August 11, 2013, Phillips was announced as the winner at age 32.
Southern at Heart
Following her Food Network Star win, Phillips got her own show titled “Southern at Heart.” The program aired for five seasons from 2013 to 2016. On the show, she showcased her ability to create Southern classics with modern twists. The series established her as a trusted voice in Southern cooking.
The Bobby and Damaris Show
Bobby Flay served as one of Phillips’ mentors on Food Network Star. The two developed a friendship based on their shared passion for Southern food, cocktails, and food trends. This led to them co-hosting “The Bobby and Damaris Show,” which premiered in 2017. The show featured the pair cooking together, testing food ideas, and entertaining celebrity guests including Ina Garten and Katie Lee.
Southern and Hungry
Phillips co-hosted “Southern and Hungry” with NASCAR personality Rutledge Wood. The show aired on Cooking Channel starting in 2017 and ran for two seasons. The pair traveled through the American South discovering down-home restaurants and regional specialties. The show highlighted Phillips’ deep knowledge of Southern food culture.
24 in 24: Last Chef Standing
In 2025, Phillips competed on season two of Food Network’s “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.” The grueling competition required 24 chefs to endure 24 challenges over 24 hours. Phillips lasted through 12 challenges over 12 hours and 28 minutes before being eliminated in the fourth shift. She was the 12th contestant eliminated from the competition.
Entrepreneurship
In 2019, Phillips co-founded Bluegrass Supper Club with chef Coby Ming. The company offers designer picnic baskets and bespoke catering services that celebrate Kentucky farmers, harvests, and culture. The business focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients prepared with Southern flair.
Phillips also runs Pixilation Productions, a production company specializing in social media content creation. She has expanded her business ventures to include Hallahan Phillips Events, a collaboration that brings her culinary expertise to event planning.
Cookbook author
Phillips published her first cookbook, “Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy: Down Home Classics for Vegetarians (and the Meat Eaters Who Love Them),” in October 2017. The book features 100 recipes that adapt traditional Southern dishes to accommodate both vegetarian and meat-eating preferences. The cookbook was inspired by her marriage to vegetarian husband Darrick Wood.
Her second cookbook, “New Fashioned,” is currently in development and continues her exploration of Southern cuisine with modern twists.
Podcast host
Phillips co-hosts the podcast “That’s Fun” with fellow chef and best friend Nikki Dinki. The podcast launched in 2025 and releases new episodes every Monday. The show features conversations about finding fun in everyday life, personal growth, and navigating modern challenges with humor and authenticity.
Is Damaris Phillips married? Husband and relationship status
Damaris Phillips is married to Darrick Wood. The couple tied the knot on June 13, 2015, at Willow Park in Louisville, Kentucky. They met at a wedding through mutual friends who inspired their approach to marriage.
Who is Darrick Wood?
Darrick Wood is an educator, trainer, writer, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in various learning environments. He works as the Gallery Experiences Manager at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville. Wood holds diverse talents and interests that complement Phillips’ creative career.
Marriage traditions
Phillips and Wood have a unique tradition of renewing their vows every year on their anniversary. This practice was inspired by the couple who introduced them. In June 2025, they celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a special photoshoot dressed as astronauts, capturing their adventurous spirit.
Vegetarian home
Wood follows a strict vegetarian lifestyle, which has significantly influenced their household. When they married in 2015, Phillips committed to maintaining a vegetarian home. Their wedding featured an all-vegan menu. This lifestyle change inspired Phillips to develop her cookbook focused on vegetarian adaptations of Southern classics.
Children
As of December 2025, Damaris Phillips and Darrick Wood do not have children. Phillips is an aunt to her niece Mia Phillips.
Damaris Phillips’ height and weight
Damaris Phillips stands 5 feet 10 inches tall (177 cm) and weighs approximately 143 pounds (65 kg). She has an average body type with measurements of 35-23-35 inches. Phillips has dark brown hair and hazel eyes. She wears a size 8 US shoe.
Phillips has been the subject of weight loss speculation from fans over the years, though she has not publicly confirmed undergoing any weight loss procedures.
Family background
Parents
Damaris Phillips was born to Mary Phillips and Maurice Phillips Jr. Her mother has roots in West Virginia, while her father hails from North Georgia. This heritage has shaped Phillips’ approach to Southern ingredients and cooking traditions.
Siblings
Phillips grew up as one of five children, making her part of a large family. She has four siblings, including her brother Dylan Phillips and her younger sister Morgan Phillips. Growing up in a household with five children meant Phillips learned to cook at an early age to help feed the family.
Being the only daughter among brothers helped develop her confident, outgoing personality. She credits her large family with teaching her the importance of communal meals and food as an expression of love.
Fast facts about Damaris Phillips
- Phillips was born and raised in Kentucky and remains deeply connected to her Louisville roots, actively promoting Kentucky food culture.
- She made the decision to pursue culinary school within 20 days and immediately enrolled at Jefferson Community and Technical College.
- Phillips returned to her culinary school alma mater as an instructor, teaching the next generation of chefs before her television career took off.
- She was 32 years old when she won Food Network Star in 2013, launching her national television career.
- Phillips maintains a vegetarian household to honor her husband’s dietary preferences, despite her love of Southern meat dishes.
- She co-owns Bluegrass Supper Club, which creates seasonal picnic baskets celebrating Kentucky farmers and local ingredients.
- Phillips works as a brand ambassador for GE Appliances, a partnership that aligns with her Kentucky roots and culinary expertise.
- She co-hosts the podcast “That’s Fun” with Nikki Dinki, exploring topics about finding joy in everyday life.
- Phillips has appeared on multiple Food Network competition shows, including Guy’s Grocery Games, Cooks vs. Cons, and 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.
- She runs Pixilation Productions, a company specializing in social media content creation for food and lifestyle brands.
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Wrapping up
Damaris Phillips has built an impressive career as a chef, television personality, and entrepreneur since winning Food Network Star in 2013. The 44-year-old Louisville native continues to celebrate Southern cuisine through her television appearances, catering business, and upcoming cookbook. Married to Darrick Wood since 2015, Phillips balances her successful career with her commitment to promoting Kentucky’s food culture. With an estimated net worth of $4 million, she remains active in the culinary world through her podcast, social media presence, and business ventures.
References
- “Damaris Phillips.” Wikipedia.
- “Damaris Phillips – Bio.” Food Network.
- “Louisville chef Damaris Phillips Food Network 24 in 24.” Courier Journal. April 18, 2025.
- “Damaris Phillips’ husband, Darrick Wood, is a man who wears many hats.” Briefly. August 8, 2023.
- “Food Network Star’s Season Nine Winner: Damaris Phillips.” Eater. August 12, 2013.
- “The Bobby and Damaris Show.” Food Network.
- “That’s Fun Podcast.” Pod.co.
- “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing series 2.” Wikipedia.
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