Mary Berry, born on March 24, 1935, in Bath, England, is a renowned British food writer, television presenter, and baker. She trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and Bath School of Home Economics, laying the foundation for a prolific career in the culinary arts.
In the 1960s, Berry became the cookery editor of Housewife magazine, followed by Ideal Home magazine. Her television debut came in the early 1970s with the series Afternoon Plus alongside Judith Chalmers. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she authored numerous cookbooks and hosted various BBC cooking shows from her home in Buckinghamshire.
Berry gained widespread acclaim as a judge on The Great British Bake Off from 2009 to 2016, where her expertise and gentle critiques endeared her to audiences. Her catchphrase "soggy bottom" became synonymous with baking mishaps. Following her tenure on the show, she continued to present cooking programs such as Mary Berry Cooks, Foolproof Cooking, and Mary Berry's Simple Comforts.
In recognition of her contributions to culinary arts, Berry was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2012 and was made a Dame Commander in 2020.
On her 90th birthday, March 24, 2025, Prince William honored Berry with a heartfelt video message, referring to her as a "national treasure" and humorously expressing concern for the person tasked with baking her birthday cake.
Berry's enduring charm and dedication to promoting home cooking have solidified her status as a beloved figure in British culture.